Stringer the super sub as Giants come back to beat Suns
GWS have held on for a seven-point win in a captivating shootout with Gold Coast to reassert their status as genuine finals contenders.
Jake Stringer, the substitute on return from a hamstring injury, kicked the match-winning goal at Engie Stadium to set up the 16.10 (106) to 14.15 (99) win on Sunday.
The Suns had looked set to cruise to an easy victory after slamming through the opening four goals, but the Giants stayed true to their 'never surrender' attitude.
JAKE STRINGER 🤯#AFLGiantsSuns pic.twitter.com/KR40OHgpGU— AFL (@AFL) June 22, 2025
With 22 points the deficit at the final change, Adam Kingsley's men opened the fourth quarter with four-straight goals.
It was 50-gamer Aaron Cadman's third major of the afternoon that launched the Giants ahead for the first time, earning a two-point lead.
But a maturing Suns outfit remained determined, and Brayden Fiorini responded to restore the visitors' lead.
Substitute Stringer, in his first game since round nine, then proved his quality to restore the lead for the Giants with a dribbling ball from the right pocket.
He later helped seal the deal with another from the opposite pocket in the 28th minute of the quarter.
The Giants hold onto their top-eight spot (9-6) with their fifth-straight win over the Suns, their 15th overall since the two expansion clubs' inaugural 2012 season.
Gold Coast, who have yet to make a finals series, have dropped out to ninth (8-5) through three consecutive loss.
Suns captain Noah Anderson orchestrated their early dominance, and finished with a game-high 15 score involvements from 42 disposals and seven clearances.
He was well supported by Touk Miller (37 disposals, seven clearances, two goals) and Matt Rowell (34, four).
Tom Green led the way for the Giants with 30 disposals and 16 clearances, while Lachie Ash had 33 touches.
Ash was without his defensive partner Lachie Whitfield, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter.
Attempting to salvage a mismeasured kick by teammate Toby Bedford, Whitfield was involved in a side-on collision with Suns forward Ben King.
Whitfield was then replaced by Stringer in the second quarter.
GWS were already without Whitfield's fellow All-Australian backman Sam Taylor (foot).
The Suns took advantage of Taylor and Whitfield's absence, slamming through four-straight goals in 16 minutes before the Giants managed their first score - two Jake Riccardi goals - in the opening quarter.
Jesse Hogan reduced the deficit for the Giants after Suns defender Mac Andrew mistook a 'play on call' by a teammate and moved off his mark, giving away a 50-metre penalty.
Gold Coast took 23 inside-50 entries to 10 to finish with their highest-scoring first quarter of the season, leading 7.6 (48) to 4.1 (25).
The Giants lifted in the second term but could only kick two goals to one to reduce the deficit to 13 points.
GWS finally came alive when Cadman slotted his second of the afternoon to open the final quarter.
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Perth Now
an hour ago
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Deja vu for GWS coach after Giants come from the clouds
Fourth-quarter comebacks on home turf are shaping as a familiar tale for GWS coach Adam Kingsley after a comeback win over Gold Coast. The Suns slammed through the first four goals at Engie Stadium on Sunday, but Kingsley wasn't overly worried. A fortnight ago the Giants overcame a 28-point deficit against Richmond to win by three points. A third-quarter time message by Callan Ward, who had ruptured his ACL, proved pivotal. Staring down a 22-point difference on Sunday, Giants young gun Aaron Cadman kicked his second goal to spark another comeback. Cadman's goal was followed by seven more, with substitute Jake Stringer kicking the match-winner in their 16.10 (106) to 14.15 (99) victory. "I didn't have Wardy this time, that was the only difference," Kingsley said. "To be down at three-quarter time, our guys know that we've been able to do that in the past and so we built great confidence out of being able to do it. "But you've then got to go and do it against what was and is a really good team. "That doesn't mean we always do it, and we're going to make mistakes, of course, but when we put it together, I think we're a pretty good team." Sunday's clash was dubbed the biggest yet of the so-called Expansion Cup, given both of the AFL's youngest franchises were in the top eight. The match was played in front of 10,504 fans - the largest GWS home crowd against Gold Coast. The Giants are seventh (9-6) on the ladder heading into their round-16 bye, but the Suns dropped to ninth (8-5) after the Western Bulldogs thrashed Richmond on Sunday. "That naturally builds a little bit more emotion in the game," Kingsley said. "We understood this was an important game. We're playing against another top-eight team who are a really strong team. "We had a massive crowd, which suggests there's a sense that both of these teams are good teams. "Our job is to continue to ... build a rivalry that will last for a long period of time." Kingsley praised Stringer, who was the perfect foil to young key forward Cadman. Stringer was playing his first game since round nine after overcoming his second hamstring injury of the year. The 31-year-old kicked the match-winner, dribbling the ball in from the right pocket. Cadman tallied three goals in his 50th game. "Both those guys finished the work from the guys up the field, but it wasn't just the goals," Kingsley said. "Aaron had some really important contests he needed to have and he did that. "I thought Jake had some really important decisions up the field that needed to be made. "And certainly that last one, where he booted the ball deep inside-50 and it turned at right angles and rolled out of bounds for a stoppage, was an incredible decision to make."
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Marcus Bontempelli has quickly returned to his brilliant best, leading the Western Bulldogs to a 79-point AFL demolition of lowly Richmond. The 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) cakewalk on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, coupled with GWS's win over Gold Coast, put the Bulldogs back in the top eight. Their highest score this season also brought an important percentage boost in the jostle for top-eight berths, especially as it follows last week's 72-point win over St Kilda. But the Bulldogs' day out was soured by another calf muscle problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, and a late hit to Lachlan McNeil, who appeared to be in pain from a shoulder complaint. Ahead of his contract talks ramping up this week, and his 250th-game on Friday night against Sydney, Bontempelli was best afield against the Tigers. The Bulldogs captain racked up 36 possessions — his highest for the season — and kicked three goals, after a hard tag from Marcus Windhager had restricted him to just 14 disposals last weekend against the Saints. About the only thing Bontempelli did wrong all game was an ill-considered attempt at a high mark late in the final quarter. In his third game since returning to the AFL, Treloar was subbed out before half time. The Bulldogs cited calf tightness. He later cut a dejected figure on the bench in what were sad images. Treloar has managed only four matches this season due to persistent calf troubles. Earlier this month, coach Luke Beveridge said the 32-year-old might only be available for three or four games at a time. Fellow Bulldogs James O'Donnell and McNeil also finished the game sore and on the bench. The Bulldogs led from the start and kept Richmond goalless from 20 minutes in the first quarter until six minute into the third. A seven-goal second term for the Bulldogs, when key forward Sam Darcy looked ready to kick a bag, killed off the game after the Tigers had been competitive in the first quarter. The Bulldogs kicked the opening goal of each quarter inside the first couple of minutes, setting the scene for their easy win. While Richmond more than doubled their tally with five goals in the final term, the Bulldogs still outscored them for the quarter. Darcy kicked five goals and at the other end, Richmond key forward Tom Lynch led his team's scoring with three. Veteran Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin also impressed, with 28 possessions, while midfielders Ed Richards, Tom Liberatore and Matt Kennedy shone for the Bulldogs.
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an hour ago
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Stringer the super sub as Giants come back to beat Suns
GWS have held on for a seven-point win in a captivating shootout with Gold Coast to reassert their status as genuine finals contenders. Jake Stringer, the substitute on return from a hamstring injury, kicked the match-winning goal at Engie Stadium to set up the 16.10 (106) to 14.15 (99) win on Sunday. The Suns had looked set to cruise to an easy victory after slamming through the opening four goals, but the Giants stayed true to their 'never surrender' attitude. With 22 points the deficit at the final change, Adam Kingsley's men opened the fourth quarter with four straight majors. It was 50-gamer Aaron Cadman's third of the afternoon that launched the Giants ahead for the first time, earning a two-point margin. But a maturing Suns outfit remained determined, and Brayden Fiorini responded to restore the visitors' lead. Substitute Stringer, in his first game since round nine, then proved his quality to restore the advantage for the Giants with a dribbling ball from the right pocket. He later helped seal the deal with another from the opposite pocket in the 28th minute of the quarter. The Giants hold onto their top-eight spot (9-6) with their fifth-straight win over the Suns, their 15th overall since the two expansion clubs' inaugural 2012 season. Sunday's meeting was the first time both the league's youngest teams were in the top eight. Gold Coast, who have yet to make a finals series, have dropped out to ninth (8-5) through three consecutive losses, but have played at least one game less than all the teams above them. "In theory, they're (Gold Coast) sitting third or fourth on the ladder in games in lieu," Kingsley said. "To come away with a victory that maybe didn't look likely halfway through the first quarter, particularly, was quite emotional." Suns coach Damien Hardwick, Kingsley's former mentor, was left "just flat". "We did a lot right throughout the night," Hardwick said. "Unfortunately, when push comes to shove in big games like today, you've got to nail those moments and we just didn't." Suns captain Noah Anderson orchestrated their early dominance, and finished with a game-high 15 score involvements from 42 disposals and seven clearances. He was well supported by Touk Miller (37 disposals, seven clearances, two goals) and Matt Rowell (34, four). Tom Green led the way for the Giants with 30 disposals and 16 clearances, while Lachie Ash had 33 touches. Ash was without his defensive partner Lachie Whitfield, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter. Attempting to salvage a mismeasured kick by teammate Toby Bedford, Whitfield was involved in a side-on collision with Suns forward Ben King. Whitfield was replaced by Stringer in the second quarter. GWS were already without Whitfield's fellow All-Australian backman Sam Taylor (foot). The Suns took advantage of Taylor and Whitfield's absence, slamming through four-straight goals in 16 minutes before the Giants managed their first score - two Jake Riccardi goals - in the opening quarter. Jesse Hogan reduced the deficit for the Giants after Suns defender Mac Andrew mistook a 'play on call' by a teammate and moved off his mark, giving away a 50-metre penalty. Gold Coast took 23 inside-50 entries to 10 to finish with their highest-scoring first quarter of the season, leading 7.6 (48) to 4.1 (25). The Giants lifted in the second term but could only kick two goals to one to reduce the deficit to 13 points. GWS finally came alive when Cadman slotted his second of the afternoon to open the final quarter. GWS have held on for a seven-point win in a captivating shootout with Gold Coast to reassert their status as genuine finals contenders. Jake Stringer, the substitute on return from a hamstring injury, kicked the match-winning goal at Engie Stadium to set up the 16.10 (106) to 14.15 (99) win on Sunday. The Suns had looked set to cruise to an easy victory after slamming through the opening four goals, but the Giants stayed true to their 'never surrender' attitude. With 22 points the deficit at the final change, Adam Kingsley's men opened the fourth quarter with four straight majors. It was 50-gamer Aaron Cadman's third of the afternoon that launched the Giants ahead for the first time, earning a two-point margin. But a maturing Suns outfit remained determined, and Brayden Fiorini responded to restore the visitors' lead. Substitute Stringer, in his first game since round nine, then proved his quality to restore the advantage for the Giants with a dribbling ball from the right pocket. He later helped seal the deal with another from the opposite pocket in the 28th minute of the quarter. The Giants hold onto their top-eight spot (9-6) with their fifth-straight win over the Suns, their 15th overall since the two expansion clubs' inaugural 2012 season. Sunday's meeting was the first time both the league's youngest teams were in the top eight. Gold Coast, who have yet to make a finals series, have dropped out to ninth (8-5) through three consecutive losses, but have played at least one game less than all the teams above them. "In theory, they're (Gold Coast) sitting third or fourth on the ladder in games in lieu," Kingsley said. "To come away with a victory that maybe didn't look likely halfway through the first quarter, particularly, was quite emotional." Suns coach Damien Hardwick, Kingsley's former mentor, was left "just flat". "We did a lot right throughout the night," Hardwick said. "Unfortunately, when push comes to shove in big games like today, you've got to nail those moments and we just didn't." Suns captain Noah Anderson orchestrated their early dominance, and finished with a game-high 15 score involvements from 42 disposals and seven clearances. He was well supported by Touk Miller (37 disposals, seven clearances, two goals) and Matt Rowell (34, four). Tom Green led the way for the Giants with 30 disposals and 16 clearances, while Lachie Ash had 33 touches. Ash was without his defensive partner Lachie Whitfield, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter. Attempting to salvage a mismeasured kick by teammate Toby Bedford, Whitfield was involved in a side-on collision with Suns forward Ben King. Whitfield was replaced by Stringer in the second quarter. GWS were already without Whitfield's fellow All-Australian backman Sam Taylor (foot). The Suns took advantage of Taylor and Whitfield's absence, slamming through four-straight goals in 16 minutes before the Giants managed their first score - two Jake Riccardi goals - in the opening quarter. Jesse Hogan reduced the deficit for the Giants after Suns defender Mac Andrew mistook a 'play on call' by a teammate and moved off his mark, giving away a 50-metre penalty. Gold Coast took 23 inside-50 entries to 10 to finish with their highest-scoring first quarter of the season, leading 7.6 (48) to 4.1 (25). The Giants lifted in the second term but could only kick two goals to one to reduce the deficit to 13 points. GWS finally came alive when Cadman slotted his second of the afternoon to open the final quarter. GWS have held on for a seven-point win in a captivating shootout with Gold Coast to reassert their status as genuine finals contenders. Jake Stringer, the substitute on return from a hamstring injury, kicked the match-winning goal at Engie Stadium to set up the 16.10 (106) to 14.15 (99) win on Sunday. The Suns had looked set to cruise to an easy victory after slamming through the opening four goals, but the Giants stayed true to their 'never surrender' attitude. With 22 points the deficit at the final change, Adam Kingsley's men opened the fourth quarter with four straight majors. It was 50-gamer Aaron Cadman's third of the afternoon that launched the Giants ahead for the first time, earning a two-point margin. But a maturing Suns outfit remained determined, and Brayden Fiorini responded to restore the visitors' lead. Substitute Stringer, in his first game since round nine, then proved his quality to restore the advantage for the Giants with a dribbling ball from the right pocket. He later helped seal the deal with another from the opposite pocket in the 28th minute of the quarter. The Giants hold onto their top-eight spot (9-6) with their fifth-straight win over the Suns, their 15th overall since the two expansion clubs' inaugural 2012 season. Sunday's meeting was the first time both the league's youngest teams were in the top eight. Gold Coast, who have yet to make a finals series, have dropped out to ninth (8-5) through three consecutive losses, but have played at least one game less than all the teams above them. "In theory, they're (Gold Coast) sitting third or fourth on the ladder in games in lieu," Kingsley said. "To come away with a victory that maybe didn't look likely halfway through the first quarter, particularly, was quite emotional." Suns coach Damien Hardwick, Kingsley's former mentor, was left "just flat". "We did a lot right throughout the night," Hardwick said. "Unfortunately, when push comes to shove in big games like today, you've got to nail those moments and we just didn't." Suns captain Noah Anderson orchestrated their early dominance, and finished with a game-high 15 score involvements from 42 disposals and seven clearances. He was well supported by Touk Miller (37 disposals, seven clearances, two goals) and Matt Rowell (34, four). Tom Green led the way for the Giants with 30 disposals and 16 clearances, while Lachie Ash had 33 touches. Ash was without his defensive partner Lachie Whitfield, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter. Attempting to salvage a mismeasured kick by teammate Toby Bedford, Whitfield was involved in a side-on collision with Suns forward Ben King. Whitfield was replaced by Stringer in the second quarter. GWS were already without Whitfield's fellow All-Australian backman Sam Taylor (foot). The Suns took advantage of Taylor and Whitfield's absence, slamming through four-straight goals in 16 minutes before the Giants managed their first score - two Jake Riccardi goals - in the opening quarter. Jesse Hogan reduced the deficit for the Giants after Suns defender Mac Andrew mistook a 'play on call' by a teammate and moved off his mark, giving away a 50-metre penalty. Gold Coast took 23 inside-50 entries to 10 to finish with their highest-scoring first quarter of the season, leading 7.6 (48) to 4.1 (25). The Giants lifted in the second term but could only kick two goals to one to reduce the deficit to 13 points. GWS finally came alive when Cadman slotted his second of the afternoon to open the final quarter.
