An electric eight-goal haul from Nathan Wardius and impressive performances from a host of AFL-listed teammates saw the GIANTS cruise to an emphatic 108-point win over Sandringham in Blacktown on Sunday.  

Set up by a dominant 10 goal to one first half – and the brilliance of Wardius - the GIANTS led by 62 points at the main break and never looked back, to register a monster 22.19 (151)- 6.7 (43) win in hot and sunny conditions at Blacktown International Sportspark.  

While the GIANTS had winners everywhere, it was the display by Wardius as well as starring games from Max Gruzewski (four goals) and midfielders Toby McMullin (30 touches, a goal), Jack Ough (33 touches, nine clearances, six tackles) and Harry Rowston (30 touches, five tackles, a goal) that were the catalyst for the huge victory.  

Finishing the day with a VFL career-high eight goals, Wardius had four majors and a hanger on the wing to his name by half-time and continued with four more goals after the break in an eye-catching best-on-ground display from the country boy from Walbundrie.   

Combining brilliantly with Gruzewski, Wardius – who also had 22 disposals and 12 marks- was deadly in front of goal as he showcased all his tricks in his best outing in orange and charcoal as the second year forward continues to chase an AFL debut.  

 While the forwards got the rewards on the scoreboards, midfielders McMullin, Ough and Rowston feasted around the footy all day as the trio look to force their way into the GIANTS’ AFL side. 

Playing predominantly on the wing, McMullin in particular looked a level above as he battled it out with Wardius for best-on-ground honours. 

Meanwhile Ough continues to show his immense talent, with the number 36 pick from last year’s draft’s clean hands and composure once again a highlight as he builds towards an AFL debut.   

Fellow draftees Cody Angove (31 touches) and Harry Oliver (25 touches) were also strong against the Zebras, while James Leake (27 touches, two goals) showed he’s ready to add to his AFL tally when needed with a great performance on ball.  

Harvey Thomas also put his hand up for AFL selection following Sunday’s game, with the crafty half forward finishing with 20 touches, three goals and five tackles in a great all-around game from the 19-year-old. 

While not as prominent in the big win, Leek Aleer (19 touches, seven marks) contributed strongly yet again, with the exciting defender’s day highlighted by another trademark screamer in the final term.  

Livewire small forward Josaia Delana (15 touches, one goal) also had his moments against the Zebras, particularly in the first half, with his trademark dash and dare on full display to play a part in numerous scoring chains.   

Leading the way for the VFL-listed GIANTS on Sunday was hardnut midfielder Marc Sheather (22 touches, six clearances) who once again put his body on the line in another strong showing, while newcomer Louie Montgomery (21 touches) backed up last week’s VFL debut with another good game down back.   

It was a commanding first quarter that set the tone for the GIANTS in Sunday’s big win, with the opening-quarter performances from Ough (11 touches, three tackles, three clearances and a goal), McMullin (10 touches, three marks and a goal), Rowston (10 touches), and Wardius (seven touches, two goals) helping the orange tsunami surge to a 29-point lead at the first break.  

Dominating both possessions (121- 62) and inside 50s (17-7) in the opening term, the GIANTS registered the first nine scoring shots util the Zebras finally got on the board via a behind at the 25-minute mark of the opening term.  

The second period was much of the same for the GIANTS, as Wardius continued to star up forward with two more goals to help the GIANTS enter the sheds with a nine-goal half-time lead they would never surrender to make it two-from-two to start their 2025 VFL campaign.   

With the VFL having a league-wide bye next weekend as part of the VFL v SANFL representative game played during Gather Round, the GIANTS will resume their season the following week against Casey at Casey Fields on Saturday, April 19.  

VFL Round 3  

GIANTS                 4.6  10.11 15.16 22.19 (151) 
Sandringham          0.1   1.3     4.6      6.7 (43)   

Goalkickers 

GIANTS:  Wardius 8, Gruzewski 4, Thomas 3, Leake 2, Rowston, Ough, Fonti, McMullin, Delana 
Sandringham: Williams, Richardson, Hutchings, Henry, Buck, Latreille