The Giants have steamrolled Collingwood in the opening round match at Engie stadium.
The Giants have steamrolled Collingwood in the opening round match at Engie stadium.
GWS have steamrolled Collingwood at Engie stadium, booting 15. 14 (104) to 6.16 (51) to win their first game of the season.
Josh Kelly (36 disposals) and Finn Callaghan (33 disposals and two goals) lead the way for the Giants, who had five players kick two goals in an impressive team performance.
Despite an injury to ruckman Kieren Briggs, who went down early with a neck injury, the Giants were too strong for Collingwood, who were inaccurate in front of goal, kicking 16 behinds and just six goals.
Nick Daicos was muted with 21 touches and cramps which hampered his movement.
GWS are showing why they’re widely tipped to be playing deep into September.
Finn Callaghan has run the length of Engie stadium to kick another goal. Max Gruzewski followed suit and booted his second, pushing the Giants past the 100 point mark.
Callaghan extended his contract with GWS a few weeks ago after attracting big offers from rival clubs.
He looks worth every penny of his $1.2 million a year deal today.
GWS 103, Collingwood 51.
St Kilda Great Nick Riewoldt has summed up just how devastating Collingwood’s inaccuracy has costed the team.
“Collingwood statistically should be leading this game,” Riewoldt told 7Sport earlier in the fourth quarter.
Since making the comments GWS have run away with it, but with the Pies kicking just six goals compared with their 15 behinds, it is hard to imagine they won’t be kicking themselves over missed opportunities in front of the big sticks.
Collingwood forward Jamie Elliot kicked a rare goal for the Magpies, bringing their total to six.
Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill appeared to head to the bench with an injury – we’ll keep an eye on that.
GWS 91, Collingwood 51.
The number 17 pick in the AFL draft, James Leake, has kicked a goal in his first game.
He converted on a nice set shot to jubilation of friends family in the crowd.
A glorious bit of ball movement and strong forward momentum resulted in another Giants’ goal, this one belonging to Xavier O’Halloran.
It’s the 24-year-olds second of the game.
GWS 83, Collingwood 44.
GWS small forwards Brent Daniels and Darcy Jones have put through a goal each to give the Giants a 34 point lead. The Giants have kicked six of the last seven goals
With only 14 minutes left in the game, it would take a near-miracle for Collingwood to win this one.
GWS 77, Collingwood 44.
Tim Membrey has kicked his first goal for the Magpies and the first goal in a long time for Collingwood.
The recruit roared after converting from a set shot. Collingwood will need a lot more of that.
GWS 65, Collingwood 43.
The final quarter is about to get underway and the Giants’ have a strong lead, off the back off accurate kicking in front of goal.