GWS book prelim against Magpies with Power victory

Greater Western Sydney has booked a preliminary final date with Collingwood at the MCG, after defeating Port Adelaide by 23 points on Saturday night.

The Giants stunned a packed crowd at the Adelaide Oval to outclass Port Adelaide, who are licking their wounds following their straight sets finals exit.

But for the Power it caps a stunning turnaround, that has seen them win 13 of their last 15 games to book a Friday night showdown with the Magpies.

The Giants will face a powerful Collingwood team that will regain Nick Daicos and a rabid crowd, that will heavily favour the black and white, butt hey will be full of confidence after the sterling performance against the Power.

Giants vice-captain, Stephen Coniglio delivered an impeccable performance in the first half, while Jesse Hogan’s booted four goals, with the Giants ultimately winning 13.15 (93) to 9.16 (70).

Coniglio, making a spectacular comeback after missing the Giants elimination final due to an eye injury, masterminded a sensational five-goal rush in a span of just 10 minutes in the second quarter.

For Port Adelaide, it marked an end to their AFL finals campaign after two back-to-back defeats, echoing the fate of fellow top-four contender, Melbourne, the previous night.

Coniglio’s stellar performance was underlined by his 30 disposals, two goals, and a significant influence in the game’s first half. Other Giants’ to make their presence felt included Lachie Whitfield, Josh Kelly, Tom Green, and Callan Ward. In the attack, Hogan and captain Toby Greene left their mark, while defenders Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley fortified the backline.

From Port’s camp, Willie Rioli was electric, with his three goals, accompanied by laudable performances from Zak Butters, who lifted significantly in the second-half, Dan Houston, and potentially a curtain call from 35-year-old Travis Boak.

The Giants carried a slender lead by the end of the first quarter. But a phenomenal response from GWS after Port briefly took the lead culminated in a 33-point break, leaving the largely pro-Port crowd of 45,250 in stunned silence.

However, the story could have been different. After five consecutive majors, GWS’s domination witnessed a brief lapse as they recorded six straight behinds. To compound Port’s woes, they also lost key ruckman Scott Lycett to an injury.

The third quarter saw Port attempting a comeback, cutting down the deficit to 18 points. But the Giants, with Conigilo’s continued brilliance, stretched their lead once more. Despite Port’s persistent endeavors in the final term, it was GWS forward Jake Riccardi and captain Greene who sealed the deal for the Giants.

Australian online bookmakers have priced the Giants as outsiders for their preliminary final at $2.50, with the Magpies as short as $1.45.

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