Suns Shade UWS GIANTS
The Gold Coast Suns staged a remarkable comeback to pip the UWS GIANTS by a point in their NEAFL match at Metricon Stadium.
The Suns kicked 10 goals in the second half to the GIANTS three, running out winners (14.11) 95 to (14.10) 94.
GIANTS coach Brett Hands said it was a disappointing result for the UWS GIANTS who led by 43 points at half time.
“The first half was some of the best footy we’ve played. Stuff we’d worked on all week was put into place and our players did it really well,” he said.
“But from the start of third term, we got sloppy with our attack on the footy, we lost the contested possessions, we were undisciplined with some of our structures and we failed to capatilise on our opportunities.
“Our turnovers really hurt, they kicked 9.6 from turnovers, eight of those in the second half. With a bit of fatigue and heat, our ability to execute skills fell away.”
Defender Matt Buntine was one of the GIANTS best, while midfielder Stephen Coniglio performed well in his first match back from a hamstring injury.
“He (Coniglio) did a fantastic job on Jack Martin in the first half, who’s been their main clearance player in the last two or three weeks.
“Coniglio went into the middle in the second half and won a few clearances but probably didn’t have the impact we would have liked but that was a bit to do with us not being able to get our hands on the footy,” said Hand.
The GIANTS goals were spread around with Gerald Ugle. Joe Redfern, Nathan Wilson, Setanta O’hAilpin and Liam Sumner kicking two each.
The fifth placed GIANTS host Sydney University at Blacktown International Sportspark this Saturday in a must win match as UWS tries to cement a place in the finals.