GWS record biggest ever AFL win over Suns

Coach Leon Cameron believes Greater Western Sydney showed they’ve got the power to threaten any AFL side in Saturday’s 66-point thrashing of Gold Coast.

But ask him if that means they can make the finals, and his lips are firmly sealed.

The Anzac Day triumph at Canberra’s Star Track Oval was the Giants’ biggest since joining the competition in 2012, surpassing last year’s 64-point win over Melbourne.

It also brings their season record to 3-1, with last round’s narrow loss to cross-town rivals Sydney the only blemish.

“The games that we’ve won we’ve come in as favourites, which is a new pressure that the young lads have to deal with,” said Cameron.

“But I thought today’s performance was probably our first four-quarter performance for the year, which is really pleasing.”

Despite being the youngest of the two expansion teams, the Giants were too quick and organised for a floundering Suns outfit – who remain winless this season.

They registered 159 more disposals and an extra 46 marks on their way to the 16.23 (119) to 7.11 (53) victory, despite featuring in their forward 50 on nine fewer occasions.

Young forward Cam McCarthy piled on a massive five goals, taking his tally this year to 13, while talented tall Jeremy Cameron booted four and managed a personal-best 21 disposals.

Shane Mumford again proved pivotal in the Giants’ triumph, the Suns finding no match for the No.1 ruckman, as Dylan Shiel racked up an impressive 39 touches.

Nick Haynes and Phil Davis also played crucial roles.

“The style of play that we played tonight is the style of play we want to play – and that is using our legs and using our run,” Cameron said.

“And when we feel as though we play that, especially for four quarters, then we’re a threat to anyone in the competition.

“But if you go back in your shell and just kick along down the line all the time, then you don’t allow our legs to run.

“We put on some running power that we put on display tonight and we want to bring that every week.”

But Cameron sidestepped when asked bluntly if the Giants can make the finals in 2015, saying: “I’ve just got to worry about beating the (West Coast) Eagles next week.”

Suns coach Rodney Eade lauded GWS’s running power and rated them better than their previous three opponents Melbourne, St Kilda and Geelong.

“They gave us a lesson in work-rate,” Eade said.

“They’ve got some really elite runners in their team.

“They’re certainly the best side we’ve played so far – it’s only four games in, but I think they’ve got a really bright future.”

The Giants next play West Coast in Perth, while the Suns play Brisbane at home.

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