The GIANTS Reserves have lost their NEAFL Grand Final rematch against the Swans Reserves, losing by 36-points at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.
With only 11 AFL listed players available, the GIANTS had a vastly different looking side to the one that claimed last year’s thrilling Grand Final victory over the Swans.
The hosts kicked the first four goals of the game to take control from the outset before a Daniel Lloyd goal cut the Swans’ lead to 19-points at the first break.
Four goals to two in the second quarter saw the Swans extend their lead to 35-points by halftime.
The GIANTS burst out of the blocks in the second half, kicking four goals to one to narrow the margin to 20-points and give themselves a chance to at the final change.
However, the more experienced Swans side held the GIANTS goalless in the final term to complete a 36-point win.
Despite the 13.13(91) to 8.7(55) loss, GIANTS NEAFL coach Brad Miller couldn’t fault his side’s effort throughout.
“We always have a good battle against the Swans, they had a few guys comes back into their team who had been playing in the AFL so we knew it was going to be a challenge,” Miller said.
“After halftime, our guys really responded and our fight was terrific.”
Harry Perryman continued his good NEAFL form showing plenty of class and poise around the contest.
“He’s a really competitive guy who will do whatever he can to get the ball moving our way and makes really good decisions with hand and foot,” Miller said.
“We’re faced with a challenge of whether we play him down back or in the midfield, but he is coming along really well.”
In his first NEAFL game of 2017, Jeremy Finlayson provided plenty of drive off halfback, collecting 31 possessions and taking 12 marks.
He had plenty of support in defense with Tim Mohr taking 13 marks and limiting the impact of the Swans’ key forwards.
“That was as good of a game that I’ve seen Jeremy play,” Miller said.
“He really set up our ball movement and his ability to break the lines with his run and carry, and smart ball use really stood out on the day.
“Tim Mohr rarely loses a contest, he has been under the pump a lot and having to defend a lot of inside 50’s but he just continues to find a way to win the battles.”
The GIANTS Reserves have a bye next week before travelling to Metricon Stadium to take on the Gold Coast Suns Reserves on Saturday, May 8.
Sydney Swans v GIANTS at the SCG
SYDNEY 5.2 9.7 11.8 13.13 (91)
GIANTS 2.1 4.2 8.6 8.7 (55)
GOALS – Sydney: Rose 4; Dawson, Pink 2; Murray, Fisher, Edwards, Robertson, Cameron. GIANTS: Sproule, D Lloyd 2; Flynn, Tiziani, Addison, Powell.
BEST – Sydney: Murray, Talia, Laidler, B. Jack, Dawson. GIANTS: Perryman, Mohr, de Boer, Lloyd, Finlayson.
