The young Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have endured a tough day at the office, going down to Melbourne by 78 points in their first ever match at the MCG.
The GIANTS got off to a flying start, kicking the first two goals of the game and went into quarter time just a goal down against their more experienced opponents.
Jonathon Patton was causing headaches up forward and Tom Scully was winning plenty of ball in his first game against his old side. Only four goals by Melbourne's Mitch Clark helped put his side in front at the first break.
But the Demons asserted their dominance after quarter time as the Giants appeared to fade after their tough match in the rain against Richmond at Skoda Stadium last week.
For the first time this year, the GIANTS went scoreless during the third quarter as the Demons piled on the goals.
To their credit the GIANTS fought out the game, breaking even with Melbourne in the final quarter. Adam Treloar (27 possessions), Callan Ward (27), Taylor Adams (24) and Toby Greene (21) were among the GIANTS' best players.
Young forward Jeremy Cameron finished with three goals in another impressive performance to take his goalkicking tally for the season to 21.5. Nathan Wilson also contributed two goals in one of his best games for the year.
Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said while it was disappointing to lose, the side was coming off a tough match last week and his young charges would learn a lot from their first outing on the MCG. The GIANTS were well below their best side with Stephen Coniglio, Dom Tyson and Jacob Townsend among those sidelined by injury. Chad Cornes was also rested.
The GIANTS will play the Swans in the second Sydney Derby at ANZ Stadium next Saturday night.
