The GIANTS - with nine listed players - were defeated by North Melbourne in the VFL on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Flynn, Wade Derksen and Will Shaw all stood out for the orange and charcoal, but it wasn't enough as the GIANTS fell to a 14.12 (96) to 6.8 (44) defeat at Arden Street Oval.
“We came up against a good and experienced side on the weekend,” GIANTS VFL Coach Wayne Cripps said post-match.
“We fielded a young and inexperienced side, but I think it’s a great learning curve for our group, mistakes are an important part of rapid improvement.”
Cripps shared his assessments of the AFL listed players who played in the match.
AFL Listed Players:
5. Aaron Cadman
6 disposals, 4 tackles
Aaron competed hard all afternoon. We didn’t help our key forwards with our ball movement, but he competed well in the air and his follow up work was great. His defensive work was a highlight and he’s not far off having a big impact.
18. Conor Stone
12 disposals, 4 tackles
It was great to see him back. He blew up his GPS with high-speed numbers and is only going to improve with more football. His tackle pressure and physicality were great and I’m looking forward to what he’ll produce.
20. James Peatling
16 disposals, 2 tackles, 4 clearances
Offensively he gave us great spread from the contest and his ability to get out the back was fantastic all afternoon.
21. Leek Aleer
7 disposals, 3 marks
We were really happy with Leek. He was part of a really inexperienced backline, but his leadership was fantastic throughout the entire contest. He worked hard and was good in the air.
30. Matt Flynn
1 goal, 13 disposals, 31 hit-outs
Worked hard all afternoon. He won the battle in the ruck and gave our midfield group first use of the ball. He was able to push forward and hit the scoreboard. Overall, it was the sort of game you want from your ruck.
31. Toby McMullin
3 disposals, 3 tackles
Unfortunately, he hurt his groin early and battled through it for most of the afternoon.
35. Max Gruzewski
1 goal, 6 marks
Similar to Aaron, it was a tough day in terms of the way the ball was moving forward. He competed hard all day and he’ll continue to work with the likes of (Aaron) Cadman to build on that synergy and connection. He’s working hard on improving each week.
41. Nick Madden
9 hit-outs, 1 goal
Competed hard. His follow up work was crucial, and he’s learning to go forward and have an impact.
45. Wade Derksen
2 goals, 6 marks, 12 disposals
It was a tough day offensively for our forwards, but we needed him to compete, and he did. He made the most of his limited opportunities.
VFL Listed Players Stats:
Coaches Call Out: Will Shaw
I thought he gave us his best offensive game of the season. Off half-back his balance between offence and defence was great and he was the one that got us moving the ball forward.
47. Ryan Hebron (c)
17 disposals, 6 marks
48. Jaelen Pavlidis
18 disposals, 4 tackles, 5 clearances
49. Mitch Ryan
17 disposals, 1 mark
50. Darcy Edmends
16 disposals, 5 marks
51. Jakob Anderson
14 disposals, 8 marks
52. Barry O’Connor
29 disposals, 5 clearances
53. Tom McCaffrey
10 disposals, 2 marks
54. James Creighton
9 disposals, 3 tackles
55. Will Shaw
24 disposals, 6 marks
56. Billy Clark
24 disposals, 6 marks
59. Brodie Romensky
10 disposals, 3 tackles
62. Darcy Jones-Hughes
11 disposals, 1 goal
66. Giorgio Varagiannis
6 disposals, 1 tackle
67. Dayne Posthuma
2 disposals, 3 tackle
