TRAGIC NEWS:GIANT KEY PLAYER SAY HE WILL LEAVE AND EXPLAIN WHY HE
Despite a brave effort, the Gold Coast Suns fell 18.9 (117) – 13.10 (88) to the GWS Giants in the first of three Sunday contests to cap Gather Round.
The Suns were gallant after they dumped Connor Budarick, Brandon Ellis, Levi Casboult, Alex Sexton, Ben Long, Ned Moyle and Rory Atkins in a huge selection statement by Damien Hardwick on Thursday night.
Like the Suns, the Giants had the bye last round, with their win moving them to the top of the AFL table.
It didn’t come without a considerable scare from a valiant Gold Coast outfit, but the Giants’ forward-half and transition game ultimately proved too powerful for Damien Hardwick’s men.
“I thought they were going to get some run and gun off half-back, that hasn’t happened. Exit from stoppage they’ve been shut down, so, tactically, Gold Coast is winning right now,” Dixon told Fox Footy.
Stephen Coniglio (28 disposals, 10 inside-50s and two goals) and Toby Greene (17 disposals, six inside-50s and five goals) were GWS’ best, joined by Lachie Whitfield (team-high 29 disposals) — who battled a vision issue early on — and Tom Green (23 disposals at 87 per cent efficiency, eight tackles and six inside-50s).