As the GIANTS prepare to play their first match on the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground since round one, 2016, it’s worth looking back at their history at the place referred to as ‘The G’.
The GIANTS have played 10 times at the MCG since entering the competition in 2012 and have only won once. Two of those matches came in the GIANTS’ first year in the AFL with both ending in losses.
Jeremy Cameron booted three goals in the GIANTS’ MCG debut as they lost to Melbourne by 78 points in round 13.
A fortnight later they returned to the stadium and kicked just four goals as they were thrashed by eventual Grand Finalists Hawthorn by 162 points; still the biggest losing margin in the club’s history.
A return to the MCG in round four of 2013 saw a vast improvement as the young GIANTS led Melbourne by 19 points at three quarter time with Setanta O'hAilpin kicking five goals.
The GIANTS' breakthrough win at the MCG would have to wait as Melbourne kicked 12 final quarter goals to run out winners by 41 points.
The club’s second game at the MCG in 2013 would end much the same way as the first. Despite seven goals from Jeremy Cameron, the GIANTS would lose the round 18 contest to Collingwood by 40 points with then Magpie Heath Shaw gathering 27 disposals.
Shaw would become a GIANT alongside Shane Mumford during the 2013 AFL Trade Period and their impact would be felt in 2014, especially with their experience at MCG.
Their first journey to the MCG for 2014 saw the GIANTS fall agonisingly close to upsetting the reigning premiers Hawthorn in round 11.
Just two years after their 162-point loss to the Hawks, the GIANTS lost by just seven points with Devon Smith kicking four goals and Callan Ward collecting three Brownlow Medal votes for his 32-disposal performance.
Eight weeks later the GIANTS again battled manfully but would lose to Richmond in the first meeting with the Tigers at the MCG.
The GIANTS’ first win at the 'G would finally come three weeks later in round 21 as they hammered Melbourne by 64 points.
Devon Smith again stood out, kicking two goals and collecting 31 touches as he claimed three Brownlow votes. Rhys Palmer would receive two votes for his game-high four goals, while Dylan Shiel claimed one vote for his 25 disposals, seven tackles and one goal.
2015 would see the GIANTS lose both of their games at the MCG with their round 11 loss to Collingwood having the biggest impact on their push for a maiden finals appearance.
Heading into the game the GIANTS had won seven of their first 10 games and with the bye approaching, looked set to make the top eight for the first time.
The GIANTS were well in the contest at half time before injuries to Shane Mumford, Phil Davis, Joel Patfull and Stephen Coniglio left the GIANTS without a fit player on the bench.
Mumford wouldn’t play again in 2015 while Davis, Patfull and Coniglio all had stints on the sidelines as the GIANTS won just four more games for the season, finishing 11th on the ladder.
Despite missing those four stars, the GIANTS’ next journey to the 'G in round 14 would be a tight contest with Richmond.
The GIANTS lead by 15-points at the final break but couldn’t hold on, losing to the Tigers by nine points.
Callan Ward made history that day by becoming the first GIANTS player to receive a Brownlow vote in a match against Richmond.
But this round will always be remembered for the worst of reasons, with Adelaide coach Phil Walsh murdered in his own house.
While the Crows’ match was cancelled, the rest of the competition continued on with all teams uniting on the final siren for a minutes' silence.
The GIANTS would return to the MCG to start their 2016 season against Melbourne. Despite leading by 21 points at the final break, the GIANTS would go on to lose to the Demons by two points.
Steve Johnson kicked two goals on his GIANTS debut while co-captain Phil Davis picked up the first Brownlow vote of his career.
Davis will be hoping he can replicate that feat when the GIANTS return to the MCG to face Richmond on Sunday at 1:10pm.
