WA star and former Docker Jesse Hogan has brought his career resurgence into finals, spearheading the Giants’ powerful first half against Sydney.
The Coleman medallist sent an early storm warning in the battle of the bridge, slamming home the first two majors of the second qualifying final at the SCG.
His first came off the back of a crucial contest clearance on the Giants’ defensive 50.
Greater Western Sydney burst through the corridor as Hogan left his defender in his wake to take a simple mark 50 metres from goal.
He faked a handoff before wheeling around and roosting the Sherrin through the big sticks.
His next was just as good.
Working in the goal square and surrounded on all sides, the haulking 195cm forward crafted a clever shot on goal.
And, despite a review, he had somehow managed to keep the ball under the first smother as well as getting it over the second.
The Giants had three on the board before the Swans finally got on the board, but some glaring errors in front of goal in the late stages of the first term and early moments of the second left the door open for the minor premiers.
James Rowbottem finished off a special snap to get the Swans on the board, while Will Hayward was just as spectacular with a kick gather and bender to fan the flames of hope.
However, five goals to three the Giant’s way gave the visitors a handy 21-point lead at halftime.
The contest was fierce across the ground as the crosstown rivals put their bodies on the line, and agitators such as Tom Papley sparked spot fires with tempers spilling over during the first break.
Source Agencies
