There was a bit riding on this game, with the Dees looking to consolidate a place in the top eight, and the Giants looking to build on their excellent win over the reigning premiers last week.
It was a game of new beginnings, of sorts. Or at least a game of visiting old acquaintances, as Clayton Oliver saddled up against his old team, and came face-to-face with the man the Demons brought in to replace him, former Giant and Saint, Jack Steele.
From the outset, the Giants looked like they meant business, slotting two early ones before the Dees really gave a yelp. With a forward line that looked potent even without Jesse Hogan, the Giants made the most of the absence of Jake Lever, and both Max Gruzewski and Toby Greene hit the scoreboard.
The Dees battled on, and Steele was getting the better of Oliver in the middle during the first quarter, but this one always felt like it was one team waiting to erupt, and the other waiting to be burnt to death in the lava.
The Giants’ ability to find targets made the Dees’ ball use look second rate, and if anything, the final margin of 49 points was probably a bit flattering to the “home” team.
With Kysaiah Pickett playing a subdued role, Melbourne found it difficult to move the footy quickly, and when they did manage to get out into space, their long bomb delivery inside 50 played right into the Giants’ hands.
Lots to get through in this one, and as always, HB goes just as deep in games for the smaller market teams as he does for the “big” sides. It’s what makes us different, ya know?
This is just the introduction – the remainder of this article is for our members. They support me, and I provide for them. It’s a good deal.
Oh… a Mongrel paywall… the worst of all paywalls. We’re all in on the 2026 AFL season. Player articles, stats, awards, game coverage. Dump the mainstream lip service and dive into articles like this – you will never look back. If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I consider it your loss as we get into the grind of the season, and you’re stuck with the stuff that’s frustrated you for years.
