Brook “Boris” Kilpatrick reporting for AFANA from Canberra
The Greater Western Sydney Giants have destroyed finals aspirants Port Power in a dominant display at Manuka Oval on Sunday afternoon in Canberra.
In downing the Power by a whopping 86 points the Giants set a number of club records including registering their highest score and biggest winning margin in their short history. The upstart Giants didn’t waste any time in taking the Power apart as they jumped to a three goal lead by completing dominating the midfield in the early going. Shane Mumford, finally healthy after a long run of injuries, gave his running brigade first use of the ball as the Giants left the Power in their wake.
Despite a comeback from the Power in the late stages of the first quarter, the Giants held a comfortable 23-point lead at quarter time. The second quarter saw the Giants run amok all over the ground, with Dylan Shiel, Ryan Griffen, Callan Ward and Lachie Whitfield doing as they pleased against a Port team that appeared flat and at times disinterested. With forwards Rory Lobb, Rhys Palmer and ex-Cat Steve Johnson on fore up forward, the Giants piled on eight second quarter goals to lead by 61 points at half-time.
For a team that prides themselves on “never giving up”, the Power offered scant resistance to a speedy, energetic Greater Western Sydney team that has now won four of their past five contests in Canberra. Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley would be concerned that his team – almost at full strength – had no answers for the Giants, and at times looked uncompetitive. Conversely, Giants coach Leon Cameron would be delighted at the progress of his young team who have to be considered legitimate top-eight contenders with their wealth of young and improving talent.
The final margin of 86 points could easily have been more if the Giants had converted more of their opportunities in front of goal. With wins over Port and Geelong and a solid showing against perennial finalist and cross-town rivals the Sydney Swans, the Giants have announced themselves as a team to be reckoned with. Next up, after a tough week under local media scrutiny Port will host Geelong at Adelaide Oval, while the Giants will feel confident as they travel to Melbourne to take on St. Kilda.
The Greater Western Sydney Giants have destroyed finals aspirants Port Power in a dominant display at Manuka Oval on Sunday afternoon in Canberra.
In downing the Power by a whopping 86 points the Giants set a number of club records including registering their highest score and biggest winning margin in their short history. The upstart Giants didn’t waste any time in taking the Power apart as they jumped to a three goal lead by completing dominating the midfield in the early going. Shane Mumford, finally healthy after a long run of injuries, gave his running brigade first use of the ball as the Giants left the Power in their wake.
Despite a comeback from the Power in the late stages of the first quarter, the Giants held a comfortable 23-point lead at quarter time. The second quarter saw the Giants run amok all over the ground, with Dylan Shiel, Ryan Griffen, Callan Ward and Lachie Whitfield doing as they pleased against a Port team that appeared flat and at times disinterested. With forwards Rory Lobb, Rhys Palmer and ex-Cat Steve Johnson on fore up forward, the Giants piled on eight second quarter goals to lead by 61 points at half-time.
For a team that prides themselves on “never giving up”, the Power offered scant resistance to a speedy, energetic Greater Western Sydney team that has now won four of their past five contests in Canberra. Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley would be concerned that his team – almost at full strength – had no answers for the Giants, and at times looked uncompetitive. Conversely, Giants coach Leon Cameron would be delighted at the progress of his young team who have to be considered legitimate top-eight contenders with their wealth of young and improving talent.
The final margin of 86 points could easily have been more if the Giants had converted more of their opportunities in front of goal. With wins over Port and Geelong and a solid showing against perennial finalist and cross-town rivals the Sydney Swans, the Giants have announced themselves as a team to be reckoned with. Next up, after a tough week under local media scrutiny Port will host Geelong at Adelaide Oval, while the Giants will feel confident as they travel to Melbourne to take on St. Kilda.
Scoreboard: Greater Western Sydney 6.6 14.10 16.18 22.19 (151) Port Adelaide 3.1 5.3 7.6 9.11 (65) Best Players: Greater Western Sydney: Shiel, Ward, Coniglio, Greene, Lobb, Whitfield, Mumford Port Adelaide: Pittard, Wines, Westhoff
Article last changed on Monday, September 12, 2022 - 5:19 PM EDT
