AFL round 4 GWS v West Coast: All the news, fallout and analysis from the Giants’ 81-point win

The gulf in class between the Giants and Eagles was stark from the jump, but it might just have proven there’s a gulf between Jesse Hogan and the next-best key forward in the AFL.

Not even Stephen Silvagni could have stopped Jesse Hogan on Sunday afternoon according to West Coast coach Andrew McQualter as the reigning Coleman Medallist kicked nine goals in the club’s biggest-ever win over the Eagles.

The gulf in class between the two sides was evident from the very first bounce, as the hosts dominated the centre clearances and had all the running through the midfield. But it was the Hogan show on as he dominated a young West Coast backline with a clinical display.

Darcy Jones was the first to hit the scoreboard, capitalising on some strong running and a lack of effort from Eagles co-captain Liam Duggan inside 50. Before long, he had his second with a brilliant set shot and looked to be the key spark for the Giants.

However, his fellow WA compatriot quickly roared to life and produced one of the most efficient games of footy anyone will play in 2025.

Hogan had two touches for two goals in the opening term, and his stutter-step run-up was locked in for some incredible accuracy as the game continued.

At one point in the final quarter, Hogan was eight disposals for eight goals in a match where he single-handedly outscored the Eagles. But even with a career-first 10 goal game there for the taking, he still found room to hand Aaron Cadman a gift for his only goal of the game.

A ninth goal soon followed, and despite spraying his last attempt wide, it was a day of immense quality from a player already just one goal off the Coleman lead, having missed the first two games of the season.

It was an incredibly tough initiation for Sandy Brock in his first AFL game, but McQualter was somewhat resigned to the fact that there wasn’t much he could have done to stop Hogan.

“He took about six contested marks,” McQualter said. “I thought Sandy Brock actually defended quite well, but their class, supply and his talent was just a bit too much for us at times.

“I think ultimately when you have that much ease with your flow of ball through the middle of the ground, you could put Stephen Silvagni on him in the back line and he still would have kicked a few today.”

The delivery that Hogan received all afternoon was first-class. It started at the stoppages with Kieren Briggs dominating the centre bounces for the majority of the afternoon.

Briggs’ assertiveness then set the platform for the likes of Finn Callaghan, Tom Green, Lachie Ash and Lachie Whitfield to rebound at pace. But their work always looked more polished because they had the best key forward in the AFL leading in their direction.

Jesse Hogan made light work of the Eagles. Picture: Phil Hillyard

If anything, the Giants could have been criticised for not making the most of the advantage they had throughout the match. The 51-point lead they held at half-time probably flattered the Eagles, while Cadman and Jake Stringer combined for only 1.5 in the game.

But those moments also showcased why Hogan is head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. At times, he was demonstrative when the ball didn’t come his way, but his teammates believe that’s part of why he’s so great.

“He’s a very moody guy,” Harry Himmelberg said. “He’s got a short temper, big Hoges, and if he doesn’t know something, you’re sure to know about it.

“I actually reckon it’s a great quality. He says it like it is, so he keeps a lot of us honest around the club.

“He’s always had that talent, and as one of his best mates I’m so bloody proud of him. I think it’s more the fact that he’s got a bloody set of vice grips, his hands, to be honest, more so than the service

“Everything he does behind the scenes that people wouldn’t see is the reason he plays like that.

“He works super hard on his body. He’s had a couple of navicular stress fractures, which would end most careers. So to be able to get back to a level where he’s the best key forward in the comp, after a couple of years where he’s probably not at his best at the back end of Freo, it’s a credit to him.”

Although they came away with an 81-point win, it was far from a perfect game from the Giants. Adam Kingsley conceded that at times they overused the ball and potentially looked for Hogan too regularly.

It was another tough day for West Coast. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

In the end, like the bulls and broncos that will take over Engie Stadium for the Easter Show next week, GWS did it in a canter. But when they turn it on, their flashes of brilliance are as good as any team in the competition.

For Hogan, however, it’s just another day at the office. This is the ultimate version of a man who has always had so much talent. His maturity shines through on the field, and he’s so comfortable off it that he will already be thinking about how he can help the Giants to victory next week against St Kilda.

“Jesse, like he often does, reaps the rewards of everyone pulling their weight,” Kingsley said.

“You don’t have to do much to drive him. He’s self-driven, a hard worker and meticulous preparer. He’ll be down at the recovery centre later day and be by the beach tonight and tomorrow morning.

“He does all the little things…he prepares as good as anyone.”

Originally published as AFL round 4 GWS v West Coast: All the news, fallout and analysis from the Giants’ 81-point win