Quarter one - Melbourne 5.0.30 Giants 3.4.22

IT was an intense start to the game it was the GWS Giants who kicked the first goal through Tom Scully. A costly turnover from ex Giant Tom Bugg resulted in a goal to Devon Smith. After starting on the bench debutant Clayton Oliver come onto the ground at the seven-minute mark of the first quarter and imediatatley made an impact with a centre clearance. Veteran Bernie Vince put Melbourne’s first score on the board after earning a free kick in the forward pocket. Jack Watt’s impressed with silky skills and contested marks while small forward Jeff Garlett kicked a beauty from the boundary to put Melbourne within two points at the 16-minute mark. The Giants hits back through forward Rory Lobb after taking a contested mark in the forward fifty.

Melbourne again hit back with after great forward line pressure from Dean Kent forcing a turnover and James Harmes snapping a goal to put Melbourne within two points at quarter time. Utility Aaron vandenBerg showed his strength overhead taking a good contested mark and kicking a goal to put Melbourne in front for the first time. Melbourne gathered some momentum heading into the quarter time break through a great team goal finishing with Jeff Garlett. Jack Viney was again ferocious with his tackling setting the standard for the team.

Quarter two - Melbourne 5.4.34 Giants 6.8.44
The Giants got the first goal of the second quarter through some good team play finishing with ex Cat Steve Johnson from the Giants after taking it through the middle of the ground. Inaccurate kicking from the Giants certainly helped Melbourne to stay in the game early in the second quarter. What looked like to be a fair tackle from Jack Viney the umpiring rewarded Jack Steele with a free kick, which then resulted in a Giants goal. Callan Ward provided the Giants with their second goal of the quarter, with again some good run and spread from the Giants. Jack Viney is leadinfg the posessions with 20 touches while debutant Clayton Oliver has 17 touches.

Quarter three - Melbourne 6.5.41 Giants 8.14.62
The Giants were again costly in front of goal kicking four behinds. The first goal in the third quarter took until the 15 minute mark which came from some outstanding Melbourne pressure and resulted in a Dean Kent goal. The Giants hit back soon after with consecutive goals from Callan ward and Rory Lobb who has put Melbourne’s defence under pressure today. Max Gawn had the ball in his hands and kicking for a goal after the three quarter time siren sounded, but could only manage a behind.