The GIANTS kick-start Pride Round with a mid-week clash with Saints as one of two games for the club across round seven.
Match Information:
St Kilda v GIANTS
Tuesday, October 8 at 7:15pm
Kinetic Stadium | Boon Wurrung/Bunerong Country
State of Play:
The GIANTS return to Melbourne for their second game there in six days as they kick-start Pride Round in a Tuesday night clash with the Saints in Frankston.
After a few days recovering back in Sydney over the weekend, the GIANTS return to Melbourne to take on the Saints at Kinetic Stadium following their clash with the Demons at IKON Park last Thursday night.
The GIANTS were slow out of the blocks in Thursday’s game and despite a strong second half – winning both the third and fourth quarters – were unable to make up the early deficit as the Demons registered a 16-point win.
While matching it with the home side in most areas across the first half, the GIANTS were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard, entering the main break with five behinds to their name as the Dees piled on 4.3 (27).
In just her third game back from an ACL, Brodee Mowbray was dynamic ahead of the footy with two goals to spark the GIANTS in the third quarter, while Madison Brazendale’s (18 disposals, three rebound-50s) tireless running on the wing was also a highlight.
After falling short 3.7 (25) to 6.5 (41) to the ‘Dees, the GIANTS will be hoping the stellar form of leaders Bec Beeson and Alyce Parker can continue as they look to take down the Saints, with the duo averaging 23 and 23.5 touches respectively in brilliant campaigns to date.
The Opposition:
The Saints will welcome the GIANTS to town following an up and down season to date, having won their opening three games before losing their last three.
Sitting at 3-3, the Saint will enter Tuesday’s game following a tough four-point loss to the Crows in Adelaide last Friday night.
With not much more than a goal separating the sides all night, the Saints fought hard until the end in enemy territory but fell just short, 3.8 (26) to 3.4 (22).
The Saints will be hoping for another similar performance from Tyanna Smith on Tuesday against the GIANTS, with the midfielder finishing with 22 touches and 13 tackles against the Crows on Friday.
Recent History:
While the GIANTS have won two of the last three meetings between the sides, it was the Saints who were victorious in the most recent clash, winning 7.6 (48) to 5.5 (35) at Moorabbin in round seven last year.
Leading at every change, the Saints were too good across the day as they registered their fourth straight win with the 13-point victory.
Despite the loss the GIANTS had several strong performers, with Zarlie Goldsworthy (two goals, 18 disposals, nine tackles), Alicia Eva (24 disposals) and Rebecca Beeson (19 disposals, nine tackles) all prolific.
While Alyce Parker (one goal, 24 disposals, eight tackles) was immense despite playing through an ankle injury suffered in the third term that would later require season-ending surgery.
In The Mix:
Mikayla Pauga is a likely inclusion into Tuesday’s side having served her two-game suspension for rough conduct following a tackle against the Swans in round four.
Others to come into consideration will be Courtney Murphy, Caitlin Miller and Jemma Ramsdale who were all emergencies last week.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name their team to take on the Saints at 6:20pm on Monday at gwsgiants.com.au.
Where to Watch:
The GIANTS’ round seven clash with the Saints will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 7pm on Thursday.
Social Media:
Follow the GIANTS on Instagram at @GWSGIANTSAFLW, and be part of the #BigBigSound in 2024.
