GWS Giants have claimed a thumping 70-point victory against Fremantle Dockers at GIANTS Stadium in their round 15 clash. The Giants made their intentions clear from the outset and dominated the Dockers in all facets of the game, winning 16.10 (106) to 5.6 (36). The win marked GWS’s successive victory, a feat they hadn’t achieved since their late-season surge in 2021.
The Giants’ win was powered by the performances of their captain Toby Greene and key forward Jake Riccardi, who scored nine goals between them. Greene had another outstanding display by scoring four majors and gathering 16 disposals, while Riccardi finished the game with a career-high of five goals. Tom Green and Steven Coniglio were instrumental in the midfield, with each gathering over 30 disposals and six clearances. Josh Kelly returned to the team with a bang, gathering 33 disposals, scoring three goals and generating eight clearances.
The Dockers struggled to keep up with the Giants’ slick ball movement and dominance around the stoppages. Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw worked hard for the Dockers’ midfield, but they lacked support from their teammates. The Dockers’ forward line suffered due to the absence of Sean Darcy, who was sorely missed as their primary ruckman. Michael Walters failed to get into the game, finishing with only three disposals, whereas Nat Fyfe’s contributions were minimal apart from a spectacular mark in the second quarter.
The Giants’ defender Sam Taylor was a standout player in his first game back after round six, shutting down the Dockers’ forward Jye Amiss, who had been their main scorer in the past five games. The Giants’ tall forward Riccardi was impressive in the air, pulling down eight marks, including seven inside fifty, making him a focal point in GWS’s attacking forays.
Fremantle’s inability to match the Giants’ intensity and slick ball movement saw them trailing by four goals to none at the first break. The Dockers have only led once in the first quarter this season. The Dockers’ defender Jordan Clark, Luke Ryan, and Hayden Young tried their best to boost the team’s movement out of defense, but it was in vain.
Fremantle will host Essendon next at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, while GWS will have a bye.
