The GIANTS have continued their strong VFL form, defeating Sandringham by 27 points at GIANTS Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Flynn, Toby McMullin, Daniel Lloyd, Josh Fahey and Harry Rowston all impressed for the GIANTS as they held off a spirited Sandringham side to record a 12.15 (87) to 9.6 (60) win.
Defender Fahey continued his strong form, registering a game-high 43 disposals playing on the wing and across half-back.
Flynn responded well to being omitted last week, registering 21 disposals and two goals, with Rowston also pushing for a senior recall after another strong display in the midfield.
“It arguably our most pleasing win of the year so far,” GIANTS VFL coach Wayne Cripps said.
“Our balance between the offensive work, defensive work and contested work was great, it was a really impressive performance from the boys.”
Cripps shared his assessments of the AFL listed players who played in the match.
AFL Listed Players:
1. Phil Davis
9 disposals, 5 marks
Once again, his leadership down back was great, he’s crucial in getting us organised and helping us hold our structure behind the ball. Unfortunately, he suffered a calf injury in the second quarter, and he’ll spend the next few weeks sidelined.
24. Harry Rowston
27 disposals, 8 tackles
It was the type of performance we’ve become accustomed to. He led the way at the stoppages and his ability to spread from the contest is only getting better. He’s having a big impact at VFL level.
25. Lachlan Keeffe
13 disposals, 4 marks
He’s just so reliable every week. Once again, he had a great balance between his offensive and defensive work.
30. Matt Flynn
2 goals, 21 disposals, 32 hit-outs
He responded really well after dropping back to VFL level this week. He led the way in the ruck against AFL opposition and I thought his ability to take marks and push forward and convert was crucial.
31. Toby McMullin
2 goals, 17 disposals
Probably his best game in the orange and charcoal. After his matchwinner against Collingwood last week he against showcased his speed and power and he’s getting more confident each week.
34. Josh Fahey
43 disposals, 14 marks
Once again did a great job in what he does best and that’s finding the ball. It was another really big step forward for him.
35. Max Gruzewski
7 disposals, 3 marks
Max battled hard against AFL quality defenders, showcasing glimpses of why we drafted him.
38. Daniel Lloyd
2 goals, 25 disposals
Another who impressed after dropping down from the AFL. He bought great leadership and direction for our young group and had plenty of the ball. He showed why he’s been playing at AFL level this year.
41. Nick Madden
7 hit-outs, 9 disposals
It was a great effort from him. His ability to compete and his follow up work on the ground is beyond where we’d expect it to be so early into his return.
42. Jason Gillbee
23 disposals, 7 marks
Two weeks in a row he’s had a big impact on the wing. He’s getting better with his decision making and execution.
45. Wade Derksen
3 goals, 9 marks, 15 disposals
Another solid game from Wade this week. His contested work was great and he’s growing in confidence each week. He’s still learning what it takes to be a key forward, but it was another big step forward.
46. Callum Brown
13 disposals, 6 marks
Had good balance in his game from both an offense and defensive perspective. He had a great defensive game and is still learning when to take the game on, but I think he got the balance right.
VFL Listed Players Stats:
Coaches Call Out: Mitch Conn
Mitch had his best game as a GIANT on the weekend. He came up against AFL opposition in the midfield and held his own.
47. Ryan Hebron (c)
6 disposals, 3 tackles
49. Mitch Ryan
9 disposals, 1 tackle
50. Darcy Edmends
14 disposals, 1 goal
51. Jakob Anderson
5 disposals, 2 tackles
52. Barry O’Connor
25 disposals, 5 tackles
53. Tom McCaffrey
7 disposals, 8 tackles
55. Will Shaw
20 disposals, 7 marks
56. Billy Clark
18 disposals, 4 tackles
57. Mitchell Conn
29 disposals, 1 goal
62. Ronald Fejo
9 disposals, 1 goal
71. Nicholas Newtown
9 disposals, 1 mark
