Despite missing Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward and Matt de Boer on Saturday afternoon, the Giants smacked Collingwood by 47 points and dominated in the midfield.
A makeshift midfield containing the likes of Toby Greene (27 disposals and two goals), Zac Williams (26 disposals and 10 tackles) and Daniel Lloyd (16 disposals and three clearances) won the clearance count by nine against what many thought was the best on-ball group in the competition.
Lachie Whitfield, Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper were also dominant in the win and David King feels Collingwood’s midfield were taught a lesson by the understrength Giants.
“Their midfield was humbled on Saturday,” King told SEN’s Whateley.
“For whatever reason they could not get a hold of Lachie Whitfield. They couldn’t get a hold of Toby Greene and they paid a price.
“They’d been scratching their heads I’d imagine.
“They got beaten where they’re strong. Their midfield is the core of their strength. That’s their point of difference and it got totally disintegrated against a group of about half a dozen Giants midfielders who said ‘not on our watch’.”
King is worried about Collingwood’s continuity, with injuries mounting up.
“They’re seriously unhealthy as well. Over the last five weeks, Collingwood has only had 15 players play all games,” he said.
“They’re really unhealthy. Darcy Moore is really big hole. Jeremy Cameron just got off the chain.
“They didn’t have the luxury of being able to make a change down back, they were inexperienced and undersized.
“There’s no way they can go into a final with that kind of backline. We know that.”