North Melbourne’s best start to an AFL season in a decade has hit a road bump after Toby Greene dazzled in his milestone match to power Greater Western Sydney to a seven-point win in Canberra.
The Kangaroos were enjoying their best start to a campaign since going 9-0 in 2016, and a rousing 75-point victory against Richmond last round had heightened the club’s elation.
But their winning ways came to a tense end as the Giants produced a 15.15 (105) to 14.14 (98) victory on Sunday.
It was a much-needed win for GWS (3-4), who had lost four of their previous five games.
They were boosted by a flurry of returning players, including Jesse Hogan (quad), who provided the spark when he slotted two settling goals after North Melbourne shot out to a 19-point lead in the first quarter.
From there, the Giants rallied to take the lead in the second term before both teams exchanged goals in a see-sawing contest.
With scores level early in the fourth quarter, Greene and Jake Stringer grabbed crucial goals to lay the platform for a GWS victory.
CADMAN CURLS IT THROUGH 😳#AFLGiantsNorth pic.twitter.com/JhzoCCTNJd— AFL (@AFL) April 26, 2026
North threatened a boilover when Harry Sheezel and young gun Finn O’Sullivan kicked majors to thrust their team within a goal of the home side.
The Giants scuffed chances that would have put the result beyond doubt, but still managed to hold strong and emerge victorious.
Greene was typically inspirational as he became the most capped Giant with 268 games, going past Callan Ward’s old mark.
The 32-year-old had 27 disposals, two goals and 502 metres, while half-back Lachie Ash was also busy with 30 disposals and 757 metres gained.
Defender Lachie Whitfield (32 disposals, 18 kicks) and midfielder Clayton Oliver (26 disposals, 18 handballs) also excelled, while Stringer and Aaron Cadman had three goals apiece.
For North (4-3), Tristan Xerri returned from suspension and was instrumental with 25 disposals, 24 hit-outs, 12 tackles, and 10 clearances while Sheezel posted 32 disposals despite undergoing finger surgery during the week.
Nick Larkey (four goals) and Caleb Daniel (30 disposals) were also prolific for the visitors.
GWS’s Leek Aleer slotted the opener, but the Kangaroos flicked a switch, scoring the next four goals as Sheezel terrorised the Giants‘ midfield.
Hogan kicked back-to-back majors to swing the momentum into the home team’s favour, and they stepped up to take the lead midway through the second quarter.
From there, both teams went tit for tat, and scores were locked at 7.7 (49) at halftime.
The Kangaroos refused to bow to GWS, but the Giants hung on in a desperate final 10 minutes to secure victory.
