Match Information:
Kangaroos v GIANTS
Sunday, October 1 at 1:05pm
Arden Street Oval | Wurundjeri
State of Play:
The GIANTS:
The GIANTS have shown so far this season they can match it with the very best in the competition for large periods of time but are still aiming to find the consistency required for a full four-quarter performance.
While showcasing plenty of positive signs, particularly their ability to transition the ball and kick a larger score, frequent lapses in concentration has allowed the GIANTS’ opponents to capitalise on the scoreboard across the first month of the season.
After matching it with last year’s semi-finalists Richmond for three quarters a fortnight ago, in which they trailed by just three points at the last change before falling by 19 points, the GIANTS again matched it with one of the competition’s top sides in round four before fading out.
Up against the undefeated Crows, the GIANTS showed passages of brilliances at Manuka Oval with a five-goal first half but failed to maintain their high level after the break as Adelaide flexed its muscles with a big final two terms.
Several GIANTS continued their strong form despite the loss, with Alyce Parker (31 disposals, 10 clearances), Nicola Barr (23 disposals, five tackles) and Bec Beeson (22 disposals, four inside -50s) all prominent.
Tarni Evans (19 disposals, eight rebound-50s) and Zarlie Goldsworthy (19 disposals, a goal, 10 tackles) also continued to shine to show they’re among the competition’s brightest young stars.
In great news for the GIANTS, they’ll regain skipper Alicia Eva for the clash with the Kangaroos after serving her one-game suspension in the clash with Adelaide.
The Opposition:
After finishing inside the top eight last season the Kangaroos appear to have taken their game to another level this season as they sit firmly inside the top four with a record of 3-1 heading into the clash with the GIANTS on Sunday.
Led by Jasmine Garner, who has polled maximum votes in the afl.com.au Player of the Year award in each of the first four matches, the Kangaroos have started off with wins over St Kilda, Carlton and Geelong before suffering a nail-biting loss to Brisbane in Launceston last week.
In what was their first-ever defeat in Tasmania, the ‘Roos held a three-goal lead at the half and a six-point lead at the final break before the Lions roared home to record a thrilling two-point win.
Garner (30 disposals, 1.1), Ash Riddell (31 disposals, six tackles) and Emma Kearney (22 disposals, 10 rebound 50s) led the way for North Melbourne.
Recent History:
It’s been over two seasons since the two sides faced off with the last match-up between the GIANTS and North Melbourne taking place back in January 2022.
The Kangaroos took home the four points in that round three, season six clash despite a spirited fightback from the GIANTS.
After trailing by six goals with just one major to their name at the final change, the GIANTS kept their opponents scoreless in the final term while kicking 3.2 of their own but ultimately fell short as the Kangaroos registered a 7.12 (54) to 4.3 (27) win at Arden Street Oval.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
Alyce Parker continues to show why she’s one of the best players in the competition with yet another stellar season to date.
Despite hurting her knee late in the round three clash with the Tigers, Parker looked completely unaffected against the Crows on Saturday as she finished with 31 disposals, 10 clearances and six score involvements to earn herself three coaches’ votes despite the loss.
Parker has now polled in three of the GIANTS first four games to sit 13th in the Coaches Association's AFLW Champion Player of the Year award.
Averaging 23.5 touches and 5.3 clearances per game, which ranks her inside the top 10 in the competition, the GIANTS will be hoping Parker can continue her dominant form on Sunday as they look to take down the ‘Roos and register their first win of season 2023.
In the Mix:
With exciting young midfielder Teagan Germech sidelined with an ankle injury, the GIANTS will make at least one change for their team on Sunday as they welcome back skipper Alicia Eva.
Cambridge McCormick, Jasmine Grierson, and Tess Cattle could all come into contention to take on the Kangaroos after being named as emergencies for last week’s clash with the Crows.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name their round five squad at 6:20pm on Thursday and the final team at 5pm on Friday at gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Kangaroos here.
Where to Watch:
The GIANTS’ round five clash with the Kangaroos will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 1pm on Sunday.
Social Media:
Follow the GIANTS’ brand new Instagram account, @GWSGIANTSAFLW, and be part of the #BigBigSound in 2023!
