Key defender Tim Mohr made his long awaited return to football for the UWS GIANTS against the Swans at ANZ Stadium last Friday.
Mohr, who has not played this season because of foot and knee injuries, got through his first hit out unscathed to put himself in contention for a senior recall.
After leading at quarter time, the UWS GIANTS were kept goalless by their cross-town rivals for the remainder of the match to go down by 75 points.
The Swans fielded an experienced side that included veterans Ryan O’Keefe and Lewis Roberts-Thomson while UWS GIANTS were forced to blood four NEAFL debutants.
“They had plenty of experience and strength across the ground but we can’t use that as an excuse,” UWS Coach Brett Hand said.
“The Swans had 180 more possessions and controlled most of the ball movement which made it extremely hard for us to get goals on the board.
“It was a disappointing match because we didn’t make the most of our opportunities when we should have.”
Hand said there were several positives to take away from the loss, including the successful return of Mohr and GIANTS rookie-listed player Sam Schulz who hasn’t played since last season.
“Both the boys played the majority of the match and got through unscathed which was good,” he said.
“Mohr had a great duel with Tommy Walsh and Schulz struggled to find the ball at times but will be better for the run.”
With the senior elevation of ruckman Andrew Phillips and Tom Boyd out with a minor hamstring injury it was left to Rory Lobb to shoulder most of the ruck duties.
“It was a great effort by Lobby to ruck for most of the match with little support,” Hand said.
“Zac Williams was the other player who was pretty impressive, his movement off half-back was creative in a number of ways and he didn’t stop running all night.”
The UWS GIANTS have the bye this week before taking on Gold Coast Suns Reserves at Metricon Stadium on May 25.
UWS GIANTS 3.1 3.2 3.7 3.7 (25)
Swans Reserves 1.4 5.7 7.10 14.16 (100)
Goal kickers: James Stewart, Liam Sumner, Tomas Bugg
