GWS has thrashed a sorry Essendon by 72 points at Giants Stadium to get their 2019 campaign off to a flying start.
The pre-season hype surrounding the Bombers quickly diminished as the Giants led from start to finish in a dominant display without a host of stars such as Josh Kelly and Callan Ward.
John Worsfold’s side could only muster five goals in a horror performance on Dylan Shiel’s return to his former club.
Essendon’s ladder percentage of 35.71 is their lowest since 1915.
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The Talking Point: Has Essendon been overrated?
While it’s only Round 1, the alarm bells will already be ringing at Windy Hill after today’s display.
Having recruited heavily over the last three years, it’s a significant setback for the Bombers after an off-season filled with optimism on the back of the addition of Shiel and winning 10 of their last 14 in 2018.
Early wins are the aim after their 2-6 start last year that ultimately cost them a finals berth. This Round 1 loss is a major reality check, but whether it’s just an aberration or not remains to be seen.
Several of Essendon’s stars were well below their best with inaccurate kicking from the Giants further sparing their blushes.
The Star: Stephen Coniglio
In the absence of Kelly and Ward, Stephen Coniglio was magnificent for GWS in a best-on-ground display.
Coniglio had a day out finishing with 31 disposals, seven clearances, seven tackles, eight inside 50s and three goals in a superb display from the star Giant.
The 25-year-old further underlined his class as one of the competition’s elite midfielders.
He was ably supported by Tim Taranto, Lachie Whitfield and Jacob Hopper who all starred for the winners.
Expert says: Terry Wallace slams Essendon display
"Disorganised and disinterested" - Plough.#AFLGiantsDons
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) March 24, 2019
"It's got to embarrassment levels. There will be some huge questions asked. You'd think they would be starting the season on a good note, but they're in the same spot as they were 12 months ago" - Plough.#AFLGiantsDons
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) March 24, 2019
What’s next?
GWS travel to Perth to take on reigning premiers West Coast on Saturday night, while Essendon face St Kilda at Marvel Stadium in a Saturday twilight fixture.
Full Score
GWS: 3.2, 7.8, 10.13, 16.16.112
Essendon: 0.4, 2.5, 3.8, 5.10.40
GOALS
GWS: Cameron 4, Coniglio 3, Keeffe 3, Lloyd 2, Taranto 2, Greene, Himmelberg
Essendon: Langford 2, Stringer, Baguley, Francis
BEST
GWS: Coniglio, Taranto, Whitfield, Hopper, Cameron, Tomlinson, Shaw, Keeffe
Essendon: Heppell, Zaharakis, McGrath, Shiel, Langford
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Perryman (shoulder)
