GREATER Western Sydney has produced the most competitive effort of its debut season so far in its 46-point loss to Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
The Crows surged to a 27-point lead at quarter-time in slippery conditions, but the GIANTS fought back bravely and at times looked like they could cause an upset in front of a parochial 28,261-strong Adelaide crowd
GWS outscored the home team by four goals in an impressive second term before the Crows eventually slipped away to win 13.18 (96) to 7.8 (50).
In the best performance of his fledgling AFL career, Israel Folau kicked his first goal but a four-goal haul to key Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett ensured the Crows overcame the gutsy GIANTS.
The young Giants trailed by just 17 points at half-time to give the more fancied and experienced Crows a fright. If it had not been for missed set shot on goal by Folau just before half time the GIANTS may have been even closer at the main break.
The GIANTS came out full of running early in the third quarter but again struggled to covert their chances. Tippett's influence loomed large in the rain as the Crows overpowered the visitors.
Once again, the GIANTS were jumped early in the game before Folau set up the Giants' first goal, delivering a 40m pass to Curtly Hampton who kicked the first of three goals for the game.
The Giants dominated the second term, outscoring Adelaide four goals to two - including Folau's milestone major. The rugby league convert goaled from almost 50m after a strong mark on the lead to help get the Giants within 17 points of the Crows at the long break.
The Giants' experienced core of Callan Ward, Luke Power and Tom Scully toiled gamely against the Crows and Anthony Miles also showed plenty of promise in his first game after he was named as a late replacement for Stephen Coniglio.
Jonathon Giles turned in another strong performance in the ruck for the GIANTS and young Shaun Edwards also kicked a goal on debut.
GIANTS Head Coach said that he was pleased with his young side's performance and that the team showed some exciting signs for the future.
“In the last three matches we’ve been able to come back from the opposition getting an early start which has been great to see.
“They didn’t panic out on the ground so that was really pleasing to see obviously.
“From an improvement point of view for Izzy I was really pleased. Dermott Brereton came up during the week and did some one on one work with him and it was great to see him put some of that in to action,” Sheedy said.
ADELAIDE 5.4 7.8 10.13 13.18 (96)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 1.1 5.3 6.6 7.8 (50)
GOALS
Adelaide: Tippett 4, Porplyzia 2, Mackay, Henderson, Wright, Walker, Sloane, Smith, Thompson
Greater Western Sydney: Hampton 3, Edwards, Folau, Giles, Mohr
BEST
Adelaide: van Berlo, Sloane, Thompson, Tippett, Reilly, Doughty
Greater Western Sydney: Ward, Scully, Power, McDonald, Giles, Miles
INJURIES
Adelaide: Petrenko (concussion), Martin (cut head), Jaensch (cut head)
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Adelaide: Ricky Henderson replaced Jared Petrenko in the first quarter
Greater Western Sydney: Jacob Townsend replaced Adam Tomlinson in the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Ryan, Hosking, Hay
Official crowd: 28, 261 at AAMI Stadium
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PHOTOS FROM THE MATCH
