Capital gain to Giants

GWS write latest thrilling chapter in new AFL rivalry

GREATER Western Sydney served the Western Bulldogs some cold preliminary final revenge in Canberra, writing the latest thrilling chapter of the two clubs’ burgeoning AFL rivalry with a two-point win.

The Giants came from behind to win 11.9 (75) to 9.19 (73) in front of a crowd of 14,048 who were treated to another classic but at times, fiery encounter.

The GWS forward line fired, with Jeremy Cameron kicking four goals while Jonathon Patton and Toby Greene booted three apiece - including crucial last- quarter majors.

Patton’s monster set shot from the boundary put the Giants back in front 14 minutes in to the last quarter, while Greene threaded a goal four minutes later to extend the lead to 10.

Jake Stringer’s third goal gave the Bulldogs hope, cutting the deficit to three, but Toby McLean narrowly missed a shot at goal in the dying moments and the Giants held on for a memorable victory.

The Bulldogs were left to rue missed opportunities after taking a nine-point lead to half-time despite dominating the second quarter. While two goals each to Stringer and Marcus Bontempelli shifted the momentum after quarter time, a slew of missed shots gave the Giants a chance to regroup at the main break.

From there an arm-wrestle ensued in a game that was hard, fast and skilful as dew increasingly became a factor as the night wore on.

Luke Dahlhaus racked up 27 touches for the Dogs, while Jason Johannisen had 21 possessions and seven rebounds off defensive 50.

Easton Wood was superb in defence but gave away a crucial 50-metre penalty early in the last quarter to give Patton an easy shot that he converted for his second goal.