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AFL

Former Giants coach speaks on rebound win as Suns rue inaccuracy in Launceston

2022-08-06T17:02+10:00

GWS has offered a mammoth response to last week’s belting by downing Essendon in a strong 37-point win.

Fresh off a game review where interim coach Mark McVeigh only volunteered a handful of names who gave their all in last week’s drubbing to Sydney, the club turned around its defensive system off the back of heightened pressure to do the damage to the Dons.

After leading for the entire first half, the Giants found themselves down early in the third term after a quick burst. But seven consecutive goals from midway through the third quarter until late in the game had the Giants comfortable and deserved winners.

Their defensive pressure was elite straight off the bat, the entire club going after Zach Merrett and Harry Perryman taking responsibility for the gun midfielder to restrict him to 19 disposals.

Standouts were few and far between for the Dons, but the Giants had several stars. Jesse Hogan – one of the players McVeigh credited last week – finished with four goals from 12 marks, while Lachie Whitfield (30 disposals and a goal) was also impressive.

Former GWS coach Leon Cameron was in commentary for AFL Nation on Saturday afternoon and praised the improved defensive effort.

“They were terrific, they'll be in there singing the song now and they should be really proud of their efforts,” Cameron said.

“Hopefully they can finish off the year in a really, really good manner and take an opportunity to right some wrongs that have been there in the last month or so.

“But tonight, celebrate the victory and move on towards next week.”

Meanwhile, Hawthorn has won four of its last five after its latest triumph over Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon.

In blustery conditions, Sam Mitchell’s men survived a huge last scare from an inaccurate Gold Coast outfit to walk away seven-point winners.

The Hawks turned it on early in skipper Ben McEvoy’s 250th game, taking an eight-point lead into the first break before stretching that margin to 21 at the main break.

But in a tale of two halves, the Suns would look more and more likely as the game went on and had their chances to win the clash.

However, Stuart Dew will rue the fact his side kicked 3.10 in the second half among 8.15 overall, struggling to adapt to the windy conditions in Launceston.

McEvoy looked to have taken the game-saving mark with a little over a minute to play, yet a turnover gave Gold Coast one last chance.

But a big bullocking tackle from Conor Nash with just seconds to play ensured the Suns wouldn’t give themselves a final crack, the home side winning 10.10. 70 to 8.15. 63.

The Queensland side was already out of finals contention before the clash, but the news wasn’t all bad. Elijah Hollands continues to impress after waiting so long for his AFL debut, this time gathering 23 touches and two goals to be alongside the Suns’ best in David Swallow (33 possessions, six clearances) and Jarrod Witts (44 hitouts, six clearances).

Mabior Chol was one of the chief suspects for Gold Coast’s inaccuracy woes, the former Tiger finishing with three behinds to bring to an end his streak of a goal in every game this season.

Meanwhile, Jack Gunston finished with five goals to be the hero for Hawthorn, including what was almost the sealer after setting up Luke Breust before the veteran missed.

Sports-News Hawthorn Gold Coast GWS Giants Essendon

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