The GIANTS have wrapped up their VFL season for 2022.
Heavily depleted, the GIANTS bowed out 6.4 (40) to the Bulldogs’ 23.18 (156), in their final contest at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday.
The GIANTS finished their 2022 VFL campaign with eight wins, nine losses and draw to finish 13th on the VFL ladder.
Despite not contending for finals, GIANTS VFL Coach Damian Truslove said there were still plenty of positives to take out of the year as the team looks to next year.
“I guess what I was most proud of was the way our group connected, both the staff and the players, and then also the way the VFL players intertwined with the AFL players – we had a really tight group,” Truslove said.
“We started the season really well, winning the first five games when we had a healthy list, but unfortunately we copped a few injuries and illness, and that really hurt the depth of our list later on.
“And then to have six debutants who made it into the AFL side this year was also really something to celebrate. Back in pre-season you look at players and wonder if they may or may not get there but they all got to work, they improved, and they worked hard to earn their spots.
“They did well when they got to AFL level and really held their own, and going into next year I think all those guys will all be pushing for their chance to play a full season.”
The GIANTS started the season strong with five of their eight wins coming in the first six weeks, but as the season unfolded, less AFL listed players were available to play and the club called on GIANTS Academy players to take the field.
Truslove admits that while this makes it difficult to compete with other VFL sides who have teams loaded with AFL talent, it does provide a great experience and pathway for NSW and ACT youngsters coming through the GIANTS Academy.
“I think from a VFL list perspective we’ll review the list really closely over the next couple of weeks. We’re looking at doing some recruiting around that Albury area from guys who might have come out of our Academy and are currently playing in the Ovens and Murray competition,” Truslove said.
“There’s also the wait and see if we get our hands on any of the Academy guys who may not get picked up in the draft this year.
“I think we can set up a really good program so that guys that come through the Academy system that don’t get drafted, can still play in the second-best competition in Australia and potentially get drafted as mature age draftees.”
When asked about some of the highlights of the season and who the standouts were, Truslove credited the attitude of the entire group, including the staff and coaches who sacrificed a lot week-in week-out to keep things running smoothly.
“From a VFL standpoint, Ryan Hebron as our captain was terrific all year, he’s just a fantastic leader. Sam Frost, Billy Clarke and Josh Green were also all very consistent for us throughout the entire season,” Truslove said.
“And from an AFL perspective, those guys like Jacob Wehr, Jarrod Brander, Jake Stein, Leek Aleer and Xavier O’Halloran were all really instrumental in keeping us competitive throughout the year.
“If I had to pick one game that stands out it’s probably the Northern Bullants game. The effort was outstanding and we just controlled the game for four quarters, it was a really strong win.
“We had to scrap it out through a bunch of games towards the end of the season – especially the Box Hill game back at GIANTS Stadium – and the attitude of all of the players never wavered. They were terrific all year.”
The GIANTS’ VFL side will wrap up their season by awarding the VFL Player of the Year as part of the Kevin Sheedy Medal which will be presented tomorrow night in Sydney.
