Giants turn on power display
JONATHAN Patton matched his career-best haul with six goals to carry the Giants to a 31-point win over Port Adelaide and a spot in the top four.
At the venue where he suffered the first ACL tear of his career, Patton this time left Canberra in triumph.
It was just his second match of the year after missing round two with a hip injury and playing round three in the NEAFL, but he was back in a big way kicking all his goals after quarter-time and two critical ones in the final term.
“There is so much more improvement in Jon,” coach Leon Cameron said.
“I’m really looking forward to Jon building on that game, not everything is going to go his way. He’s made a lot of progress after significant injury but there is a lot of improvement to come.”
He was ably supported by All Australian small forward Toby Green who booted four for the match including two critical one’s in the last quarter.
The first came in the opening minutes to overcome a five-point three-quarter-time deficit and the second to extend the lead to 12 points midway through the term.
Veteran defender Heath Shaw also played a pivotal role after appearing to be out of action with a third-quarter shin injury.
When he came down awkwardly after a marking contest with Port Adelaide’s Sam Gray he looked gone for the night but returned to play in the forward pocket and had a hand in two of the critical goals.
Tom Scully continued his outstanding form with another high quality display picking up a game high 32 possessions including 11 contested.
It was the perfect celebration for his 100th game for the Giants – after playing 31 for Melbourne. His work rate was enormous.
“Every time we go to somebody to play a four-quarter effort he says yeah I’ll do it,” Cameron said. “For a midfielder to play 90 per cent of game time in this day and age is phenomenal. We’re really proud that he leads the way for our young midfielders.”