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.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
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. 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." 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. 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." 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. 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."
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'A mile off September' - Bulldogs face Swans test next
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Well I think so - we think that every week," Beveridge said. "Ultimately to get anywhere and achieve anything as the season rolls on, we're going to need to beat these teams above us. "In the past, Sydney have come at us really hard. As much as they're below us on the ladder, you can sense that they're coming. "They have a little bit of momentum, so we won't think they're below us on the ladder by any means." Tempering Sunday's win was another calf problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, who was subbed out before half time. He has only managed four senior games this season because of injury. "For us to sub him out that early in the game, there's a degree of significant concern," Beveridge said. "I picked that up pretty quickly. No one's allowed to hobble, it doesn't matter who they are." 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The response was OK in the second half, but the second quarter flattened us pretty bad. "We have to dig in and understand why we lost spirit so easily in that second quarter. I'd be more worried if we turned our toes up and didn't try in the last half." The Tigers are second-bottom and are on a five-game losing streak. Yze said the only solution was to get back to work this week ahead of next Sunday's MCG match against Adelaide. "All we look to is Adelaide and that's all we can do," he said. Tigers defender Nick Vlastuin continued his impressive form, despite a couple of heavy knocks, while Tom Lynch kicked three goals. Before they try to break their duck against teams above them on the AFL ladder, the Western Bulldogs are wary of the threat from below. Sunday's 79-point belting of Richmond, coupled with the huge win over St Kilda the week before, were two quick kills for the Bulldogs ahead of what looms as Friday night's more searching test against the resurgent Sydney at the SCG. While the 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) defeat of the Tigers at Marvel Stadium was the Bulldogs' largest score of the season and returned them to the top eight, they are yet to claim a major scalp. And coach Luke Beveridge is well aware the Swans, two games below them, are coming after Saturday's important away win over Port Adelaide. When asked a speculative question post-game about the finals, Beveridge retorted: "We are a mile off September ... you're not going to catch me out talking about September." "Will we be a team that is capable of beating anyone at the end of the year? Well I think so - we think that every week," Beveridge said. "Ultimately to get anywhere and achieve anything as the season rolls on, we're going to need to beat these teams above us. "In the past, Sydney have come at us really hard. As much as they're below us on the ladder, you can sense that they're coming. "They have a little bit of momentum, so we won't think they're below us on the ladder by any means." Tempering Sunday's win was another calf problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, who was subbed out before half time. He has only managed four senior games this season because of injury. "For us to sub him out that early in the game, there's a degree of significant concern," Beveridge said. "I picked that up pretty quickly. No one's allowed to hobble, it doesn't matter who they are." As his contract talks ramp up, captain Marcus Bontempelli was best afield with 36 possessions - his highest tally this season - and three goals, while key forward Sam Darcy also starred with five majors. The Bulldogs tore Richmond apart with seven goals to none in the second term and while Beveridge was less than impressed with the Tigers' second-half rally, he described the win as "satisfying". He is optimistic James O'Donnell (groin) and Lachie McNeil (neck) will play against Sydney after being injured late on Sunday. Beveridge was particularly pleased with his side's scoring potency, noting attack has been their problem in a season in which their largest losing margin has only been 22 points. "We're not worried about courage and contest and the defensive side, it is offence that we continue to need to tidy up against the better sides," he said. Richmond coach Adem Yze lamented his team's poor second term. "You could sense that it had ripped the heart out of our team. The response was OK in the second half, but the second quarter flattened us pretty bad. "We have to dig in and understand why we lost spirit so easily in that second quarter. I'd be more worried if we turned our toes up and didn't try in the last half." The Tigers are second-bottom and are on a five-game losing streak. Yze said the only solution was to get back to work this week ahead of next Sunday's MCG match against Adelaide. "All we look to is Adelaide and that's all we can do," he said. Tigers defender Nick Vlastuin continued his impressive form, despite a couple of heavy knocks, while Tom Lynch kicked three goals. Before they try to break their duck against teams above them on the AFL ladder, the Western Bulldogs are wary of the threat from below. Sunday's 79-point belting of Richmond, coupled with the huge win over St Kilda the week before, were two quick kills for the Bulldogs ahead of what looms as Friday night's more searching test against the resurgent Sydney at the SCG. While the 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) defeat of the Tigers at Marvel Stadium was the Bulldogs' largest score of the season and returned them to the top eight, they are yet to claim a major scalp. And coach Luke Beveridge is well aware the Swans, two games below them, are coming after Saturday's important away win over Port Adelaide. When asked a speculative question post-game about the finals, Beveridge retorted: "We are a mile off September ... you're not going to catch me out talking about September." "Will we be a team that is capable of beating anyone at the end of the year? Well I think so - we think that every week," Beveridge said. "Ultimately to get anywhere and achieve anything as the season rolls on, we're going to need to beat these teams above us. "In the past, Sydney have come at us really hard. As much as they're below us on the ladder, you can sense that they're coming. "They have a little bit of momentum, so we won't think they're below us on the ladder by any means." Tempering Sunday's win was another calf problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar, who was subbed out before half time. He has only managed four senior games this season because of injury. "For us to sub him out that early in the game, there's a degree of significant concern," Beveridge said. "I picked that up pretty quickly. No one's allowed to hobble, it doesn't matter who they are." As his contract talks ramp up, captain Marcus Bontempelli was best afield with 36 possessions - his highest tally this season - and three goals, while key forward Sam Darcy also starred with five majors. The Bulldogs tore Richmond apart with seven goals to none in the second term and while Beveridge was less than impressed with the Tigers' second-half rally, he described the win as "satisfying". He is optimistic James O'Donnell (groin) and Lachie McNeil (neck) will play against Sydney after being injured late on Sunday. Beveridge was particularly pleased with his side's scoring potency, noting attack has been their problem in a season in which their largest losing margin has only been 22 points. "We're not worried about courage and contest and the defensive side, it is offence that we continue to need to tidy up against the better sides," he said. Richmond coach Adem Yze lamented his team's poor second term. "You could sense that it had ripped the heart out of our team. The response was OK in the second half, but the second quarter flattened us pretty bad. "We have to dig in and understand why we lost spirit so easily in that second quarter. I'd be more worried if we turned our toes up and didn't try in the last half." The Tigers are second-bottom and are on a five-game losing streak. Yze said the only solution was to get back to work this week ahead of next Sunday's MCG match against Adelaide. "All we look to is Adelaide and that's all we can do," he said. Tigers defender Nick Vlastuin continued his impressive form, despite a couple of heavy knocks, while Tom Lynch kicked three goals.
Courier-Mail
4 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
‘What else is he meant to do?': GWS gun taken out in brutal bump
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. GWS Giants star Lachie Whitfield got cleaned up by a brutal bump against the Gold Coast Suns, but Suns spearhead Ben King is expected to escape punishment for the hit. The incident occurred late in the first quarter of the clash between two AFL expansion sides on Sunday afternoon in Sydney, as GWS claimed a thrilling seven-point win. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. A bouncing ball made its way towards Whitfield, but before he could collect it, King knocked Whitfield over with a heavy hip and shoulder. Whitfield was taken down to the Giants changerooms and was ruled out of the game with concussion, replaced by substitute Jake Stringer in the second quarter. Fox Footy's Alastair Lynch said: 'Ben King comes in and certainly his left shoulder hits Lachie Whitfield in the jaw and he goes down. Watch the bump on Lachie Whitfield in the video above Lachie Whitfield got crunched by Ben King. Photo: Fox Footy. Lachie Whitfield got crunched by Ben King. Photo: Fox Footy. 'He stayed out on the ground but he was assessed by video and they got him off the ground. 'I think Ben King should be right with that one. He was looking to protect the ball with his body and he hits Lachie Whitfield at the same time.' Fox Footy Tribunal expert David Zita said: 'Ben King was contesting the ball reasonably here, I think. He was running through the line. I don't know what else he was supposed to do in that situation. 'I don't think the action was a reportable offence. I don't see him having anything to worry about. What else is he meant to do?' Lachie Whitfield got crunched by Ben King. Photo: Fox Footy. The bump is certainly not dead — Geelong's Tom Stewart was cleared of any wrongdoing for his crunching bump on Gold Coast's Noah Anderson earlier this month. GWS recovered from a poor first quarter to claim a thrilling comeback win over the Suns to consolidate their position in the top eight. Gold Coast kicked four goals in the first four minutes of the game to take a big early lead, posting seven goals to four in a dominant opening quarter. But the Giants fought back and took the lead midway through the final quarter, kicking eight goals to three in the final term. 'It's a classic game, everybody is lifting,' Gerard Healy said on Fox Footy. Stringer and GWS captain Toby Greene kicked two goals each as the Giants surged in front in a highscoring final quarter, holding on to win 16.10 (106) to 14.15 (99). 'This is exactly why we got him here and he'll just get better,' Greene said about Stringer post-game. The Suns have never won at ENGIE Stadium in Sydney and will slip out of the top eight, while the Giants head to the bye after recording wins over Brisbane and Gold Coast. Originally published as 'What else is he meant to do?': GWS gun taken out in brutal bump
