A stunning four-goal third quarter from GWS superstar Toby Greene has powered the Giants to victory in Ballarat, leaving the Western Bulldogs to rue a missed opportunity and injuries to two key defenders.
The Giants trailed by 29 points at halftime and looked to be no match for the Bulldogs’ powerful midfield, but a “serious” knee injury to Dogs defender Josh Bruce early in the third term changed the momentum, sparking a run that saw the Giants run out winners 11.12 (78) to 10.13 (73) at Mars Stadium.
Bruce, who missed the bulk of the 2022 season after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament in 2021, fell to the ground clutching his knee after turning awkwardly, compounding an earlier injury to defender Sam Keath who was substituted out in the second term with concussion.
With the Dogs lineup unbalanced, the Giants took full advantage, with skipper Greene exploding to kick four goals and set up another in an electric third term.
“He’s been wonderful for us all year,” GWS coach Adam Kingsley said.
“We know he is one of the best players in the competition, and certainly in that third quarter he showed it.”
The intensity from both teams rose in a tight and tough fourth quarter, but the Giants came out on top, with two goals to Jake Riccardi and a fifth to Greene putting GWS in front with five minutes to go.
A 40-metre drop punt goal from Brent Daniels from close to the boundary stretched the margin to 11 points, before Bailey Dale hit back with a late goal for the Dogs.
The Bulldogs had a number of chances to snatch victory in the final minutes, but the Giants’ defenders reigned supreme in the air, guiding their side to the first seven-win streak in club history.
Tall backs Sam Taylor (15 intercept possessions) and Jack Buckley (10 intercept possessions) were pivotal in the win, helping to halt the influence of the Bulldogs’ multi-pronged forward line after an opening quarter in which the Bulldogs took nine marks inside 50.
“It’s a pairing that we see being really strong long-term,” Kingsley said.
“Certainly for the bulk of this year whilst they’ve been together, it’s been really good.”
Veteran Callan Ward also played a key role, slowing Marcus Bontempelli down after a commanding first quarter in which he notched up 13 disposals and set up the Dogs’ first three shots at goal.
Lachie Whitfield (34 disposals), Stephen Coniglio (34), and Lachie Ash (30) were key contributors, while Jake Riccardi kicked three goals.
A finals berth looked unlikely when the Giants had just four wins on the board heading into round 13, but with seven consecutive victories they now hold the AFL’s biggest current winning streak.
The victory in Ballarat also added to the Giants’ impressive away record, having won five consecutive matches outside Sydney, meaning they’ve won at nine different venues this season – an AFL record.
For the Bulldogs, it was “one that got away”.
“We’re trying to process it. Everyone’s a bit numb,” Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said, alluding to the injuries to Bruce and Keath and the ramifications for the Dogs’ season, with their top eight spot now in jeopardy.
“We just can’t make excuses, because regardless of the injuries we still feel we had enough chances to win the game.”
