The GIANTS have maintained their perfect record against the Gold Coast with their fourth consecutive win in the head-to-head battle to close out the home and away portion of AFLW season seven.
The GIANTS celebrated Cora Staunton's 50th game in style, defeating the Suns 7.2 (44) to 4.8 (32) as the sun set on Henson Park.
The GIANTS got the fast start through the milestone woman herself, with Cora Staunton kicking an impressive goal from outside 50 less than a minute into the game and looked powerful in attack from thereon in.
The GIANTS wanted to play fast, attacking footy - the style of play the club indicated would be a focus before the season even began. In doing so they were able to cut through the Suns' defences early and kick five first half goals, their second highest half time score of the season.
Georgia Garnett spearheaded their attacking line providing the GIANTS not only with an option in front of goal, kicking three goals from 14 disposals, but also getting higher up the ground and using her reliable marking to create a link into the forward 50. Garnett was then swung into defence late in the game to sure up the backline and allowing retiring GIANTS stalwart Tanya Hetherington some time in attack for the first time in her 46 games.
The exciting, damaging Gold Coast side of recent weeks was stunned by the aggressive pressure applied by the GIANTS as the visitors struggled to find any systematic forward movement. Instead, the Suns relied on two moments of brilliance from Ashanti Bush, who kicked both of their first half goals in stunning fashion.
The Suns gave away three 50m penalties in the second half, relieving any pressure they had built up against the home side.
Jodie Hicks continued her resurgence this season, driving the ball out of defence and gaining 407 metres from her 13 disposals, while Annalyse Lister played her best game of the season as a lockdown defensive option.
Despite the loss, Gold Coast finishes its most successful season since joining the AFLW with five wins despite significant player movement during the off season.
50 Games For Cora
Cora Staunton has checked off another record for Irish imports in the AFLW. She was the first Irish player in the competition, the first to kick 50 goals - and the third player ever - and now Staunton is the first to play 50 games. In true Cora Staunton style, she kicked the opening goal of the game from outside 50 and looked dangerous for the duration, taking her season tally to eight goals from 10 games.
What's Next?
For both teams it is season over and focus now switches to list management decisions and preparations for season eight.
GIANTS 3.0 5.1 6.1 7.2 (44)
GOLD COAST 1.1 2.3 2.6 4.8 (32)
GOALS
GIANTS: Garnett 3, Staunton, Zreika, Mowbray, Goldsworthy
Gold Coast: Bush 2, Hampson, Howarth
BEST
GIANTS: Garnett, Hicks, Parker, Lister
Gold Coast: Rowbottom, Drennan, Saad, Dupuy
INJURIES
GIANTS: Nil
Gold Coast: Nil
Reports: Nil
