A starring performance from first-round draftee Phoenix Gothard saw the GIANTS’ VFL side storm home to register an impressive 27-point win over the Gold Coast Suns in windy conditions in Blacktown on Saturday morning.
Played in beautiful sunshine but plagued by howling winds, both sides found it tough going for much of the day until a strong second half and the brilliance of Gothard and some of his AFL teammates helped the GIANTS register a hard-fought 11.12 (78) to 6.15 (51) victory.
Neither side could break free early on as they struggled to make the most of their scoring opportunities, often due to the blustery conditions, with scores deadlocked at 3.7 (25) apiece at the main break.
After exiting the sheds it was a brilliant but fortunate long-bomb goal from Adam Kennedy - who was a standout in the win - that sparked the GIANTS in the third term as Gothard also added his third major to help the GIANTS hold a 15-point lead entering the final term.
Despite the visitors being aided by the strong breeze in the final quarter, the GIANTS kept their cool in a brilliant final stanza, outscoring the Suns four goals straight to 1.6 to register a gutsy four-goal win.
Gothard was a key in the triumph as he kicked a season-high four goals - including an important clever snap to start the final term - to go along with 19 touches, five tackles and seven clearances in a match-winning display.
The 18-year-old was electric through the middle and up forward throughout the day as last year’s number 12 pick put in his best showing yet to continue to press his claims for an AFL debut.
153-game AFL veteran Kennedy also put in arguably his best game of the season, with the 32-year-old’s composure and run and dare off half-back a highlight as he finished with 18 touches in just his fourth game back after more than a year out with an ACL injury.
Continuing to build and press his claims for an AFL recall, Kennedy also kicked a miraculous bouncing goal aided by the wind from 65m out on his non-preferred left foot to lift the GIANTS in the third term.
Conor Stone is another who continues to bang the door down for an AFL recall, with the powerful 22-year-old finishing with 33 touches and a whopping 15 marks against the Suns in another brilliant performances in his new role as a rebounding defender.
Meanwhile Nick Haynes (38 touches, 13 marks) showed he’s above the level and ready whenever his name is called for an AFL return with another stellar performance down back, while Jacob Wehr (29 touches, nine marks) also continued his strong VFL form as he showed off his running power.
Another first-round draftee from last year, James Leake, was another who continues to impress, with the Tasmanian backing up his 24 possessions, eight tackles and four clearances against the Blues two weeks ago with another strong outing, finishing with 25 touches, 12 tackles and five clearances playing in the middle.
Max Gruzewski also worked hard in what were conditions not suited for a key forward, finishing with 15 touches, nine marks and 2.2.
Irishman Callum Brown (16 touches, one goal) also had his moments in his second consecutive VFL game, while recent draftee Nathan Wardius continued his emergence with 11 touches and 2.2 - including a brilliant snap goal late in the game to put the icing on the GIANTS’ win.
Wade Derksen (22 touches, five marks) was also again solid down back in his return after missing the club’s last clash prior to the bye with illness.
Following the win over the Suns, the GIANTS’ VFL side will face the Casey Demons at Casey Fields next Saturday at 11:35am.
VFL Round 17
GIANTS: 2.5. 3.7 7.12 11.12 (78)
Suns: 2.3 3.7 5.9 6.15 (51)
Goals:
GIANTS: Gothard 4, Gruzewski 2, Wardius 2, Brown, Keeffe, Kennedy
Suns: Brock 2, Faulkhead, Fitzgerald, Lemmens, Patterson
