The GIANTS’ first pre-season hit-out against AFLW opposition proved a fruitful one in Blacktown on Saturday with plenty of learnings coming out of the match simulation against the Swans.
With the AFLW season just three weeks away, the GIANTS ramped up their preparations with a pre-season clash with the Swans played across six 15-minute quarters (plus time-on) in perfect conditions at Blacktown International SportsPark.
All but five players on the GIANTS’ 30-player list for the 2024 AFLW season featured in the hit-out, with the likes of Alyce Parker and Nicola Barr showing they’re ready for big seasons with strong performances, while several newcomers impressed in their first hit-out in orange and charcoal.
The GIANTS got off to a strong start in the clash, with Parker and Barr running rampant in the middle early on while Tarni Evans led a rock-solid defence.
Up forward Jas Grierson provided a strong target ahead of the ball in her new role in attack from defence, while newcomer Aliesha Newman stood out as she weaved in and out of her former Swans teammates in an impressive showing for her new side.
Georgia Garnett gave the GIANTS the early lead with the first major of the game through a clever soccer goal, while Fleur Davies responded to the Swans’ first goal with a booming 40m set shot in the dying seconds of the opening term to give the GIANTS a five-point quarter-time lead.
The Swans managed to get on top of the scoreboard after quarter-time despite the efforts of tackling machine Haneen Zreika and new skipper Bec Beeson, who led from the front in her first outing as GIANTS captain.
Midfield newcomers Mikayla Pauga, Claire Ransom, Indigo Linde and Kaitlyn Srhoj were others to impact the contest throughout the day as they push for a GIANTS debut in season 2024.
Fellow newcomer Jemma Ramsdale also took little time to impress in her first appearance in GIANTS colours, with the recent replacement player’s strong defensive prowess on full display.
Irish recruit Eilish O’Dowd also looked right at home playing in the ruck in what was her first match against an AFLW opponent just months after moving to Australia and picking up the sport.
A host of regular GIANTS were also strong contributors in the clash with the Swans, with Emily Pease strong around the ball and Jess Doyle lively up forward, while Cambridge McCormick provided some eye-catching dash and dare in her new permanent role across half-back.
In further positive both Meghan Gaffney and Annise Bradfield both made successful returns to the field after respective long-term injuries.
Following Saturday’s match, the GIANTS will next take on the Kangaroos in Blacktown in another pre-season hit-out next Saturday before kicking off their 2024 AFLW campaign with an exciting match-up with the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Saturday, August 31.
Don’t miss out on an exciting 2024 NAB AFLW season by becoming a GIANTS member today, with tickets also now on sale.
