Extreme winds in Canberra have failed to derail Greater Western Sydney, with the Giants running out 31-point AFL victors over Fremantle.

The football was scrappy during on Saturday afternoon’s the round-four clash at UNSW Oval and goals never came easy, but GWS’ power and class stood out in the 11.16 (82) to 7.9 (51) win.

Fremantle made the early running to go into the first break with a surprise eight-point lead, but the Giants powered away to a 3-1 record with seven goals to two during the second and third terms.

The Dockers hit back early in the final quarter through Brandon Matera’s second goal and Bailey Banfield’s first major of his young AFL career.

But a brilliant snap from the dangerous Toby Greene midway through the final term steadied the Giants back out to a 19-point lead, as rain started and thwarted a Fremantle comeback.

Greene finished with two goals and played a key role in three others in a typically threatening display, while Giants co-captain Callan Ward ran riot with a dominant midfield performance.

Veteran Brett Deledio played his best game in Giants colours with 26 possessions, while defender Nick Haynes and star midfielders Stephen Coniglio and Dylan Shiel were in good touch.

Former Western Bulldogs captain Ryan Griffen made an inspirational return after more than a year out of the Giants’ team with persistent ankle injuries.

The 31-year-old made an immediate impact by kicking the first goal of the game and was swamped by his GWS teammates. Griffen didn’t have a lot of the ball but added another major at the start of the second quarter.

Lachie Neale, Stephen Hill and veteran David Mundy worked hard for the Dockers, while captain Nat Fyfe provided a highlight with a brilliant goal on the halftime siren.