Fox Footy TV commentator Dwayne Russell described the Greater Western Sydney Giants thrilling 3 point victory in the final seconds against Richmond as “Double Deja vu” and he wasn’t wrong, It was the perfect summation of the past two weeks of football for the Giants as they have now strung consecutive victories achieved in the final minutes of play. Last week Steve Johnson crumbed beautifully to kick the winning goal. This time it was goal kicking ace Jeremy Cameron who received a slick hand-pass from Shane Mumford and then kicked a superb left foot goal on the run to break Richmond hearts. As Russell alluded to double deja vu, it was factually correct. The Tigers also had their game decided last week in the final seconds. Fremantle’s David Mundy marked with seconds remaining and kicked a dagger goal to beat the Tigers after the siren. Double deja vu indeed.
How Sweet it is. Jezza Cameron swamped by teammates after booting the winning goal. Photo: Jodie Newell
On a serious note, The GWS Giants were very fortunate to take the 4 premiership points after an inaccurate Richmond failed to put the Giants away and were left to ponder what may have been. The Giants only lead in the game was when Cameron slotted home the winning goal in 100 minutes plus of football. The Tigers were very disappointing after dominating much of the game. Players that should have kicked better in Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin simply didn’t. Credit must be given though to the unyielding spirit of the Giants who simply never gave up and kept fighting to the final seconds to victory.
Brandon Ellis #5 handballs to a Tiger teammate. Photo: Jodie Newell
Earlier, Richmond made their intent very clear with a goal scored in under 30 secs by Trent Cotchin. The Giants seemed to be asleep as the Tigers booted 6 goals for the term. Jason Castagna booted two as did Cotchin. Whilst for the GWS, Jeremy Cameron kicked his sides only goal. Tiger midfielder in Dustin Martin was simply sensational. He racked up 35 disposals for the game and his style of play made it near impossible for any player to stop his method. The “Dont Argue” fends, the ducking and weaving and speed of Martin was one of the reasons the Tigers dominated much of the game. Martin was incredible.
Dustin Martin chasing down another possession. He was with superb with 35 disposals. Photo: Jodie Newell
The crucial part of where Richmond truly lost this game was in the second quarter. Several Richmond players had gettable chances to build on their lead and put doubt into the minds of the Giants. Shaun Grigg, Daniel Rioli, Toby Nankervis, Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin all missed goals. They would have held a 35+ point advantage going into the sheds if they had kicked straighter. They had dominated the game and the Giants looked like they would be playing catch up football.
Debutante Harry Perryman (with ball) played a serviceable game in defense for the Giants. He had 7 disposals including 7 tackles. Photo: Jodie Newell
Things didn’t look any better after the half-time break for the GWS as Richmond continued to control the game. The Tigers booted three goals, whilst for the Giants, Sam Reid and Zac Williams kept alive a very faint hope that somehow they could get back in the game. The fourth quarter was simply stunning. Again the Tigers had their chances to ice the game with early, easy set-shots, yet again they were missed. With the door left open the famous “Orange Tsunami” style of play from the likes of Tom Scully, Dylan Shiel, Lachie Whitfield, Callam Ward and Josh Kelly began their awesome speed and rolling movement football. The Giants slammed on 5 goals to Richmond’s 5 behinds. Goal scorers for the Giants included youngster Tim Taranto who was only playing his 8th game for the team. New recruit and former Fremantle forward Matt De Boer also chipped in with a crucial goal when it mattered. The Giants players all ran to congratulate him a after he booted his first goal for his new team.
A diving Giant. Zac Williams desperate for the ball as Daniel Rioli looks on. Photo: Jodie Newell
The final 90 seconds were dramatic. First gamer for Richmond in Shai Bolton looked like he had kicked a dream debut winning goal, but thanks to the score review system, the ball was clearly touched by Giants defenders and deemed a behind. With time ticking away the Giants were 3 points behind. They needed to go the shortest way possible to goal to have any chance of winning. The dream finish began with Nathan Wilson booting a massive kick out to the centre of the ground, where amazingly GWS co-skipper Phil Davis was able to fist the ball in a packed contest towards the Giants centre half forward position. With the ball rolling forward, Shane Mumford scooped up the ball and had options in Jeremy Cameron or Toby Greene to his left to handpass the ball to. He chose Cameron, who then coolly slotted home the winning goal with a left foot running shot. With seconds remaining the Giants were able to hold out the Tigers and take such an improbable win. The GWS fans roared with excitement as the siren rang out, whilst the Tiger players could only hang their heads and feel utter rejection after seeing yet another possible win slip through their grasp.
The GWS belted out a solid rendition of their club song after a thrilling 3 point win over Richmond. Photo: Jodie Newell
Giants coach Leon Cameron made it clear that he thought Richmond were the better side and were deserving of the win. Yet he was full of praise in the way his team kept fighting and kept their resolve to find themselves in a winning position. .
GWS coach Leon Cameron thought Richmond were the better side, but was pleased how his team never gave up. Photo: Jodie Newell
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick was obviously crushed by the loss post-gane, but he was of the belief that the Tigers were a much better team in 2017 and they would find a way to win.
Hard to swallow. Consecutive last minute losses for Tigers coach Damien Hardwick. Photo: Jodie Newell
The Greater Western Sydney Giants travel to Western Australia on Sunday to play the West Coast Eagles at Subiaco. The Giants (7-2) are currently equal top on percentage with the Adelaide Crows. Richmond (5-4) are currently 7th on the AFL table and return to Melbourne to play Essendon at the MCG on Saturday night
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 1.2 4.5 6.9 11.12 (78)
RICHMOND 6.3 7.8 10.10 10.15 (75)
GOALS
Greater Western Sydney: Cameron 3, Reid 2, Scully, Lobb, Williams, Greene, Taranto, de Boer
Richmond: Riewoldt 2, Menadue 2, Cotchin 2, Castagna 2, Grigg, Lloyd
BEST
Greater Western Sydney: Shiel, Kelly, Cameron
Richmond: Martin, Cotchin, Ellis
INJURIES
Greater Western Sydney: Rory Lobb (groin)
Richmond: –
Reports: No Reports
Umpires: Leigh Fisher, Justin Schmitt, Robert Findlay
VERDICT: A good job. Like last week, the umpires were hardly noticeable. The score review system worked but it needs major tweaking. Surely there are some boffins who could solve this crucial issue.
Official crowd: 10,677 at Sydney Showgrounds (Spotless Stadium), Homebush
