NAB Challenge Recap: GIANTS vs. Saints

Pre-season football returned to Robertson Oval, and footy-loving Wagga was abuzz with excitement in the days leading up the match – the last of the AFL’s “18 games in 18 days” – with GWS GIANTS players conducting skill clinics, and visiting 18 schools and hospitals.

After the heavens opened on the morning of the match, the weather came to the party – along with 7944 fans – as blue skies broke through for the 4:40pm start.

Both sides were close to full strength, with the GIANTS naming senior recruits Heath Shaw, Dylan Addison, Josh Hunt, Shane Mumford, and Jed Lamb, and St Kilda including stars Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna, Lenny Hayes, and James Gwilt.

On a perfect surface, the contest was even at the outset, with the GIANTS edging ahead by one point at the first change.

But a blistering second quarter from the men in orange turned the match on its head, the GIANTS completely dominating, kicking a record five super goals, and surging to a remarkable 58-point lead at half-time.

After more than 200 local junior footballers got a chance to play Auskick on the ground during the interval, GIANTS Kevin Sheedy Medallist Jeremy Cameron kicking consective majors in the opening stages of the third term, to effectively put the match to bed.

The teams traded goals from that point forward, with the final score of 7.11.10.139 to 0.10.11.71 the biggest winning margin in the GIANTS’ short history.

For a full match report, as well as video highlights, visit gwsgiants.com.au.

Below: a selection of shots from the day, for the full album head to the AFL NSW/ACT Facebook page.