A rejuvenated GWS GIANTS flexed their muscles at Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon, taking the four points over a Port Adelaide side that lacked the grunt or class to finish off a late challenge.
The GWS started the match strongly and Port Adelaide couldn't get their game going until the final quarter. It proved too little too late against a GIANTS side who look like mounting another September campaign.
Here's everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: GWS get their season back on track
It was but a few weeks ago when pundits were writing the GWS off, but with some handy inclusions and renewed spirit, the Big Big Sound are back and look like they may well make the finals.
Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward led the GIANTS midfield, and Jacob Hopper, Harry Himmelberg and Toby Greene all contributed two goals each. Youngster Zac Langdon continued to impress with a game-breaking goal in the final quarter.
Bonus talking point: a deliberate rushed behind was paid against Heath Shaw late in the match, but Chad Wingard was unable to goal thanks to a desperate touch on the ball from Phil Davis. The decision itself was a contentious one, and could have been an issue had Port managed a successful comeback.
Zac Langdon!
— AFL (@AFL) July 22, 2018
That's a massive goal for the Giants.#AFLPowerGiants pic.twitter.com/jVu6z9K1H6
The Star: Dawson Simpson
The big ruckman put in a dominant performance, winning 46 hitouts and helping the formiddable GWS midfield to win clearances and move the ball forward.
With Simpson giving players like Ward, Shiel and Coniglio first use, the GIANTS proved impossible to stop. Port Adelaide felt the loss of star ruckman Paddy Ryder keenly, with the GIANTS winning clearances 53 to 29.
What’s next?
GWS take on St Kilda at Spotless Stadium, giving the GIANTS a chance to solidify their position in the top 8. Look for a merciless performance from the GWS. Port Adelaide take on the Western Bulldogs at Mars Stadium in Ballarat and should look to bounce back with a solid win.
Stephen Coniglio spins and finds Jacob Hopper!#AFLPowerGiants pic.twitter.com/hYLyBDR9Mo
— AFL (@AFL) July 22, 2018
Full Score
Port Adelaide: 1.0, 3.5, 7.8, 8.10
GWS: 4.3, 7.7, 9.12, 11.14
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Dixon 3, Gray 2, Boak, Westoff, Ebert
GWS: Hopper 2, Greene 2, Himmelberg 2, Coniglio, Tomlinson, Reid, Taranto, Langdon
BEST
Port Adelaide: Dixon, Gray, Wines, Polec, Boak
GWS: Coniglio, Ward, Greene, Simpson, Himmelberg
INJURIES Port Adelaide: Steven Motlop (illness) replaced in the selected side by Jack Trengove
Greater Western Sydney: Sam Taylor (corked leg) replaced in the selected side by Lachlan Keeffe
Reports: TBC
Umpires: Dalgleish, Stevic, Gianfagana
Official crowd: 34,693 at the Adelaide Oval