GREATER Western Sydney forwards Cora Staunton and Rebecca Privitelli have powered the Giants to a 20-point AFLW victory over St Kilda in torrential rain at Moorabbin.
The Giants adapted to the wet conditions better, booting four goals to none in a matchwinning first quarter to run out 7.3 (45) to 3.7 (25) winners on Saturday.
Veteran Staunton, who turns 40 this year, and Privitelli were the game changers with three goals each.
The Saints worked their way back into the game during the second quarter, but were scoreless after halftime until the dying seconds when Caitlin Greiser slotted a major on the siren.
They trailed by less than a goal late in the third quarter before GWS extended the lead back out to 20 points at the final break.
Only one point was kicked to the southern end of the ground for three quarters until Staunton broke Saints hearts with the first and only major of the final term.
The result was GWS’ third win of the season, while the Saints slump to a 2-5 record.
Georgia Patrikios was St Kilda’s best with 27 possessions and 10 tackles, while Alice Burke, daughter of Saints legend Nathan, showed some promising signs in her second appearance at the top level.
(C) AAP 2021
GWS GIANTS 4.0 4.0 6.3 7.3 (45)
ST KILDA 0.1 2.7 2.7 3.7 (25)
Goals: Greater Western Sydney Giants: C Staunton 3 R Privitelli 3 K Smith. St Kilda: C Greiser D Guttridge K Shierlaw.
Umpires: Jamie Broadbent, Giles Lewis, Mitch Scott.
Official Crowd: 791 at RSEA Park.
