Lachie Keeffe’s late goal seals GWS thriller over Demons

Lachie Keeffe’s last-minute heroics propelled Greater Western Sydney to a thrilling three-point win over Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday, maintaining the Giants’ unbeaten start to the 2025 AFL season.

With the Demons clinging to a narrow lead in the dying moments, a slick passage of play from Finn Callaghan and Callan Ward found Keeffe in space 40 metres from goal.

Despite being outplayed by Melbourne captain Max Gawn in the ruck battle for most of the afternoon, Keeffe stood up when it mattered, slotting the match-winner with just 53 seconds remaining to seal a 11.11 (77) to 11.8 (74) victory as $1.82 favourites with the top AFL bookmakers.

GWS coach Adam Kingsley praised Keeffe’s resilience and versatility, highlighting his importance to the team.

“He’s a great club man, incredibly intelligent, and just keeps showing up in big moments,” Kingsley said.

“For him to take that mark and nail the goal – it was just reward for the fight he put up all day.”

Giants stars Stephen Coniglio and Toby Greene each kicked three goals, while Tom Green was instrumental in the midfield, gathering 35 disposals and nine clearances in his first game of the season.

Callaghan continued his strong early-season form with 31 disposals, helping GWS overcome Melbourne’s dominance in the ruck.

For the Demons, Christian Petracca put in a best-on-ground effort in a losing cause, collecting 27 touches and kicking two goals.

Gawn was also outstanding, finishing with 24 disposals and 46 hitouts, but Melbourne were ultimately overrun in the final term.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Demons coach Simon Goodwin remained upbeat about his team’s performance, particularly with six players making their club debuts.

“There was a lot to like today — we played a strong brand of footy and got great contributions from our young guys,” he said.

“We didn’t get the result, but we’re walking away knowing we’re on the right path.”

First-year player Xavier Lindsay impressed with 22 disposals, while fellow debutants Matt Jefferson (two goals) and Aidan Johnson (one goal) also made their mark.

The Demons were without star defender Steven May, who was a late withdrawal due to a fractured larynx suffered at training.

His absence was felt in key defensive moments, particularly in the closing stages.

The Giants’ only injury concern was Brent Daniels, who was subbed out in the third quarter with a hip issue, though Kingsley confirmed the injury was not serious.

Melbourne will look to bounce back against North Melbourne next week, while GWS have a bye before their highly anticipated clash with Hawthorn in Round 3.

The Hawks are premiership favourites at $6 with the top online bookmakers, and the Giants are right behind them at $7.

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