1. Cameron fires on return
After missing the first month of the season through suspension, Jeremy Cameron seemed to have a point to prove against St Kilda in his first game of 2016. The Giants missed Cameron in his stint on the sidelines, and he might have made the difference in their two tight losses to Melbourne and the Sydney Swans. But Cameron didn't have to wait too long to get into the action on Sunday in the Giants' 47-point win over St Kilda, kicking two first-quarter goals to propel his team ahead. He booted another two in the second quarter as well, giving everyone a reminder of his status as the club's spearhead. Although a little quieter after the half-time break, he saluted for his fifth goal in the final quarter as the Giants ran away with the comfortable win.
2. Toby's time
In Greater Western Sydney's star-studded midfield it can be sometimes easy to overlook the grunt work of Toby Greene. His disposal by foot hurts him at times, but he brought his own ball to the Saints clash. Greene got things started for the Giants, gathering 11 disposals, six marks and six inside-50s in the first quarter alone, as well as booting a goal and taking a high mark. The midfielder continued to find the ball and hit the scoreboard in the second term, pinching a clever goal to further GWS' advantage. And Greene capitalised on his chances again in the last term to finish with a career-best bag of four goals to go with his 31 disposals and 10 inside-50s. Although he doesn't have the style of some of his teammates, Greene's work ethic and ability to find the ball are key traits in the Giants' mix.
3. Sloppy Saints
St Kilda couldn't match the Giants' 'run and gun' game through the middle of the ground but they won't be alone on that front – GWS will be too quick and slick for many teams this season (and beyond). But the Saints shot themselves in the foot many times with their ball use and delivery into the forward line. They sent the ball inside-50 just 10 times less but managed less than half of the marks in that area in comparison to the Giants (13 to six). The numbers highlight an inability to spot an easy target or find a teammate on the lead, and also show the Saints' reliance on Jack Billings to fill this role. The classy left-footer has taken great strides early in his third AFL season but was quieter on Sunday, sending the ball inside-50 only four times from nine kicks.
Nathan Wilson with pace!
— AFL (@AFL) April 24, 2016
He takes the game on and the @GWSGiants are rewarded with a goal. #ohwhatafeeling https://t.co/gbSMKPhLe6
4. Riewoldt leads the No.1s
It was a quiet day at Etihad Stadium for most of the five No.1 draft picks, but the most senior of the lot led the way. Saints captain Nick Riewoldt, who was the first selection at the 2000 NAB AFL Draft, continued his stellar start to his 16th season. Playing further up the ground, he found 25 disposals, 11 marks and kicked four goals in a typically instrumental display until he left the field late in the third term with a foot injury. He spent time in the rooms getting the problem assessed before returning to the ground in the fourth quarter, when he kicked his final goal. Riewoldt edged out Tom Scully (30 disposals) as the best of the five No.1 picks in the game, including teammate Paddy McCartin (first pick in 2014) and opponents Scully (2009), Jonathan Patton (2011) and Lachie Whitfield (2012).
After a lull in play, the Saints are finally on the march! #AFLSaintsGiants https://t.co/An8VMXYxDG
— AFL (@AFL) April 24, 2016
5. Battle of the big men
Rory Lobb's emergence as a marking target in attack for the Giants has offered Leon Cameron a new avenue to goal, but long-term he looks to be one of the best ruck prospects in the competition. On Sunday he came up against another much improved big man in Tom Hickey, whose form this season has been central to St Kilda's more competitive efforts. Hickey entered the game against GWS averaging 35 hit-outs a match but couldn't keep that going, particularly after suffering a corked thigh in the second term. Hickey was limited thereafter which meant the Saints had to turn to Nick Riewoldt, Sam Gilbert and Tom Lee to pinch-hit at different stages. Lobb was quiet but his ruck partner Shane Mumford (31 hit-outs) enjoyed a solid outing as Hickey finished with 25 taps.
Welcome back to football @Jezzacameron! pic.twitter.com/YUyBgOpmK4
— AFL (@AFL) April 24, 2016