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AFL: GWS Giants overpower Collingwood in Opening Round statement

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GWS Giants AFL News

GWS Giants produced a dominant second-half display to overcome Collingwood 15.14 (104) to 6.16 (52) in their 2025 AFL season opener at Engie Stadium.

The Giants were led by young gun Finn Callaghan, who starred in a breakout game. Callaghan, who recently re-signed with the Giants after turning down a lucrative offer from St Kilda, finished with 33 disposals, seven clearances, and two goals. His outstanding performance was crucial as GWS extended their lead after a brief challenge from Collingwood in the second quarter.

The match was punctuated by a series of injuries and cramps, with star Collingwood midfielder Nick Daicos struggling in the second half. Daicos, who finished with 21 disposals, was largely ineffective after halftime, managing only four disposals as he battled cramps and the close attention of Giants tagger Toby Bedford.

The GWS Giants had their own injury concerns when ruckman Kieren Briggs was stretchered off in the first quarter after a collision with teammate Sam Taylor. Briggs, who had been involved in a marking contest with Collingwood’s Darcy Cameron, was taken to hospital for further assessment on a neck injury but was later pictured in good spirits.

Despite the setback and entering the game as $2.17 outsiders with top sports bookmakers, the Giants powered on, with Darcy Jones, Xavier O’Halloran, Max Gruzewski, and Callum Brown each kicking two goals.

Josh Kelly (36 disposals), Lachie Whitfield (26), and Lachie Ash (25) were also significant ball winners for the Giants, while Sam Taylor stood tall in defence with four contested marks and 12 intercept possessions.

Taylor, who kicked the first goal of the game, played a key role in limiting Collingwood’s forward pressure, providing a strong presence in the air with nine intercept marks.

Collingwood’s major ball winners included Josh Daicos (28 disposals) and former Giants midfielder Harry Perryman (27), who made a solid debut for the Pies. Ruckman Darcy Cameron worked hard in Briggs’ absence, finishing with 22 touches, 37 hit-outs, and six clearances.

The match started with GWS taking a slender lead, which quickly grew to 22 points after three quick goals in time-on, including a brilliant snap from Callum Brown.

Collingwood fought back in the second quarter, with Brody Mihocek kicking two goals, but GWS held on to lead by 23 points at halftime.

The third quarter was dominated by Collingwood in terms of territory, as they won 20 inside-50s to 11, but were wasteful, kicking 0.5 while the Giants kicked 1.2.

GWS made the most of their opportunities, with Jones adding a goal to extend the lead to 26 points at three-quarter time.

In the final term, the Giants surged home, kicking six goals to two.

Tim Membrey’s first goal for Collingwood gave the Pies a glimmer of hope, but Brent Daniels responded quickly for GWS, and the Giants finished full of running.

Jones kicked his second, debutant James Leake bagged his first goal, and captain Toby Greene produced a goal-saving tackle on Membrey in the defensive goal square.

GWS took a 52-point victory, marking a strong start to the season despite the injury to Briggs.

The Giants will look to build on this performance as they aim to recover from a disappointing finals campaign last year when they travel to the MCG to face Melbourne, where the Giants will enter the game as $1.77 favourites with BlondeBet.

Collingwood, on the other hand, will face last year’s preliminary finalists Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday night, where the Pies are currently $1.58 favourites to find their winning groove.

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Topics: AFL, Collingwood Magpies, Featured, GWS Giants

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