It’s one Giant leap to spot in the finals
GREATER Western Sydney held off a fast-finishing Port Adelaide yesterday for a plucky 22-point win to rise to sixth on the ladder.
The Giants banked a sixth win from seven games, holding their nerve for a 11.14 (80) to 8.10 (58) win at Adelaide Oval.
Port blew a chance to rise into the top four.
After scoring the opening goal, they conceded the next five majors.
The Giants, propelled by Jacob Hopper (two goals), Callan Ward (29 touches), Josh Kelly (30 disposals) and Lachie Whitfield, streeted to a 34point lead 22 minutes into the third quarter.
But Port’s Charlie Dixon triggered a big comeback, kicking three goals in 10 minutes, while Robbie Gray (two goals) scored another.
Midway into the final quarter, the Power were within seven points. Port forward Chad Wingard had the chance to bring them closer but missed an attempt from a contentious deliberate free kick against Giants backman Heath Shaw.
After the reprieve, the Giants rallied with steadying goals to Adam Tomlinson and Zac Langdon to secure a deserved triumph.
GWS forwards Harry Himmelberg and Toby Greene slotted two goals each, as did the outstanding Hopper, who also gathered 28 possessions.
Whitfield collected a gamehigh 31 touches.
Fellow onballers Stephen Coniglio (25 disposals, one goal) and Dylan Shiel (23 possessions) were also prominent while Shaw (28 touches) and his fellow defenders controlled Port’s attack until Dixon broke loose.
The Power forward had started in the ruck in the absence of injured All Australian Paddy Ryder (hip).
But coach Ken Hinkley swung Dixon into attack when the Power’s plight became mighty — almost six goals down in the third term.
Port’s vice-captain Ollie Wines (29 disposals) battled gamely against the classy Giants in the midfield, and his teammate Jared Polec (29 touches) was a standout from a wing. Robbie Gray booted two goals.
Port remains in fifth spot after consecutive losses — it is now only two premiership points ahead of the Giants and just a win ahead of ninthplaced Geelong.