The GIANTS claimed their first win of the 2023 VFL season with an emphatic 39-point victory over Carlton at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

Josh Fahey was the stand-out performer for the GIANTS, who bounced back following a disappointing defeat in the opening round to claim a 12.11 (83) to 5.14 (44) win.

Draftees Max Gruzewski (four goals) and Aaron Cadman (three goals) were both impressive, with experienced defenders Phil Davis and Lachlan Keeffe and ruck Kieren Briggs all likely to come into contention for AFL selection this week.

GIANTS VFL coach Wayne Cripps credited the win to his side’s consistency throughout the contest.

“It was a really pleasing result and a great four-quarter effort,” Cripps said.

“The return of Phil Davis and Lachie Keeffe was invaluable to our young side, they set us up really well behind the ball which allowed us to play a front-half game and impact the scoreboard.”

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

AFL Listed Players: 

1. Phil Davis

16 disposals, 7 marks

Our general in the back half, he defended really well and helped in our offensive ball movement. He’s just so reliable and his direction and leadership is invaluable at VFL level.

5. Aaron Cadman

3 goals, 10 disposals

Another really promising game from Aaron this week. His ability to compete and his pressure was elite throughout the entire contest. He took a few nice marks and converted well; he’s tracking in the right direction.

9. Ryan Angwin

10 disposals, 2 tackles

Solid once again. He played his role really diligently and worked incredibly hard up and down the ground.

25. Lachlan Keeffe

12 disposals, 6 marks

I don’t think he lost a contest. He set us up really well behind the ball and his chase-down tackle was game changing for us in a critical moment.

29. Cameron Fleeton

21 disposals, 13 marks 

It was another typical Cam Fleeton performance on Saturday afternoon. He hates been beaten and got involved heavily in our ball movement.  

31. Toby McMullin

10 disposals, 4 marks

He took a really good step again. It was a typical small forward performance, he created opportunity and his forward pressure was crucial.  

32. Kieren Briggs

16 disposals, 28 hit-outs

Another solid game in the ruck. He played an important role, especially in the air, and was really composed with the ball in hand. He been our most consistent player so far.

34. Josh Fahey

43 disposals, 10 marks

We all saw what he’s capable of with the ball in hand. He made great decisions with the ball in hand and gives us great drive out of the back half. The best part of his performance was his defensive ability this week.

35. Max Gruzewski

4 goals, 9 marks

For just his second game at VFL level he looked like an experienced key forward. His body work was amazing, and he converted his hard work onto the scoreboard. It was another great step forward and a real confidence boost for him.

40. Adam Kennedy

12 disposals, 1 goal

He’s just so reliable every week. He played a few different roles for us and his experience and his pressure were crucial. He got involved in our offensive ball movement and was able to and hit the scoreboard himself.

42. Jason Gillbee

18 disposals, 6 marks

He just ran and ran all afternoon. I think he ended up clocking just over 17kms and was rewarded for his effort. 

45. Wade Derksen

2 goals, 16 disposals

Wade spent time forward and in the ruck again this week. He was able to showcase his athleticism and hit the scoreboard. I thought the impact he had in big moments was great. 

46. Callum Brown

17 disposals, 8 marks

He defended well. He had a good match up on some good hybrid forwards and nullified them. His impacted in the air was fantastic and he gave us great drive out of the back half when he had the ball.

VFL Listed Players Stats:  

Coaches Call Out: Barry O’Connor

It was Barry’s first game in the midfield, and he was great. The balance between winning inside ball and his defensive work in the middle was of the highest standard. He really gave our young midfield a chop out and he led the way throughout the contest.

47. Ryan Hebron (c)

20 disposals, 1 goal 

48. Jaelen Pavlidis

13 disposals, 6 marks

49. Mitchell Ryan

6 disposals, 2 marks

50. Darcy Edmends

10 disposals, 2 marks

52. Barry O’Connor

21 disposals, 3 tackles 

54. James Creighton

9 disposals, 2 tackles

55. Will Shaw

15 disposals, 5 marks

57. Mitchell Conn

19 disposals, 1 goal

64. Ronald Fejo

15 disposals, 4 marks