Giant rout: Essendon crash to 126-point defeat to GWS

Brent Daniels lit up the contest late in the opening term after marking just inside the boundary and bending a banana kick through from 40m for his second of three goals for the match.

The Giants proved to be too polished from there and were able to manage Toby Greene by subbing out their captain in the third term.

Andrew McGrath (32 disposals), Zach Merrett (27) and Darcy Parish (25) found plenty of the ball for the Bombers but had little impact as the Giants cruised over the top of them.

The Bombers (11-11) swung a late change with Jake Stringer moved from the starting 22 into the sub role on his return from a foot injury and replaced by Jye Caldwell.

Stringer entered the match when the game was already well and truly gone and ended with 11 disposals.

Essendon face ladder leaders Collingwood on Friday night, while GWS will be out to lock in a finals spot in the last game of the round against Carlton on Sunday.

Giant Harry Himmelberg takes the handball receive and boots a goal in the massive win over Essendon.Credit: Fox Footy

Magpies forward McCreery banned for dangerous tackle

AAP

Collingwood could be without Beau McCreery for their final-round AFL clash with Essendon after the pressure forward was offered a one-game suspension for a dangerous tackle.

McCreery was cited by the match review officer after slamming Brisbane Lions defender Darcy Wilmot into the Marvel Stadium turf during the third quarter of the Lions’ 24-point win on Friday night.

The rough conduct incident was graded as careless, medium impact and high contact meaning the 22-year-old can accept a one-game suspension.

Beau McCreery.Credit: Getty Images

Collingwood and McCreery may elect to challenge the ban and take their case to the tribunal.

If McCreery accepts the suspension, he will not be available until Collingwood’s qualifying final.

It is another blow for the ladder-leading Magpies, for whom the defeat was the third in their last four outings.

Collingwood were without superstars Darcy Moore, Jordan De Goey and Nick Daicos for the top-of-the-table showdown with Brisbane.

The Magpies should regain De Goey, as well as small forward Bobby Hill, against the Bombers on Friday.

AFL investigates alleged racist crowd comments

Jon Pierik

The AFL is investigating alleged racial abuse of Brisbane forward Charlie Cameron by a spectator during Friday night’s clash against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.

A league spokesman said on Saturday the league’s integrity unit, the Magpies and Lions are working together on an investigation.

Charlie Cameron before the match at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.Credit: Getty Images

Any fans found guilty of racial vilification face lifetime bans from attending AFL games.

Cameron was instrumental in the Lions’ four-goal win, booting four goals, and leaving his side in prime position for a top-two finish.

Racism, whether it be online or in person, remains a scourge in the sport, for several AFL players have had abuse directed their way this season.