The ‘Orange Tsunami’ was flowing as the Giants surged away with nine of 11 goals either side of half-time to blow away the Magpies for an 18.6 (114) to 11.16 (82) triumph in front of 21,235 fans at ENGIE Stadium.
Emerging forward Callum Brown sparked the Giants early with three goals in the first term and finished with a five-goal haul in a breakout performance.
Giants spearhead Jesse Hogan booted four majors and goals while Brent Daniels also added an equal career-high four as the Magpies’ injury-riddled defence struggled to deal with the onslaught.
But the Giants’ win has come at a cost with former skipper Ward watching the second half from the bench after injuring a shoulder when brought to ground heavily in a tackle.
However there was no slowing down the Giants, thanks to Tom Green (30 disposals, nine clearances, one goal), Stephen Coniglio (28, four clearances) and Kieren Briggs (14, six), while Josh Kelly (32, one goal), Lachie Ash (25) and Lachie Whitefield (33) were sublime on the outside.
Giants skipper Toby Greene also added plenty of run with 16 disposals and a late goal.
In a see-sawing first half reminiscent of last year’s preliminary final that the Pies snatched in a one-point thriller, both sides enjoyed periods of momentum without putting their opponents away.
However from there, last year’s preliminary finalists made a firm statement to start their 2024 campaign.
The Giants next take on North Melbourne on Saturday, March 16, from 4.35pm at ENGIE Stadium, Sydney.
Giants knock off ‘Pies from perch
SENDING an early warning to the rest of the competition, the GWS Giants scored a resounding 32-point victory over reigning premiers Collingwood on Saturday night.
