The GIANTS have moved into the top eight on the VFL ladder, defeating Southport by 49 points at the VAILO Community Centre on Saturday afternoon. 

Forward James Peatling was amongst everything and could be in line for a senior recall following his outstanding performance, finishing with a game-high 37 disposals, eight marks, nine clearances, five tackles and a goal in the 19.14 (128) to 11.13 (79) win.

Youngster Josh Fahey responded well to being omitted by senior coach Adam Kingsley, registering 20 disposals and a goal, with Matt Flynn (24 disposals, 10 marks, 13 hit-outs) also impressing in the ruck.

Wade Derksen was the focal point in attack, kicking four goals and reeling in nine marks, while draftee Max Gruzewski kicked three majors of his own.

Isaac Cumming had plenty of the ball and finished with 29 touches and eight marks in his return from injury, with Jacob Wehr also impressing in his return on the wing.

Midfielder Harry Rowston had 24 possessions and kicked one goal, while Leek Aleer (15 touches, five marks) and Cameron Fleeton (15 disposals, 10 marks) were also strong down back.

“It was arguably our most pleasing win of the year so far,” GIANTS VFL coach Wayne Cripps said.

“We hadn’t been at our best for a few weeks, and I said to the group if we trust our training and keep playing our way, the results will come, and we did that this weekend.”

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

AFL Listed Players: 

10. Jacob Wehr  

17 disposals, 1 goal 

It was great to have Jacob back. His running patterns on the wing were fantastic and he probably didn’t get the reward for his effort. I thought the balance between his offensive and defensive work was of a really high standard.

13. Isaac Cumming

29 disposals, 8 marks 

He was unbelievable all afternoon. Similar to Jacob (Wehr), his running patterns were great all day from both an offence and defence aspect. His decision-making going forward was first class and he had a big impact.

18. Conor Stone  

9 disposals, 1 goal 

He’s starting to string some really consistent football together at VFL level. He’s starting to get back to the level we know he’s capable of.

20. James Peatling

37 disposals, 9 clearances, 1 goal 

We moved him into the midfield this week and he gave us some great energy around stoppages. I think the strongest aspect of his performance was his pressure and defensive intent.

21. Leek Aleer  

16 disposals, 5 marks 

Another really solid game from Leek. His positioning was great, he had some great defensive moments and he’s getting more involved in our offence every week. It was another step in the right direction for him.

24. Harry Rowston

28 disposals, 7 clearances, 1 goal

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, and he’ll be well prepared for when his next opportunity comes at AFL level.

29. Cameron Fleeton

15 disposals, 10 marks 

He’s just so reliable every week. Once again, he had a great balance between his offensive and defensive work. It was a typical ‘Fleets game’ and he’s doing everything right. He’s taken that leadership role in the absence of Phil Davis and Lachlan Keeffe and is setting us up well down back. He’s showing exceptional growth offensively every week.

30. Matt Flynn

15 disposals, 14 hit-outs, 1 goal

He’s been sensational these last few weeks and had another great game on the weekend. His ability to move around the ground and take intercept marks is that of the elite level. He competes so hard and his follow up work at ground level was unbelievable all afternoon.

34. Josh Fahey

23 disposals, 1 goal

We saw again what he does offensively for us when he plays at VFL level. He’s continuing to improve on what he needs to.

35. Max Gruzewski

3 goals, 10 disposals

It was good to see Max get reward for effort. He showed that forward craft he possesses and he’s starting to put all his assets together.

41. Nick Madden

7 hit-outs, 12 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. He split his time between ruck and forward this week and having Matt Flynn to learn off is invaluable for him.

45. Wade Derksen

4 goals, 9 marks, 14 disposals 

Another great game from Wade this week. His contested work was great and he’s growing in confidence each week. His ability to find the scoreboard is fantastic and he’s starting to build some great synergy with the other forwards.

VFL Listed Players Stats:  

Coaches Call Out: James Creighton 

We changed James’ role this week. He went forward, played a really important role and got rewarded.

47. Ryan Hebron (c)

19 disposals, 6 tackles

48. Jaelen Pavlidis

22 disposals, 5 clearances

49. Mitch Ryan

Injured

50. Darcy Edmends

21 disposals, 5 marks

51. Jakob Anderson

19 disposals, 5 marks

52. Barry O’Connor

14 disposals, 9 tackles, 4 clearances

53. Tom McCaffrey 

3 goals, 8 disposals

54. James Creighton

3 goals, 16 disposals

55. Will Shaw

9 disposals, 1 tackle

56. Billy Clark

15 disposals, 7 marks

66. Jack Glanvill

8 disposals, 1 tackle