The West Coast Eagles were unable to match the explosive start and running power of a fresh Greater Western Sydney outfit on Friday night, going down by 59 points at Optus Stadium.
Despite a promising performance the week prior, West Coast were jumped early by the Giants, who made the most of their post-bye energy to establish a sizeable lead through the opening three quarters.
While the Eagles showed patches of fight, they couldn’t stem the Orange Tsunami’s momentum as the visitors surged into the top eight with a 16.15 (111) to 8.4 (52).
Reuben Ginbey was once again among the Eagles’ best, continuing his strong season with a composed performance down back. Tasked with the job on the taller Aaron Cadman, the young defender stood firm and was one of few to consistently win his match-up.
Harley Reid battled hard across four quarters, collecting 24 disposals, seven clearances and seven tackles in a combative display that included heated duels with both Tom Green and Toby Greene.
The alarm bells were ringing early for West Coast, with Callaghan's smother at the opening centre bounce creating a goal for Darcy Jones just 15 seconds into the game after a rapid chain of handballs.
It was the first of four straight goals in a 15-minute burst as the Giants raced to a 26-point lead before the Eagles had scored, with Jamie Cripps finally getting the home team off the marks with a classy snap from the pocket.
The Giants looked energised and were able to work hard back into defence and then explode on the spread when they won the ball back as Callaghan, Xavier O'Halloran and Josh Kelly sliced through the midfield.
The Eagles worked hard through the middle stages and competed at ground level, but their last kick inside 50 was an issue and they entered the main break with just one mark inside 50 and trailing by 35 points.
The Giants put the game to bed in the third term, kicking five of six goals to see out the quarter with a 55-point lead, with Kelly's two goals for the quarter reward for the tireless running he had produced alongside Callaghan all night.
The Eagles now look ahead to a road trip where they'll aim to respond and bring a four-quarter effort that matches the glimpses of quality shown in their better performances this season.
WEST COAST 1.0 3.1 5.2 8.4 (52)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 5.3 8.6 13.9 16.15 (111)
GOALS
West Coast: Shanahan 2, Baker, Cripps, Graham, Hutchinson, Ryan, B.Williams
Greater Western Sydney: Greene 3, Cadman 2, Jones 2, Kelly 2, Bedford, Brown, Callaghan, O'Halloran, Riccardi, Stringer
BEST
West Coast: Ginbey, Flynn, Shanahan, Duggan, McCarthy, Reid
Greater Western Sydney: Callaghan, Kelly, Greene, Green, O'Halloran, Jones, Angwin
INJURIES
West Coast: Nil
Greater Western Sydney: Jack Buckley (ankle)
SUBSTITUTES
West Coast: Malakai Champion (replaced Jack Williams at half time)
Greater Western Sydney: Harvey Thomas (replaced Jack Buckley in the third quarter)
