Jeremy Cameron and Harry Himmelberg unstoppable as Giants dismantle Collingwood
The undermanned GWS Giants have used a barnstorming opening quarter to enhance its chances of securing a top four spot with a big win over Collingwood.
Coming into the match without stars such as Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward, the Giants kicked eight goals to one in the opening term to set the table for an eventual 19. 8. (122) to 11. 9. (75) win at GIANTS Stadium.
The Giants' dominance was built on the back off a terrific forward line combination between big duo Jeremy Cameron and Harry Himmelberg who kicked six and four goals, respectively.
In the absence of Kelly and Coniglio, Tim Taranto stood up once more with 31 disposals, while stand-in captain Toby Greene chipped in with 27 disposals and two goals.
Cameron and Himmelberg were unstoppable up forward with 10 goals straight between them AAP
It was a disappointing result for Collingwood who are now in grave danger of slipping out of the top four with a Friday night clash against the resurgent Tigers looming next week.
Star ruckman Brodie Grundy was again the Magpies' best player with 31 disposals, 48 hit-outs, nine tackles and a goal.
It was Collingwood's heaviest loss of the season and the first time this year they have conceded more than 100 points. GWS won 19 more contested more possessions and finished just four-points shy of their club record first-quarter score.
The early goal feast then turned into a famine for the Giants as a chastened Collingwood fought their way back in the second quarter,
Defensive runner Zac Williams performed well in a midfield role in the absence of Kelly and Coniglio AAP
They had 12 more inside 50s, but clawed back just seven points by halftime, with Ben Crocker kicking both their goals.
Collingwood trimmed the deficit to 30 points only to concede a last-minute goal to Himmelberg, who joined his tall forward colleagues on three majors by halftime.
In the third quarter Sam Reid goaled after 40 seconds for the Giants, but the Pies responded with back-to-back majors.
However, three straight Giants goals blew their lead out to 46 points in the third term.
Collingwood regrouped to bridge the gap to 28 early in the final quarter but GWS notched the next four goals, including the first for ruckman Dawson Simpson in his 17th appearance.
MORE TO COME
