Match Preview: GIANTS vs Demons

By Bronte Kerr

WHERE AND WHEN: StarTrack Oval, Canberra, 2.10pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

In Round 1 the footy world witnessed the burgeoning talent of two of the competition’s up and coming sides.

The smiles said it all as the GIANTS and Demons both got a taste of what success in the AFL feels like.

Riding high off their respective wins, both sides will be determined to secure back to back wins, and go 2-0 on Saturday.

A new- look Demons defeated the Gold Coast Suns by 26 points on the weekend, scoring its first season- opening win in over 10 years.

Featuring seven of the club’s debutants, the Demons led convincingly at every change to record a 17.13 (115) to 13.11 (89) victory over the Suns.

The young side proved their worth after fending off a late surge of pressure from the Suns in the final quarter to secure the win.

Tom McDonald, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney and Heritier Lumumba were among the Demon’s best.

Gary Ablett put on a stunning display of football in the final quarter, slotting two consecutive goals, but it was a case of too little too late for the Suns skipper.

Meanwhile, the GWS GIANTS defeated St Kilda by 9 points at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The GIANTS led at every change, in spite of a late resurgence by the Saints that narrowed the score to 7 points.

A controversial late hit from GIANTS defender Tom Bugg in the final quarter on Nick Riewoldt soured what otherwise was proving to be an entertaining contest.

Dylan Shiel, Jeremy Cameron, Shane Mumford and Callan Ward were among the GIANTS best.

Talking Points

1.     The battle of two bulls- Jamar vs. Mummy

Saturday’s game will see two of the most experienced ruckmen in the competition take  centre stage to battle it out for the ball.

Melbourne ruck man Mark Jamar sang high praise for Shane Mumford, ahead of their clash on Saturday afternoon.

“He’s got the complete package. He can go forward and take a mark. His ruckwork is exceptional because he’s so strong and he’s big and he can also jump,” Jamar told AFL.com.au.

The 199cm, 108 kg big man for the GIANTS was instrumental in the club’s narrow win over the Saints, notably, his chemistry with midfielder Dylan Shiel.

Jamar is no stranger to success himself, playing a key role in the Demons 26 point win over the sorry Suns.

The 31–year–old came out with all guns blazing in the first half of the game, dominating in the ruck against his less experienced opponents Zac Smith and Daniel Gorringe. 

Shane Mumford and Mark Jamar compete in a ruck contest during the 2014 season, Image: AFL Media

2. Demons new found depth

In recent seasons, the Demons have been forced to scrape the bottom of the barrel for men to put forward a side.

Often, this would mean including players who were by no standards fit or ready to play a game of senior footy.

This year promises to be different with the Demons having the added comfort of fresh legs on the sideline.

Key forward Chris Dawes and on-baller Bernie Vince are likely inclusions for the side, with Dawes returning from suspension and Vince overcoming a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, former captain Jack Grimes and midfielder Matt Jones will be looking to secure some playing time after not being included in the Round 1 side.

Roos and the Demons will face a number of tough decisions at the selection table ahead of their clash with the GIANTS.

3.     Cameron to make a GIANT impact up forward

The demons backline have a big task ahead of them if they intend to nullify the impact of GIANTS formidable forward, Jeremy Cameron.

In his breakout year, Cameron was named All Australian, boasted 62 goals and won the GIANTS best and fairest.

The young forward overcame injury and persistent media attention regarding his contract status in 2014 to lead the club’s goal kicking for the season.

Cameron once again turned heads when he slotted five goals against the Bloods in the final round of the NAB Challenge.

Cameron’s consistent performance continued when he kicked a further four goals in the GIANTS Round 1 win against the Saints.

The GIANTS forward line will be strengthened by the inclusion of up and coming forward Cam McCarthy who booted three goals for the GIANTS in their season opener.

 Cameron takes a mark during the 2015 NAB Challenge. Image: AFL Media

4. All Hail Hogan

All eyes were on Jesse Hogan last week when he made his highly anticipated debut after 906 days with the Melbourne Football Club.

Hogan lived up to expectations with the key forward slotting two goals in addition to taking seven marks (four of which were contested).

The young gun appeared unfazed by the constant media attention surrounding his debut, which culminated in the forward being compared to triple premiership player Jonathon Brown.

The jury is still out as to whether Hogan will handle the media pressure that comes with being a high profile player.

Hogan will be looking to build upon his performance last week against the GIANTS however may struggle to adjust to the conditions at StarTrack where there will be less room for the big forward to move.

LAST FIVE TIMES 
R21, 2014, GWS 15.8 (98) d Melbourne 3.16 (34) at the MCG
R3, 2014, GWS 10.19 (79) d Melbourne 7.5 (47) at Spotless Stadium
R19, 2013, GWS 19.10 (124) d Melbourne 12.15 (87) at Spotless Stadium
R4, 2013, Melbourne 22.12 (144) d GWS 15.13 (103) at the MCG
R21, 2012, Melbourne 11.18 (84) d GWS 9.5 (59) at StarTrack Oval 

Prediction: GIANTS by 10 points in a nail- biter.

The clash between the GIANTS and the Demons promises to be an exciting one. With both sides looking to build upon their first round wins, there won’t be much separating the two up and coming sides. The show down between ruck men Shane Mumford and Mark Jamar will be one to look forward to and may very well be the decisive factor in determining the end result of the game.