MATCH REPORT
Greater Western Sydney have overcome the loss of ruckman Kieren Briggs to a neck injury to open their AFL season with a 52-point hammering of an inaccurate Collingwood.
Star midfielder Finn Callaghan was a dominant figure for the Giants in their hard-fought 15.14 (104) to 6.16 (52) victory in energy-sapping conditions at Engie Stadium on Sunday.
But there is concern for Briggs, who was pushed under the ball by opponent Darcy Cameron in a marking contest and went head-first into teammate Sam Taylor’s hip. There did not appear any malice in the first-quarter incident, after which Briggs was driven off the ground and taken to hospital for further assessment.
GWS defender Taylor kicked the first goal of the match - his first since 2019 - courtesy of a 50-metre penalty against Dan McStay, and the Giants were up by four points when Briggs was hurt late in the first quarter.
The lead quickly ballooned to 22 points when the home side slammed on three quick goals in time-on, sparked by Brown’s brilliant snap from the pocket.
The Giants kept their noses in front all match, responding with three straight of their own to lead by 23 points at the main break and 26 at three-quarter time, as a wasteful Collingwood dominated territory during the third term but managed just 0.5.
That’s it for live coverage, folks. Thanks for your company this arvo and enjoy the remainder of your Sunday night.
GWS has kickstarted its season
— TheRealAFL2.0 (@TheRealAFL2020) March 9, 2025
with a comprehensive 52-point win
over Collingwood at Engie Stadium
on Sunday afternoon! 🟠 #OpeningRound #AFLGiantsPies #afl pic.twitter.com/lfUtQZ6iU7
