Demons thrash Scully’s Giants in AFL

Melbourne have given their fans the double delight of their second win of the AFL season and watching former Demon Tom Scully’s return to the MCG turn to disappointment.

In what was Scully’s adopted club Greater Western Sydney’s first MCG visit, the Giants started brightly but faded terribly to lose 20.15 (135) to 9.3 (57).

Scully, the 2009 No.1 draft pick, who joined the Giants at the end of last season for a huge contract, was booed whenever he went near the ball.

That was often in the first few minutes as he played a big part in delivering his side an early 13-point lead.

The Giants still led by that margin at the 25-minute mark of the first term.

But the Demons outscored them 15.8 to 1.1 from that point until three-quarter time to build a 78-point lead by the last change.

Scully, who had eight touches in the first quarter, finished with just 19 for the game and was well held by Jordie McKenzie.

Melbourne midfielder Nathan Jones continued his excellent season with 34 disposals, while ruckman Mark Jamar was dominant.

Mitch Clark was in superb touch in the first half with four goals, but had to be subbed off after injuring a foot, then receiving a knock to the head late in the second term, which left him motionless for minutes.

Defenders-turned-forwards Jared Rivers (four goals) and Colin Garland (three) were both useful forward targets.

Their absence from the backline was no problem, as youngster Tom McDonald, 50-gamer Jack Watts and James Frawley had strong games.

The Demons would also have been encouraged by signs of form from Colin Sylvia, with 22 touches and two goals.

The Giants’ forwards were hampered by Melbourne’s midfield dominance, the Demons having 60 attacking entries to 22 after quarter-time, although Jeremy Cameron still managed three goals.

At stages in the third term, which the Demons won 7.4 to nothing, groups of Melbourne players were allowed to run the ball down the field unopposed to set up easy goals.

The Giants’ disappearing act was a worry, given they have a tough run over the next five rounds, including clashes with highly-ranked Sydney, Hawthorn, Adelaide and Collingwood, as well as a trip to Perth to face Fremantle.

The Demons will fancy their chances of a third win in four games when they face Brisbane at the Gabba next Sunday, although the Lions comfortably defeated them at the MCG in round one.

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