Kelly shows class as Giants surge to top of ladder
JOSH Kelly shone again as Greater Western Sydney outclassed a brave Essendon yesterday by 16 points to go top of the AFL ladder for the first time in their history.
Kelly’s stocks continue to soar after a prolific first-half display at Spotless Stadium.
The Giants recovered from a poor end to the first quarter to complete an efficient 18.9 (117) to 15.11 (101) win in front of 13,671 fans.
Midfielder Kelly, reportedly the subject of a nine-year, $9 million offer from North Mel- bourne, went into the main break with a goal, 22 disposals (seven contested) at 95 per cent efficiency, three marks and seven inside 50s.
He finished the game with a career-high 38 possessions at 86.8 per cent efficiency.
Bombers coach John Worsfold said there wasn’t a specific plan for Kelly.
“At halftime, we addressed the volume of his possession, but it was a pretty even game,” Worsfold said.
“We tried to get a little bit tighter on him in the second half but still wanted to generate our ball getting forward.
“He’s a very good player (but) we weren’t prepared to put a straight stopper on him.”
The Giants’ fourth successive victory and ninth overall propels the club to the summit for the first time since entering the competition in 2012.
It ensures they’ll start the second half of the campaign four points clear of Adelaide and Geelong.
“It’s great to be on top of the ladder … but realistically, it doesn’t change anything,” coach Leon Cameron said.
“The most pleasing thing is to come back from Perth and back up and win again.”
Essendon’s defeat, in Brendon Goddard’s 300th game, leaves them 11th at 5-6, a game outside the top eight.
The Giants scored three of the opening four goals but ended up conceding five in the first term.
The hosts started the second quarter two goals down but finished it 16 points up with three-goal trio Scully, Toby Greene and Zac Williams running riot.
The Giants increased their lead to 26 points during the third term and countered everything the Dons threw at them in the final quarter. GWS GIANTS V ESSENDON GOALS BEST 3.3 10.5 15.5 18.9 5.3 7.7 10.10 15.11 UMPIRES CROWD