GWS GIANTS 18.6 (114) d COLLINGWOOD 11.16 (82)
KEY POINTS
PIES SWEPT AWAY BY ORANGE TSUNAMI: From a supporter’s point of view, the unfurling of a premiership flag marks the sign off from one season to the next. The Pies’ ceremony next week will take place on a more sober note than usual after this first-up hammering. Craig McRae’s men were comprehensively outplayed by Greater Western Sydney, who made the reigning premiers look rather second rate. The Pies won the territory battle, at least on paper, but the land they won was swept away by the Orange Tsunami. Their inability to defend the Giants’ surge will be a major concern to McRae, whose backline was repeatedly caught out of position by their opposition’s rapid ball movement. The scoring shots were about the same but the difference lay in the Giants’ better conversion, due in no small part to the greater space which they were afforded. The importance of a player can rise when their side loses in their absence, but we already know how much Nathan Murphy means to the Pies. Scott Pendlebury said he is their “best system defender” for his ability to roll off his opponent and help out his teammates. His experience was missed, so too was Jeremy Howe, who is likely to return next week. Darcy Moore was unable to exert his usual influence, limited to just nine disposals and four marks. Premierships aren’t lost in March, let alone the Labour Day weekend, so there is plenty of time for the Pies to find a remedy but it’s another difficult assignment on Friday night against Sydney.
COX DOESN’T WALK THE WALK: Mason Cox was a central figure in the lead-up to the game, but when the main show started he may as well have been up in the stands alongside his summer sparring partner, the Giants chief David Matthews. Cox, who left Giants players bemused by hijacking their pregame ruck drill, did not have his first disposal until after half-time. He finished with just five touches and did not trouble the scorers. He did not walk the walk. Cox, though, was far from the only Magpie to do little. Ash Johnson had just two disposals. Darcy Moore had no impact. Tom Mitchell touched the ball only nine times before being subbed out. Nick Daicos was clearly their best, finishing with 34 disposals, 10 clearances and a goal.