Where and When: Sunday, April 4 at 6.10pm, Manuka Oval
Last time they met: The Demons had a five-point win over the GIANTS in round 17 last year, a loss that meant the GIANTS’ finals hopes were all but extinguished. After falling behind by three goals early in the match the GIANTS lifted their effort around the contest, worked their way into the game and into the lead before conceding three of the last four goals to fall just short. Tom Green had 30 possessions and four clearances in just his fifth senior game, Brent Daniels kicked three of the GIANTS’ 11 goals and Jack Buckley made some brave efforts on debut, but the team struggled to contain the Max Gawn-Clayton Oliver combination, with Christian Petracca another key player for the Demons.
Where to watch: https://www.afl.com.au/broadcast-guide-premiership
What it means for the GIANTS: A disappointing loss to Fremantle means the GIANTS are still searching for their first win this year; not since the club’s second season, back in 2013, had it dropped its first two games before last week. The GIANTS were beaten around the ball by the Dockers and outrun on the outside; the Dockers also took 22 marks inside 50 to five, with the GIANTS struggling to set up easy scoring shots.
Where’s the opposition at: The Demons are two from two for the first time in four years, after beating Fremantle at home in their opening game and then holding out St Kilda last week in what was a very even game. Oliver, Petracca and Christian Salem, with Kysaiah Pickett adding some speed and excitement to their forward line.
The number: 0. For the number of times the GIANTS got to play at their home away from home – Canberra – in the very weird year that was 2020. Sunday night’s game will be the men’s team’s first trip to Manuka Oval, traditionally a happy hunting ground, since August 2019. (You may remember that it snowed that night.)
In the mix: Jake Riccardi returned from an ankle injury in a reserves trial game last weekend, and is ready to be called upon if required. Jeremy Finlayson played in that match against the Swans, too, and is another potential addition to the forward line. Xavier O’Halloran and Nick Shipley – unused as the medical subs in rounds one and two – are also available should the coaches look to shake the side up, whille Sam Reid’s two-week suspension for a bump on Nat Fyfe means his spot in the backline is up for grabs.
