A final-minute goal from Toby McMullin has seen the GIANTS claim a thrilling two-point victory over Collingwood in the VFL.

The GIANTS trailed by 30-points early in the final quarter but edged ahead with McMullin’s set-shot goal with less than 30 seconds left.

“The message was to continue playing our way and trust the system,” said GIANTS VFL coach Wayne Cripps following the result.

“Toby’s (McMullin) a great young kid who wasn’t having his best day, but he responded exactly how you’d love to see a young kid respond.

“He had an impact when it mattered most and when the game was there to be won, he stood up.”  

Cripps shared his assessments of the AFL listed players who played in the match.

AFL Listed Players: 

1. Phil Davis  

14 disposals, 3 marks 

Once again, his leadership down back was great. He was rarely beaten throughout the contest, and he played a pivotal role in our ball movement out of the back half. He was especially important towards the end of the game in getting us organised and helping us hold our structure behind the ball.

24. Harry Rowston

33 disposals, 19 clearances, 1 goal  

It was the type of performance we’ve become accustomed to. To finish with 19 clearances, most of which came when the game was on the line was brilliant. We needed a lift, and he took it upon himself to do it.

25. Lachlan Keeffe

9 disposals, 2 marks 

Having him and Phil Davis back in the same side is invaluable, especially at VFL level. We’re so young and inexperienced down back so to have someone of his calibre and experience is brilliant.

26. Jake Riccardi

2 goals, 16 disposals 

Jake had some big moments and kicked some big goals at important times for us. He’s getting a lot better in the areas we need him to in order to play at AFL level.

31. Toby McMullin

2 goals, 15 disposals, 6 tackles 

It was great to see him have that impact in the final quarter. They’re the traits you want to see from a young forward. His intent is getting better every week and we’re getting to see how clean he is at ground level and with the ball in hand.

32. Kieren Briggs

41 hit-outs, 25 disposals, 1 goal 

Another super game from him, he’s been so consistent this year. He’s almost become and extra midfielder for us and is having a big impact at VFL level.

34. Josh Fahey

26 disposals, 4 tackles  

Playing a new role on the wing, he’s still adapting to the position but had plenty of ball. He’s continuing to show us what he can do offensively, and he’ll keep working on those areas that’ll take him to the next level.

35. Max Gruzewski

2 goals, 11 disposals  

Another good game from Max. His forward craft and body positioning is elite for a first-year player. He’s impacting the scoreboard every week and his defensive intent and work rate is getting better every week.

41. Nicholas Madden

16 hit-outs, 14 disposals, 1 goal 

Great to finally have him back. His ruck craft was great, and he laid some important tackles through the middle of the ground. Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come for him.

42. Jason Gillbee

20 disposals, 5 marks 

Good to have him back. His speed and run and carry is so damaging across the wing and halfback. He’ll continue to learn our defensive system and running patterns but he’s only getting better.

45. Wade Derksen

5 goals, 7 marks, 15 disposals

Great to see him get a lick of the ice cream again. He’s such a passionate player who wants to improve every week. That’s his second bag of five for the year, he’s been one of our best this season.  

VFL Listed Players Stats:  

Coaches Call Out: Barry O’Connor 

He’s the ultimate team player. He’s got great leadership potential and he plays every and any role we ask him to. For him to come up with two big goals late and play a selfless role through the midfield allowed the likes of Harry Rowston to get to work.

47. Ryan Hebron (c)

13 disposals, 5 marks

49. Mitch Ryan

14 disposals, 3 marks 

50. Darcy Edmends

13 disposals, 1 goal

51. Jakob Anderson

11 disposals, 3 marks

52. Barry O’Connor

23 disposals, 2 goals  

53. Tom McCaffrey 

14 disposals, 3 marks 

54. James Creighton

14 disposals, 5 tackles

55. Will Shaw

11 disposals, 5 marks

56. Billy Clark

15 disposals, 5 tackles

57. Mitchell Conn

16 disposals

58. Andrew Mathieson

7 disposals, 3 tackles

61. Brad Rauter

2 disposals