{"id":4468,"date":"2019-03-24T22:50:58","date_gmt":"2019-03-24T22:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/newellmediagroup.com\/wp\/?p=4468"},"modified":"2019-03-26T10:49:40","modified_gmt":"2019-03-26T10:49:40","slug":"don-day-afternoon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newellmediagroup.com\/wp\/?p=4468","title":{"rendered":"Don Day Afternoon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Season 2019 has started disastrously for the Essendon Bombers as the Greater Western Sydney Giants pummeled their opposition into the ground with a commanding 72 point victory at Giants Stadium on Sunday. The game was played in classic Sydney late summer humidity which appeared to have sapped the Essendon team who struggled throughout the day to gain any kind of momentum. It was a heartening opening round performance by the Giants after a disappointing finals ending in 2018. Coupled with the loss of key players in Dylan Shiel, Tom Scully and Rory Lobb many thought the Giants wouldn’t be as spectacular without those names. The exact opposite occurred with the GWS playing an exciting brand of running football, solid pressure in the defensive zones and consistent scoreboard pressure<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whilst Dylan Shiel picked up 25 disposals it wasn’t the kind of “homecoming” he would have enjoyed. Photo: Jodie Newell<\/em>

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Former Giant Dylan Shiel had an indifferent return to Western Sydney but was one of the few standouts for Essendon. For the Giants, Stephen Coniglio was outstanding. In his usual non assuming self, Coniglio picked up 31 disposals, 7 tackles and three goals. It was one of his best games for the club, his presence around the contest and the constant pressure he applied was one of the key reasons why the Giants won so convincingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stephen Coniglio played a fantastic game for the Giants Photo: Jodie Newell<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Essendon did have their chances earlier in the game. The won the early clearance count 13-4 but were unable to capitalize and missed critical goal scoring opportunities posting only 4 behinds for the first quarter. Greater Western Sydney managed 3 goals in the first term and increased their lead by 33 points at the main break. Lachie Keeffe played an unexpected cameo booting 3 goals for the day. Usually in a defensive role, Keefe was moved forward after copping a nasty knock to his legs. His day looked over, however he returned with strapping and slotted home 3 goals in his best game for the club so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Great to be back Dawson Simpson was happy to be playing footy again. Photo: Jodie Newell<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the ruck Dawson Simpson made a welcome return to the field after experiencing a very disappointing end to season 2018. Dawson missed out on the finals campaign though injury. On Sunday he relished his opportunity, He matched a tough opponent in Tom Bell Chambers, but he was also quick to give support to his teammates around the ground, applauding the one percenters, or back slapping a mate after a solid contested ball. It was another pleasing aspect of the Giants win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A great example of the rucking duels between Simpson & Bell – Chambers. Photo: Jodie Newell<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Giants completely closed out Essendon in the second half. The Bombers definitely struggled with the energy sapping, humid conditions which didn’t drop below 28\u02da for the majority of the game. Tim Taranto, Jeremy Cameron and Daniel Lloyd kicked 8 goals amongst each other and made the most of their opportunities either from set shots or from crumbing the pack. For Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell, Dylan Shiel and Tom Bell-Chambers worked hard on pretty awful day for the Dons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Big Big Sound was back in the West of the town. Photo: Jodie Newell<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n