The GIANTS – with only nine AFL listed players - were overrun by Essendon in the opening round of the 2023 VFL season.

Kieren Briggs (17 disposals, one goal), Josh Fahey (23 disposals) and Cameron Fleeton (15 disposals, four marks) impressed, but it wasn't enough as the GIANTS fell to an 18.11 (119) to 5.9 (39) defeat at the NEC Hangar on Sunday afternoon.

In charge of the GIANTS’ VFL side for the first time, head coach Wayne Cripps said he was proud of his inexperienced side’s effort.

“We fielded an inexperienced side, and we knew we would struggle around the contest, but I’m really proud of the effort,” Cripps said.

“We wanted to contain them to the best of our ability, but we couldn’t compete with their experience in the end.

“We’ll review it, learn from it, and look to improve heading into the game against Carlton next week.” 

Cripps shared his assessments of the AFL listed players who played in the match.

AFL Listed Players: 

5. Aaron Cadman

6 disposals, 1 goal

Our ball movement didn’t allow him to get too many opportunities, but he created a contest and brought the ball to ground well. His pressure was fantastic, and he did what we asked of him.

9. Ryan Angwin

12 disposals, 5 tackles

Ryan battled hard throughout the entire contest. He moved inside for the second half and found plenty of the ball. I thought his pressure on the ball was of a really high standard and he led the way through the middle of the ground.

29. Cameron Fleeton

15 disposals, 4 marks

He spent a lot of time matching up on Jake Stringer and did a good job in nullifying his impact when he played on him. I thought he showed great leadership in an inexperienced backline cohort. 

31. Toby McMullin

8 disposals, 1 goal

It was a great experience for Toby to step up to VFL level. He showcased glimpses of why we drafted him, especially with his craftiness around goal.

32. Kieren Briggs

17 disposals, 25 hit-outs, 1 goal

We were really happy with his game on Sunday afternoon. His leadership was outstanding throughout, and he stood up when it mattered. His offensive and defensive work was first class, I thought he was our best.  

34. Josh Fahey

23 disposals, 3 tackles

Provided plenty of good drive out of the back half. He plays an important role in driving the offensive play for us.

35. Max Gruzewski

5 disposals, 1 mark

It was great to see Max back playing after an interrupted pre-season. It wasn’t a great day to be a forward, but he competed hard and brough the ball to ground, he’ll be an exciting player for us moving forward.

42. Jason Gillbee

13 disposals, 4 marks

Did a good job on the wing working hard up and down the ground. He had some great moments and looked composed with the ball in hand.

45. Wade Derksen

7 disposals, 9 hit-outs

Wade competed hard. He played a dual role as a forward and in the ruck, and was good in the middle of the ground.

VFL Listed Players Stats:  

Coaches Call Out: Jaelen Pavlidis

He battled really hard in an experienced midfield and gave us great drive in the forward half. He also kicked one of the goals of the year which was great reward for effort.

47. Ryan Hebron (c)

10 disposals, 1 goal 

48. Jaelen Pavlidis

19 disposals, 1 goal

49. Mitchell Ryan

15 disposals, 5 marks

50. Darcy Edmends

8 disposals, 2 marks

51. Jakob Anderson

11 disposals, 4 marks

52. Barry O’Connor

17 disposals, 5 marks

53. Tom McCaffrey

12 disposals, 4 tackles

54. James Creighton

5 disposals

57. Mitchell Conn

14 disposals, 1 tackle

58. Andrew Mathieson

6 disposals

59. Brodie Romensky

10 disposals, 3 tackles

60. Tyson Pratt

3 disposals, 1 tackle

61. Brad Rauter

10 disposals, 4 marks

62. James White

2 disposals, 1 tackle