The GIANTS’ VFL side have fallen to Frankston by 14 points in a low-scoring and inaccurate affair in wet and gloomy conditions in Blacktown on Saturday.
Having had their three-match winning streak snapped last week by the Swans, the GIANTS were unable to re-bound against the Dolphins on Saturday as the visitors managed the slippery conditions better to hang on for a 7.19 (61) - 5.17 (47) victory in near constant rain at Blacktown International SportsPark.
The GIANTS were slow out of the blocks and gave themselves a chance with a late flurry of goals but ultimately left their run too late and were left to rue their inaccuracy as the Dolphins held on for a gritty win.
Unable to kick a major until Jacob Wehr kicked truly midway through the second term – the GIANTS’ only goal of the first half - the GIANTS trailed by 21 points at the main break despite a 34-27 inside-50 advantage as they continued to overuse the footy in the wet and wild conditions.
Despite missing exciting defender Leek Aleer, who was subbed out early in the second term with concussion following a head knock, the GIANTS continued to chip away at the deficit after half-time but were unable to make their dominance count on the scoreboard until a fast finish gave them a glimmer of hope.
With Xavier O’Halloran leading the way, the GIANTS came out firing in the third term but couldn’t make it count where it matters most as they managed just 1.7 to the Dolphins’ four behinds in the quarter to find themselves down by 12 points entering the final term.
After Frankston kicked the opening two goals of the last quarter it appeared the game was done and dusted until O’Halloran, Max Gruzewski and Harry Rowston all goaled in quick succession to cut the lead back to 12 points with a handful of minutes remaining.
The comeback wasn’t to be however as the Dolphins took the sting out of the game in red time to hold on for a two-goal win on the road.
Dolphin Matt Johnson starred for the victors with three of his side’s seven goals, while O’Halloran was a shining light for the GIANTS as he continues to press his claims for an AFL recall in what was his second consecutive VFL game of the season.
In conditions built for the hard-nosed midfielder, O’Halloran finished with 31 touches, 11 clearances, 11 tackles and a goal, with his clean hands and line-breaking power on full display despite the loss.
Josh Fahey (36 touches) also battled hard off half-back while Toby McMullin (26 touches, seven clearances) and Harry Rowston (23 touches, 10 tackles, five clearances, a goal) were strong inside alongside O’ Halloran.
Jacob Wehr (20 touches, a goal) was also solid in his first VFL game of the year, alongside fellow winger Ryan Angwin (20 touches).
Nick Madden (18 touches, 53 hit-outs, 13 clearances) continued his emergence with another impressive game, while Wade Derksen (18 touches) was once again defiant down back.
Recent first-round draft pick Phoenix Gothard (13 touches, eight tackles, one goal) also showed glimpses of his high-end talent against the Dolphins as he continues to work his way back from illness.
The GIANTS will get a chance to bounce back when they host Footscray in Blacktown next week where they’ll be looking to avenge their 17-point round-one loss to the Bulldogs.
VFL Round 7
GIANTS: 0.1 1.6 2.13 5.17 (47)
Frankston: 2.4 4.9 4.13 7.19 (61)
Goals:
GIANTS: Gothard, Gruzewski, O’Halloran, Rowston, Wehr
Frankston: Johnson 3, Smith, Sharp, Quirk, Jones
