Loads of thrills for Giants’ fans

OVERCOMING a spirited challenge, the GWS Giants scored a 39-point victory over a new-look North Melbourne on Saturday.
The Giants gradually wore down the sharp-shooting Kangaroos as Jesse Hogan dominated for the second week running in the 17.19 (121) to 13.4 (82) victory at Engie Stadium.
Hogan booted six goals – on the back of four against Collingwood in Opening Round – while hauling in eight marks and gathering 18 disposals, while Jake Riccardi made a fast-start with three majors in the first quarter against the Kangaroos’ under-sized and inexperienced backline.
Giants onballer Tom Green made his mark as much around the ground as at the stoppages to finish with 37 disposals, eight tackles, six clearances and a goal, while Josh Kelly had 24 touches and booted two majors in his 200th match.
Stephen Coniglio (30 disposals) and Lachie Whitfield (29) also found plenty of the ball.
The Roos booted eight goals straight in the first half to stay in touch with the Giants but couldn’t hang on in the second.
It was fitting that Josh Kelly played his 200th match against the club that his father Phil played 61 games for in the 1980s.
The Kangaroos turned to those links while making a play to poach Kelly at least twice in recent years, before the former No.2 pick extended his stay with the Giants and reminded the Roos on Saturday what they missed out on with 24 disposals and two goals.
The Giants next take on the West Coast Eagles on Saturday from 6.50pm at Optus Stadium, Perth.