Can the GIANTS tame the Tigers and make it two from two to start the season following last week’s super-impressive win over the Western Bulldogs?
Match Information:
Tigers v GIANTS
Sunday, September 8 at 1:05pm
Swinburne Centre | Wurundjeri Country
State of Play:
The GIANTS will ride a wave of momentum into Victoria this weekend following their record-breaking season opener against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra last week.
Recording the club’s biggest-ever AFLW win and biggest-ever AFLW score, the GIANTS were clinical in the nation’s capital to register an emphatic 10.12 (72) to 1.3 (9) victory at Manuka Oval.
Up by eight points entering the third term following a tight first half, the GIANTS kicked 5.6 (36) in a red-hot premiership quarter to pave the way for the monster 63-point win. The third-quarter onslaught was the club’s highest scoring quarter in its AFLW history.
Several GIANTS started their seasons off with a bang in the big win, with Zarlie Goldsworthy (18 touches, four goals) dominant up forward, Nicola Barr setting a new career-high with 29 touches, and Alyce Parker celebrating her 50th AFLW game with 29 touches, a goal, and seven clearances.
AFLW debutant Eilish O’Dowd was another to catch the eye of the footy world, with the Irish speedster registering 13 touches, two goals and four clearances in a brilliant debut. O’Dowd also entered the record books with the fastest goal in AFLW history after taking just 15 seconds to kick a thrilling running goal with her first disposal in AFLW.
Full of confidence following the big home win, the GIANTS now hit the road looking to continue their strong start up against the Tigers on Sunday.
The team will also be looking to celebrate a special milestone with victory on Sunday, with popular pressure forward Haneen Zreika set to play her 50th AFLW game.
The Opposition:
The Tigers will return home looking to sing the song following their tough one-point loss to the Eagles in Perth in last week’s opening round.
Down by 22 points at half time, the Tigers roared home with three final term goals and appeared set to snatch victory in the final moments when Emelia Yassir put Richmond ahead with three minutes left. It wasn’tto be however as Eagle Kellie Gibson kicked a goal with 43 seconds left to give her side a thrilling win at home.
Reigning AFLW best and fairest Monique Conti was brilliant for the Tigers in the tough defeat, finishing with 31 disposals (including 18 contested possessions), six tackles and five clearances.
The GIANTS ability to restrict Conti on Sunday will play a huge factor in Sunday’s result.
Recent History:
Games against the Tigers haven’t been a happy hunting ground for the GIANTS in recent years, with Richmond winning last year’s solo encounter and the two prior in 2022.
In the most recent clash in round three last year, the Tigers overcame a second-half surge led by Alyce Parker to register a 7.11 (53) to 5.4 (34) victory in Blacktown.
Parker (21 touches, six clearances) and Zarlie Goldsworthy (18 touches, five clearances) led the way for the GIANTS, while Monique Conti was the Tigers’ best with 22 touches and seven clearances.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
While Goldsworthy and Parker started their seasons with a bang last week, it was inaugural GIANT Nicola Barr who set a new career-high with 29 touches in the huge win.
Running rampant along the wing all day, the speedster played a crucial role in the 63-point win to show she’s going to be a dangerous weapon for the GIANTS this season.
Finishing fifth in the club champion award last year following one of the best seasons of her career, the 28-year-old looks primed to take her game to even greater heights for the GIANTS in season 2024.
Adding to her new personal best 29 touches last week, Barr also took eight marks, had four tackles, and registered a team-high 425 meters gained against the Bulldogs.
In the Mix:
The GIANTS got through their big round one win almost fully unscathed, with Irish recruit Eilish O’Dowd the only slight concern following a light ankle sprain late in the game.
O’Dowd will need to get through Thursday’s main training session to prove her fitness to take on the Tigers.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name their squad for round two at 6:20pm on Thursday and their final team at 5pm on Friday at gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of Sunday’s clash here.
Where to Watch:
The GIANTS’ round two clash with the Tigers will be shown live from 1pm on Sunday on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally, on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT and on Channel 7 in Victoria.
Social Media:
Follow the GIANTS on Instagram at @GWSGIANTSAFLW, and be part of the #BigBigSound in 2024!
