Giants finally stand up in ’22 to eclipse Suns
IT was a must-win game in every sense of the term for GWS and it delivered under pressure for its first victory of the season at home, dominating Gold Coast at Giants Stadium.
In front of a paltry crowd of little more than 4000, the final margin of 26 points – 12.11 (83) to 8.9 (57) – flattered the Suns, who were easily beaten all afternoon and trailed by 52 points at one stage in the final term.
Some late consolation goals made the score look far more credible than the overall contest when it was up for grabs.
After a poor team display last week in their loss to Richmond, the Giants’ big names delivered on the ball to drive them to victory.
Tim Taranto shone with 35 disposals, Steve Coniglio continued to work back into his best form with 32 touches, while Tom Green proved again why the hype around him is so strong finishing with 28 possessions and two goals.
In contrast, the Suns’ prime movers had their colours lowered, in particular their biggest name of all in Touk Miller, who finished with only 17 disposals as a result of a superb tagging job from GWS youngster Lachie Ash.
Matt Rowell’s influence was quelled as well, but he battled hard to lay 12 tackles while Noah Anderson managed only the 17 disposals.
GWS’ win came off the back of a big first quarter as it jumped out of the blocks with a five-goal-to-one start.
Harry Himmelberg was again one of the big contributors in front of goal as he finished with three majors all up.
Levi Casboult was one of the few shining lights for Gold Coast as he battled hard in his duel with Sam Taylor to finish with three goals. The only downside for the Giants was an ankle injury to All-Australian defender Nick Haynes.