It’s not often a key defender gets his own highlights reel, but after Phil Davis’ inspired performance against Melbourne it’s more than justified.

The GIANTS co-captain was at his rock-solid best, intercepting opposition attacks and dominating one-on-one contests.

Instrumental in defence, Davis kept Jesse Hogan - one of the games most promising forwards - goalless for the first three quarters.

Everything was on track for a best-on-ground performance until a last-quarter team fade-out coupled with poor accuracy in front of goal sealed the GIANTS fate and handed Melbourne a two-point win.

Davis was named in the GIANTS’ best and finished the match with 15 disposals, eight one-percenters and a career-high six intercept marks.

Even the commentators were in awe of his impact, noting how important Davis is to the GIANTS’ defensive structure. 

“They (The GIANTS) would be four goals down without Phil Davis there today,” Dermott Brereton said during the broadcast.

While Anthony Hudson added: “This is the best I’ve ever seen him play”

Beginning his AFL career with the Adelaide Crows, Davis played 18 games before joining the GIANTS ahead of their inaugural season.

He was the only GIANT to play every game in 2012 and despite his age, was seen as one of the more senior, reliable members of the team.

Davis has managed only 37 games in the past three seasons, suffering a spate of injuries including a ruptured kidney which threatened to prematurely end his career. 

In 2015 Davis missed large patches of football due to serious ankle and hamstring problems but has now managed to complete a full pre-season and looks fitter than ever. 

The 25-year-old won’t have long to prepare for his next opponent with the GIANTS taking on Geelong at Manuka Oval in Canberra this Sunday.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Davis is likely to get the all important job on Geelong big-man Tom Hawkins.

Last time the sides met Hawkins kicked five goals helping the Cats to a 27-point win. Coincidentally Davis wasn’t playing that game.