Giants Dominate Bombers as Stringer Haunts Former Club in Statement Win
From the outset, this one had energy. Essendon, riddled with injury concerns and coming off a dismal showing against Richmond, had made six changes—including debuting Liam McMahon. But it wasn’t enough to counter GWS, who came in with momentum and purpose.
Now, let’s talk about Jake Stringer. Facing his old team for the first time since moving to GWS, he was under the spotlight. Booed early by the Bombers faithful, Stringer silenced them with three solid goals and some serious forward pressure. Not only did he hit the scoreboard, but he also brought teammates into the game, showing he’s adapting nicely into that Giants forward structure. One moment that stood out—Stringer taking a hanger over former teammate Jayden Laverde. Talk about poetic.
But the real engine behind this GWS win? Tom Green. The guy was everywhere—30 disposals, 16 clearances, 17 contested possessions, four goal assists. Absolute beast mode. Essendon couldn’t clamp down on him, and the Giants reaped the rewards.
Also Read:- Remembering Connie Francis: The Voice That Defined a Generation
- McIlroy Returns to Portrush as The Open Leaderboard Heats Up
By half-time, the writing was on the wall. GWS led by 37, and while they didn’t quite blow the margin out in the second half, the damage had already been done. The Giants were clinical, especially in the second term where they kicked six goals to one. Essendon, in contrast, missed their first eight shots at goal. You can’t win games like that.
Credit to Essendon’s young guns though—Liam McMahon showed promise with two goals, and Peter Wright managed a couple himself. But overall, the Bombers’ goalkicking woes continued. At one stage, across five quarters of footy, they had scored just 1.21. That stat alone tells you how much they’re struggling to convert opportunities.
Crowd-wise, it was a low turnout—just over 20,000 at Marvel, one of Essendon’s lowest since 2016. The fans have been patient, but performances like this are hard to watch.
Coach Adam Kingsley spoke post-match and admitted percentage matters in this tight finals race. The Giants missed a chance to really stretch the margin and boost their numbers, but five wins in a row and three of them over current top-eight sides? That’s form you can’t ignore.
Next up, it’s the Battle of the Bridge against Sydney, and then a tricky run home that includes the Bulldogs and Suns away. But if the Giants keep this form up—and get Josh Kelly and Jesse Hogan back—they're a real threat in September.
For Essendon, it’s back to the drawing board before another tough prime-time slot next Friday night. They’ve got heart, sure—but unless they fix that forward accuracy, it’s going to be a rough finish to the season.
GWS fans, enjoy this one. You’re flying.
Read More:
0 Comments