The GIANTS had a chance to secure top-spot against Swans Reserves but fell agonisingly short, losing to their cross-town rivals by just one point at the SCG on Saturday.
Zac Williams, Tim Golds and Dylan Addison pushed their claim for a senior recall with solid performances, while Liam Sumner lead the charge up forward with two goals.
"It was a pretty tough match which could have gone either way in the dying stages," UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand said.
"At the end of the day they got on top of us around stoppages and had some bigger bodies around the ball."
Hand said he was impressed with Williams, who was dangerous around stoppages and limited the influence of Swans veteran Ryan O’Keefe.
"Zac had a great defensive game but was also really creative running off his opponent," Hand said.
"Some of our older players like Reid, Addison and Hunt showed their experience and led from the front all day."
The UWS GIANTS are currently second on the NEAFL ladder, but will secure first place with a win on Saturday due to their strong percentage. If they lose they could slip to third.
The UWS GIANTS play at 1pm before GIANTS take on Collingwood from 4.40pm at Spotless Stadium.
Swans Reserves 11.12 (78) def. UWS GIANTS 11.11 (77)
Best Players: T. Golds , J. Hunt , S. Gilham , L. Sumner , Z. Williams , D. Addison
Goals: L. Sumner 2, S. Reid 2, D. Addison 2, J. Hunt 2, J. Giles , L. Griffiths , J. Finlayson
