Draftees Paul Ahern and Jarrod Pickett starred in the UWS GIANTS’ first practice match of 2015, kicking three goals each in a 59-point win over Eastlake.
 
The GIANTS’ team included 15 members of the PM CAPITAL GIANTS Academy and seven senior-listed players.
 
NEAFL Coach Brett Hand said he was impressed with his side’s work-rate considering it was the first competitive hit-out for many of the players.
 
“It was a good opportunity for our younger guys to get some experience and it was good to see the academy boys have a crack as well,” Hand said.
 
“Paul Ahern was clever around stoppages and clean with his hands so we were pretty impressed with his first match.
 
“Similarly Jarrod Pickett was able to win a lot of his own ball and managed to use his speed incredibly well to burst into space.”
 
Fellow draftee Pat McKenna also shone in his first outing, kicking two goals and creating opportunities for teammates up forward.
 
"McKenna’s leading patterns were quite advanced and his work-rate was fantastic so we liked what we saw from him,” Hand said.
 
“He managed to kick a couple of goals and unselfishly passed a couple more off so he’s got an exciting future ahead of him."

Ruckman Rory Lobb, who was an emergency for the GIANTS' game against Essendon on Friday night, also played well and kicked three goals.
 
Tom Downie and Jake Barrett were both managed through the match after having limited game-time in the GIANTS’ 45-point NAB Challenge win over the Bombers the night before.
 
The UWS GIANTS will play their next practice match against a combined ACT side this Sunday at Ainslie Oval at 9.30am.
 
The GIANTS' NEAFL season kicks off on Saturday, April 11 with a match against Gold Coast Reserves at Henson Park.
 
SCORE: UWS GIANTS 15.19 (109) def Eastlake 8.2 (50)