Toby Greene and Jeremy Cameron guide GWS Giants to victory over St Kilda at Etihad Stadium

THE GWS Giants have set up a tantalising match up with premiers Hawthorn at Spotless Stadium after a 47-point win over St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

NEIL CORDY

2 min read

April 24, 2016 - 5:37PM

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Toby Green of the Giants kicks the ball during the round five AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Etihad Stadium on April 24, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

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THE GWS Giants have set up a tantalising match up with premiers Hawthorn at Spotless Stadium after a runaway 47-point win over St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

Jeremy Cameron kicked five goals on his return from suspension and Toby Greene four in a best on ground performance as the Giants moved into the top eight for the first time this year.

GWS led at every change before Nick Riewoldt rallied the Saints to close within 10 points late in the third quarter. The Giants responded to the challenge through Steve Johnson (four goals) and Greene to kick the first six goals of the final term to put the game out of reach.

“To put the game away in the first 10 minutes of the last quarter was our most mature performance,” GWS coach Leon Cameron said.

“It was really pleasing, whether it’s five or 10 per cent we’ve found a way to get control of the game again in the last quarter and that takes maturity.”

GWS Giants star Jeremy Cameron takes a strong mark in the second quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The Giants again showed they know how to put a team to the sword after closing the game out against Port Adelaide last week. With the game hanging in the balance at three quarter time they kicked eight goals to three in the final term.

Greene was a colossus as he ignited the visitors in the opening term and kept the foot to the pedal throughout the match to finish with 31 disposals to go with his four goals.

Stephen Coniglio was also a powerhouse through the midfield with 32 possessions as were Tom Scully (30), Ryan Griffen (29) and Josh Kelly (27).

“I thought Griffen was particularly good and Mumford stood up,” Cameron said.

“But everyone across the board stood up and that’s what we need.”

For the first time in GWS short history they have a stable defence and reliable and talented back six.

Heath Shaw was outstanding in defence along with Phil Davis who did a job on Paddy McCartin holding him to just one goal for the day.

The speed and run came from Nathan Wilson and Zak Williams who had 20 and 26 disposals respectively.

Both players have a growing confidence in their ability to take opponents on and create from defence.

Wilson’s speed and long kicking are a powerful combination for the rapidly improving team.

“They understand they can’t just defend,” Cameron said.

“It’s good that we know we’ve got some weapons in the back half.”

The Saints were brave and none more than talisman Nick Riewoldt who brought his team back into the contest almost single handed. He finished with four goals, 25 disposals and 10 marks in a huge display.

Jack Steven (30 disposals,) Seb Ross (29), Shane Savage (25) and Josh Bruce (two goals) were all good for the home team that lacked finishing across the ground.