The GIANTS were brave, but the experience of North Melbourne proved too much in a well-fought AFLW practice match in Blacktown on Saturday.
Up against last year’s grand final runners up, the GIANTS put their game plan to the test against of the competition’s best sides and will take valuable learnings from the practice match as they prepare for their season opener in Canberra in two weeks against the Western Bulldogs.
While not victorious on the scoreboard against the ‘Roos on Saturday, there were plenty of positives to come out of their final pre-season hit-out, with the form of young guns Tarni Evans, Alyce Parker, Zarlie Goldsworthy and Georgia Garnett standing out alongside winger Nicola Barr and new skipper Bec Beeson.
Reliable defender Emily Pease was another to impress with several tenacious defensive efforts, while several newcomers also had their moments, with Irish recruit Eilish O’Dowd continuing her development with some impressive passages in Blacktown.
While North Melbourne got the early jump in Saturday’s hit-out there were several nice moments in the opening term from the GIANTS, with Haneen Zreika’s pressure and Evans’ attack on the footy both in the air and at ground level both highlights.
Meanwhile Beeson and her nice vice-captain Katherine Smith continued to put their bodies on the line in a physical first half, while midfield star Parker showed she’s in for another big season with numerous eye-catching clearances and possessions across the ground.
Exciting forward Jess Doyle had the highlight of the second quarter with a strong contested mark before converting truly with a nice set shot for the GIANTS’ first major of the day.
Fellow forward Garnett was one of the clear standouts entering half-time for the GIANTS following an eye-catching first half as she worked tirelessly to provide a strong target ahead of the footy.
Second-year utility Caitlin Miller was another to impress early on with some nice moments in the former forward’s new role down back this season.
Number three draft pick Kaitlyn Srhoj also continued to press her claims for a round one AFLW debut, with the former Peel Thunder midfielder impressing as she donned a Darcy Jones-like helmet in the first half before removing it after the main break.
Down by six goals at the half, the GIANTS continued to fight hard after the main break as Barr, Beeson and Parker continued to lead the way in the middle, while Evans was swung forward where she continued her strong presence in the air.
Newcomer Aliesha Newman was injected into the game in the third quarter as one of two subs on the day, with the former Swan quick to have an impact as some clever play from Goldsworthy found the zippy forward all alone 35m out as she converted truly for the GIANTS’ second major.
Tassie speedsters Meghan Gaffney and Madison Brazendale continued to work into the game in the third term as their work rate and speed saw them involved in numerous attacking chains.
Evans capped off her strong performance with a brilliant high-flying mark at half forward in the final term to set up a superb goal from Goldsworthy, with last year’s AFLW Rising Star winner sidestepping a North Melbourne opponent 20m out before finishing with a classy checkside.
The GIANTS will take a lot out of Saturday’s practice match with the Kangaroos and will now turn their attention to their exciting season opener with the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Saturday, August 31.
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