No player did more to promote this game than Mason Cox. Even in the final minutes before the curtain was raised, the American-born ruckman was at his trash talking best, hijacking Greater Western Sydney’s pregame ruck drill.

But when the ball was bounced, he posed as much threat as the farm animals in the petting zoo the Giants jokingly named after him for labelling their home a “showground for livestock”.

Mason Cox had a quiet night.Credit: Getty Images

The sheep Collingwood were warned to watch out for by the Giants cheer squad posed no problems, but it was the Orange Tsunami from which the reigning premiers could not escape – despite having months to prepare.

Magpies fans who have watched Take The Steps, the documentary into their club’s premiership, will have added appreciation for just how difficult it is for them to win. After this game, their title defence has become just that bit harder, and we’re not even in round one yet.

Jesse Hogan starred with four goals.Credit: Getty

No team is charging harder than the Giants, the side they pipped by a point in last year’s preliminary final and who gave them an opening-round clip around the ears.

“We thought we had improved physically, the reality is everyone else is improving,” McRae said.

The Pies’ inability to defend the Giants’ surges was a major concern for McRae, who watched his men repeatedly swept away and his backs regularly caught out of position.

They were at their most dangerous in the opening forays of the match when they had the Giants hemmed deep but once their initial defensive layer was pierced holes appeared everywhere for the men in orange.

QOSHE - Magpies swept away by Orange Tsunami in Mason Cox’s petting zoo - Andrew Wu
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Magpies swept away by Orange Tsunami in Mason Cox’s petting zoo

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09.03.2024

No player did more to promote this game than Mason Cox. Even in the final minutes before the curtain was raised, the American-born ruckman was at his trash talking best, hijacking Greater Western Sydney’s pregame ruck drill.

But when the ball was bounced, he posed as much threat as the farm animals in the petting zoo the Giants jokingly named after him for labelling their home a “showground for........

© The Sydney Morning Herald


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