AFLW ROUND 8
GIANTS v Carlton
Saturday, October 21 at 3:05pm
Henson Park | Gadigal Country
Gates open at 2:05pm
State of Play:
The GIANTS will be without star midfielder Alyce Parker for Saturday’s clash with Carlton after the four-time Gabrielle Trainor Medallist injured her ankle in the third quarter of Saturday’s 13-point loss to St Kilda. One positive to come from the loss to the Saints was the continued form of teenage sensation Zarlie Goldsworthy. The 18-year-old continues to press her claims for the AFLW’s Rising Star award, registering two goals, 18 disposals and eight tackles at RSEA Park. Saturday’s clash with the Blues will see the GIANTS look to claim their second home win of the season.
The Opposition:
Carlton sits just outside the top eight after falling to their old enemy in Collingwood last weekend. Kerryn Peterson was amongst the Blues best, but it wasn’t enough as the Pies prevailed by 17 points at Ikon Park.
Recent History:
The GIANTS recorded an emphatic 17-point victory over Carlton in round six of season seven at Henson Park. Alyce Parker (18 disposals, five clearances) and Georgia Garnett (17 disposals, 12 marks) led a host of GIANTS ball winners, including Jodie Hicks (14 disposals), Nicola Barr and Alicia Eva (13 disposals each) in the 4.5 (29) to 1.6 (12) win. Cora Staunton kicked two goals for the GIANTS, including a fourth quarter major which broke the back of the Blues, while Emily Pease also booted two.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
Nicola Barr has made a name for herself playing both up forward and down back but in season 2023 has starred in a new role as a midfielder.
Adding her speed, smarts and ball-winning ability to the GIANTS engine room, Barr has flourished this season, sitting comfortably among the GIANTS’ most productive players this season.
The GIANTS will be hoping the 27-year-old can continue her impressive form on Saturday in the absence of fellow midfielder Alyce Parker.
In the Mix:
With midfielder Rebecca Beeson missing through suspension and Alyce Parker ruled out for the remainder of the AFLW season, there’ll be at least two changes for the GIANTS’ clash with Carlton.
Second-year GIANT Fleur Davies could make her return after sitting out the clash with St Kilda through suspension, while Tess Cattle, Grace Hill, Teagan Germech and Caitlin Miller will also be in the mix.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name their round eight team at 6:20pm on Thursday atgwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Blues here.
Where to Watch:
The GIANTS’ round eight clash with Carlton will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 3pm on Saturday.
Social Media:
Follow the GIANTS’ brand new Instagram account, @GWSGIANTSAFLW, and be part of the #BigBigSound in 2023.
