In his first act as the GIANTS’ standalone captain, Toby Greene ensured the Adam Kingsley era started with a win on Sunday.
On a day of injury carnage at GIANTS Stadium and in brutal conditions that peaked at 36 degrees, the dual All-Australian slotted 4.4 from 19 disposals to lead the GIANTS past Adelaide by 16 points.
It came after Adelaide dominated the opening half and should have led by far more than 28 points at half-time, before the GIANTS kicked 11 goals to four in the second half to win 15.16 (106) to 12.18 (90).
With Lachie Whitfield (concussion), Harry Perryman (hamstring) and Josh Kelly (concussion) watching on from the bench in the last quarter, the GIANTS produced a memorable opening-round win, recovering from 31 points down in the second quarter.
The first major decision of Kingsley's tenure was to remove the co-captaincy model that has been almost a permanent part of the GIANTS’ existence, instilling Greene as solo captain and Stephen Coniglio and Kelly as vice-captains.
Greene led the way, but the superstar wasn't alone.
Coniglio was as influential as anyone on the ground, gathering 32 disposals, 810 metres gained and eight clearances in a brilliant performance that could see him establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the game once again.
Before Kelly departed the game following a head clash in the fourth quarter, the former skipper moved as well as he has in a long time, collecting 26 disposals and seven clearances.
Tom Green was the other key part from the start, amassing a career-high 37 disposals and eight clearances to start 2023 on song, weeks after inking a four-year contract extension.
MRO CONCERN FOR CROW
Shane McAdam is set for scrutiny following a crude hit on young GIANTS wingman Jacob Wehr. The heavy blow in the third quarter didn't end Wehr's day but could stall McAdam's season.
TWO RETURNING GIANTS
Jack Buckley was a late inclusion for Leek Aleer, returning to league football 623 days after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in round 16, 2021. The key defender didn't look out of place and appears part of Adam Kingsley's plans down back, where the GIANTS have options. Brent Daniels also returned 590 days after his most recent AFL appearance, following repeated hamstring issues in 2022 that forced him to head to the University of Wisconsin searching for answers. The lively small forward made an impact with two goals.
FINN FIRES IN HEAT
After his debut season was limited to just five appearances due to a foot injury that flared and lingered, Finn Callaghan showed he has put that issue behind him with a brilliant showing to start his season. The 2021 pick No.3 collected 25 disposals and amassed 421 metres gained, showing composure and class in stifling heat. No wonder the Giants were thrilled he put pen to paper on a new deal earlier this month.
GIANTS 2.2 4.8 10.11 15.16. (106)
ADELAIDE 4.9 8.12 10.16 12.18 (90)
GOALS
GIANTS: Greene 4, Hogan 3, Daniels 2, Ward, H.Himmelberg, Haynes, Green, Flynn, Coniglio
Adelaide: Rachele 3, Rankine 2, Fogarty 2, Walker, Pedlar, McAdam, Keays, E.Himmelberg
BEST
GIANTS: Greene, Coniglio, Green, Ward, Kelly, Callaghan, Hogan
Adelaide: Rachele, Dawson, Rankine, Keays
INJURIES
GIANTS : Perryman (hamstring), Whitfield (concussion), Kelly (concussion)
Adelaide: Murray (leg)
LATE CHANGE
GIANTS: Leek Aleer replaced in selected side by Jack Buckley
Adelaide: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
GIANTS: Adam Kennedy (replaced Harry Perryman in first quarter)
Adelaide: Tyler Brown (replaced Nick Murray in third quarter)
