An incredible final-quarter comeback saw the GIANTS surge to a remarkable 16-point upset win over Collingwood in the VFL in wet and windy conditions in Melbourne on Friday afternoon.
Down by 22 at the last change and fielding just eight AFL-listed players compared to Collingwood’s 17, the orange tsunami found its groove in the final term with an incredible six-minute blitz to flip the game on its head and run out 14.11 (95) to 11.13 (79) winners on the road.
With a strong breeze favouring one end all day, the GIANTS capitalised on their opportunity to come home with a wet sail as they banged on five unanswered goals in less than six minutes to turn a 22-point deficit into a nine-point lead to leave the Pies and their home crowd stunned at KGM Centre.
Star VFL recruit Harvey Hooper kickstarted the surge as he continued his stellar start to his time in orange with a long-range bomb to cut the gap to 16 just seconds into the final term.
Sam McMeeken made it two inside the first 90 seconds moments later before exciting draftee Riley Hamilton kept the momentum rolling with a brilliant smother followed by a monster goal from well outside 50.
Inspirational skipper Ryan Hebron continued the barrage as he pounced on a loose ball in the goal square to make it four goals in as many minutes to give his side its first lead since the opening term.
The damage wasn’t over yet however as Conor Stone continued his strong game with a brilliant left foot snap to cap off a remarkable start to the final term which saw the GIANTS kick five goals from their first six inside 50s and with only 5:40 taken off the clock.
While the Pies did their best to get back into the contest the GIANTS proved too good when it mattered most as Hebron added a third for the day before James Bell put an exclamation point on his stellar outing with a brilliant left-foot snap in the dying minutes to seal the impressive comeback victory.
There were several standout performers from both AFL and VFL-listed GIANTS in the win, with Jack Ough (22 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 13 tackles, six clearances ), Nick Madden (17 disposals, 36 hit-outs, five tackles, five clearances, one goal), Harry Rowston (25 disposals, six tackles, eight inside 50s), Toby McMullin (22 disposals, five marks, five tackles, one goal), Stone (20 disposals, eight marks, two goals) and Leek Aleer (12 disposals, eight intercept possessions) amongst the standouts as they press for AFL opportunities.
Hamilton (17 disposals, two goals) was also impressive as he continues his rapid development as a dangerous medium forward.
Fellow draftee Oskar Taylor (18 disposals) also played his part in the win as he continues to show his weapons off half-back.
Hooper (25 disposals, four tackles, five inside 50s, one goal) and Bell (28 disposals, 17 contested possessions, six clearances, seven tackles, one goal) once again led the way for the VFL contingent as the pair continued their stellar starts to their time in orange and charcoal following on from last week’s starring debuts.
Hebron (15 disposals, six marks, 3.2) was also crucial to the result as a beacon in attack as he competed outnumbered ahead of the footy all day to not only create a contest and bring the ball to ground but also hit the scoreboard.
Louie Montgomery (28 touches, five intercepts, six rebound 50s) was another key performer in a great showing down back, while Matthew Belbasis (24 disposals, five marks) was also strong in his first game for the club this season.
Young forward Riley Dillon also played his role, particularly early, as he kicked the side’s first two goals of the game.
Making Friday’s win even more impressive was the fact that the GIANTS trailed by as much as 32 points early in the contest as Collingwood made the most of the breeze with a dominant seven-goal opening term.
A stronger second term with the breeze in their favour however saw Robbie Chancellor’s men cut the lead to just six at the main break before the Pies pushed it back out to 22 at the final change prior to the GIANTS’ thrilling last term.
Now sitting at 2-0 to start the season following last week’s win over the Saints, the GIANTS’ VFL side will now have two weeks off due to a round three bye followed by a league-wide bye for the VFL v SANFL clash during Gather Round.
The GIANTS will then recommence their VFL season in a derby against the Swans at the SCG on Friday, April 17 as a curtain raiser to the AFL clash between the clubs.
VFL ROUND 2
GIANTS 2.0 7.3 7.5 14.11 (95)
Magpies 7.2 8.3 10.9 11.13 (79)
GOALKICKERS
GIANTS: Ryan Hebron 3, Riley Hamilton 2, Riley Dillon 2, Conor Stone 2, Toby McMullin, Nick Madden, Sam McMeeken, Harvey Hooper, James Bell
Magpies: Charlie West 2, Noah Howes 2, Harvey Harrison, Jack Buller, Brady Grey, Will Hayes, Zac McCarthy, Lachie Sullivan, Angus Anderson
