It wasn’t always pretty but a clutch final term and some stellar individual performances saw the GIANTS come from behind to register a thrilling two-point win over Coburg in the Riverina on Sunday.
Played as a GIANTS home game in picturesque conditions at Narrandera Sportsground, the GIANTS had their noises slightly in front for the majority of a tough and tight first half but found themselves in trouble after Coburg kicked four goals to one in the third term to give them a 13-point lead at the last change.
But as they did the week prior in the win over the Hawks, the GIANTS took it up a gear when it mattered most as several GIANTS stood tall in a gritty final term.
Led by a defiant backline, the GIANTS outscored Coburg four goals to one in a gripping final quarter which saw them register an epic 8.18 (66) to 9.10 (64) win.
While it’s midfielders and forwards who often get the plaudits, the final-quarter fightback was kickstarted by a game-changing defensive act from young defender Oskar Taylor who saved a certain goal early in the term with a brilliant chase down tackle at the top of his defensive goal square.
Taylor’s willing effort set the tone for a gutsy final quarter which soon saw the GIANTS cut the lead to six as Brody Kane kicked his second with a brilliant snap in traffic.
Not long after, Nick Madden found Toby McMullin in the pocket who casually played on around the corner with a classy snap to tie the scores at 57 a piece to set up a nail-biting finale.
After a behind from Riley Dillon moments later gave the GIANTS the slimmest of leads, it was one of last week’s heroes in Louie Montgomery who stepped up yet again after finding space inside 50 with a mark before kicking another clutch goal to give his side a seven-point lead midway through the term.
The game was back on a knife’s edge soon after when Coburg hit back through Ryan Valentine to cut the lead to a single point at the 20-minute mark of the final term.
But as they’ve done numerous times this season, the GIANTS handled the decisive moments better than their opponents – registering crucial tackles, halving contests, and wasting precious minutes off the clock through their kick-mark game to deny Coburg a late match-winning goal.
The epic contest was all but capped off when Madden took a crucial intercept mark deep inside defensive 50 in the dying moments before his side maintained possession through uncontested marks before the siren sounded on a terrific win.
The GIANTS had huge contributors across the park in the huge win, with Madden (18 disposals, 15 hit outs, nine marks, two goals) a colossus in his first game since April on his return from a PCL injury.
Fresh off a new four-year deal, Madden shouldered the ruck with Logan Smith (13 disposals, 15 hit outs, five clearances) while also spending time up forward. The 22-year-old Madden made his presence felt around the ground with several strong marks in a very promising return.
McMullin (24 disposals at 83 per cent efficiency, one goal) and Angove (23 disposals, seven inside 50s, seven score involvements) were equally as eye-catching as they pressed their claims for an AFL recall, with McMullin’s class and composure with the footy a clear standout, while Angove’s gut running and ability to break the lines and create for he and his teammates was pivotal to the result.
Star recruits Hooper and Bell (23 disposals, seven inside 50s, six clearances) also continued their brilliant seasons, with Bell going one for one as captain of the side in the absence of Ryan Hebron.
Leake (18 disposals, six tackles) and Taylor (18 disposals, four marks) were rock solid behind the ball as usual, with Taylor’s goal-saving tackle one of the plays of the game.
Montgomery (14 disposals, eight marks, eight score involvements, 2.2) continued to be a dangerous presence ahead of the ball, while defensive duo Pfrengle (20 disposals, six marks, five tackles) and Jim Houston (16 disposals, four marks) were vital in helping lead a stingy backline.
Sunday’s epic win started off how it ended, with a neck and neck contest in which the sides could barely be split, with the GIANTS holding a slim two-point lead at the first break.
Despite the wide expanses of Narrandera Sportsground, both sides found it tough to not only transition the footy early on, but make their entries count on the scoreboard, with the sides combining for just two goals in a tough and tight opening term.
While Riley Dillon kicked a beautiful goal from 50 early in the second term, Coburg kicked three of the first four goals of the quarter before Madden goaled after taking a big pack mark on the goal line prior to Montgomery kicking his first from a similar spot to Dillon to give the GIANTS a six-point lead at the half.
While McMullin and Angove in particular had some eye-catching moments in the third, and Madden snapped his second, the period belonged to Coburg who kicked four goals to one to jump out to a 13-point lead which the GIANTS would ultimately chase down with a brilliant final term to register a courageous win.
The GIANTS now have a bye in round 16 before taking on the Dolphins in Frankston in round 17.
VFL ROUND 15
GIANTS 1.6 4.11 5.14 8.18 (66)
Coburg 1.4 4.5 8.9 9.10 (64)
GOALKICKERS
GIANTS: Louie Montgomery 2, Nick Madden 2, Brody Kane 2, Riley Dillon, Toby McMullin
Coburg: Jaidyn Stephenson 4, Ryan Valientine 2, Daniel Johnston, Jack Bytel, Matthew Allison
