Gold Coast Suns v GIANTS
Friday, October 27 at 6:45pm EST/7:45pm EDT
Heritage Bank Stadium | Yugambeh Country
State of Play:
The GIANTS were without star midfield pair Alyce Parker and Rebecca Beeson for their clash with Carlton last round, but it mattered little as teenage sensation Zarlie Goldsworthy tore the game apart with a five-goal, 24 disposal performance to lead the GIANTS to a tense two-point win over the Blues at Henson Park, the club’s second win of the season. In a rare Friday night clash for the GIANTS this week, the orange team will be looking for their first away win of the season against the Suns.
The Opposition:
The Suns are sitting in seventh on the AFLW ladder with two rounds to go, having recorded four wins, three losses and a draw for the season so far. The draw occurred last week against the Power in Adelaide in a game that see-sawed all day. With less than two minutes to go, Sun Jacqueline Dupuy scored a huge goal to level the scores and with neither side able to add to their total, the two teams split the points.
Recent History:
The GIANTS and Suns last faced off in the final round of last season at Henson Park in Sydney’s inner west, where the GIANTS recorded a 12-point win to cap off season seven. The victory maintained the club’s perfect record against Gold Coast in the AFLW, with its fourth consecutive win in the head-to-head battles.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
History could be made on Friday on the Gold Coast with three of the four Davies sisters to potentially take to Heritage Bank Stadium. 19-year-old Fleur, playing her first season for the GIANTS, has played all but one game in the ruck for the club this season – missing one game through suspension. Fleur joined the GIANTS from the Gold Coast, with sisters Giselle and Darcie both playing for the Suns’ AFLW side. 18-year-old Darcie has also played seven games in the ruck this season – for the Suns – while 20-year-old Giselle played six games in season seven but is yet to feature in 2023. 17-year-old Georgia is the fourth of the Davies sisters and is currently playing in the Suns Academy.
In the Mix:
Midfield gun Parker will miss the remainder of the season, but the GIANTS will re-gain inaugural GIANT Rebecca Beeson from suspension for Friday’s clash. She could be a straight swap for forward Brodee Mowbray who unfortunately suffered a serious knee injury last round. Running machine Madison Brazendale made her return from injury in a scrimmage in Brisbane last week and could come into selection consideration, while Tess Cattle, Grace Hill and Caitlin Miller were last week’s emergencies.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name their round nine team at 6:20pm on Thursday at gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of Friday's clash with the Suns here.
Where to Watch:
The GIANTS’ round nine clash with the Suns will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Two in NSW and the ACT from 7:30pm on Friday night.
Social Media:
Follow the GIANTS’ brand-new Instagram account, @GWSGIANTSAFLW, and be part of the #BigBigSound in 2023.
