The GIANTS have moved into the top eight on the VFL ladder, defeating Footscray by 13 points at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday afternoon. 

Jake Riccardi, Max Gruzewski, Phil Davis and Cameron Fleeton starred for the GIANTS as they held off the spirited Bulldogs to record a 15.7 (97) to 12.12 (84) win.

“It was a really pleasing result,” GIANTS VFL coach Wayne Cripps said.

“Overall, it was a great team performance and our ability to fight it out until the end was impressive, especially finishing with only two players on the bench.”

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

AFL Listed Players: 

1. Phil Davis  

26 disposals, 10 marks

It was great to have the big general back. His leadership and experience are invaluable at VFL level. He had plenty of the ball and was a real presence down back.

24. Harry Rowston

14 disposals, 4 tackles

It was the type of performance we’ve become accustomed to. He won a lot of the inside ball and got involved heavily in surging the ball forward.

26. Jake Riccardi

3 goals, 9 disposals

Jake took some nice marks and showcased his physicality as a forward. He gave us a really strong presence up forward and was able to convert. 

29. Cameron Fleeton

31 disposals, 10 marks

I say it every week, he just keeps getting better and better. Cam’s starting to develop into a real leader at VFL level. His ability to defend is great, we put him on their best forward, and he won that contest. He’s arguably one of the best defenders in the VFL at the moment.

32. Kieren Briggs

34 hit-outs, 1 goal

Another strong performance from Kieren. We were impressed with his ruck craft, but the best part of his game was his follow up work and the ability to stay involved. He pushed forward and kicked a nice goal which was a reward for his effort. He’s another one who keeps getting better each week and is having a big impact.

34. Josh Fahey

23 disposals, 1 goal

Playing a new role on the wing, he’s still adapting to the position but had plenty of ball. His ability to drive the ball forward for us is a big weapon.

35. Max Gruzewski

3 goals, 10 marks

Max’s best game so far. His forward craft, positioning and work-rate showcased why the club drafted him. He’s a serious talent, a competitive beast and showed all those traits on the weekend.

45. Wade Derksen

13 disposals, 1 goal

Wade had an ‘almost’ afternoon. He competed hard, worked hard and was able to hit the scoreboard.

VFL Listed Players Stats:  

Coaches Call Out: Barry O’Connor

Barry showed great leadership in the midfield and played a really important role nullifying their impact going forward. The best part of his game is that it didn’t restrict his ability to drive us forward as well.

47. Ryan Hebron (c)

16 disposals, 8 marks

48. Jaelen Pavlidis

1 disposal

49. Mitch Ryan

18 disposals, 5 marks 

50. Darcy Edmends

13 disposals, 1 goal

51. Jakob Anderson

20 disposals,68 marks

52. Barry O’Connor

25 disposals, 3 tackles 

53. Tom McCaffrey 

15 disposals, 2 goals 

54. James Creighton

9 disposals, 3 tackles

55. Will Shaw

11 disposals, 1 mark

56. Billy Clark

24 disposals, 1 goal

57. Mitchell Conn

20 disposals, 3 tackles

58. Andrew Mathieson

7 disposals, 3 tackles

61. Brad Rauter

11 disposals, 5 marks

63. Ronald Fejo

15 disposals, 1 goal

66. Will Sabolch

7 disposals, 3 tackles