The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have reached another important club milestone today, defeating the top of the table Sydney Swan’s Reserves for the first time by 64 points.
The young GIANTS squad outmuscled, out ran and out scored the Swans on a day when a number of young guns offered the crowd glimpses of what they will be capable of in the future.
Israel Folau opened the goal kicking, booting his first of three from a set shot at the 30-second mark of the match.
The midfielders continued to work hard to gain clearances and shift the ball into the GIANTS forward line, in particular Anthony Miles who finished the day with 34 disposals and 13 clearances.
GIANTS Senior Assistant Coach Mark Williams praised the side’s efforts today and said that the win was a sign of how hard the young side has been working on their development in 2011.
“Our players are improving, there’s no doubt about that. We’ve been working at it for a long time.
“We’re mindful that the Swans had some players out today but obviously we had some players out as well.
“Today was good for the club’s confidence and we’re looking forward to the rest of the year.”
Williams was also impressed with the three goal performance of Israel Folau, in particular his dominance at the beginning of the match.
“Generally he’s been getting most of his goals in the second half of the game, it was great to see that he was so lively in the first half,” he said.
The GIANTS continued to dominate play throughout the match, with Jeremy Cameron kicking a number of impressive goals and Jack Hombsch working hard to prevent the Swans from scoring in the GIANTS backline.
“I think that the boys ran pretty well on top of the ground today and moved the ball well,” said Williams.
Ongoing rain forced today’s clash to be moved from the SCG to Blacktown International Sports Park. Williams commended the Swans on their willingness to move today’s match with only 48 hours notice.
“It was nice to think that both clubs could get together and move the game to Blacktown when the game was moved off the SCG yesterday.
“It was nice that everyone decided we could play out here on this great oval, which was in excellent condition for footy today.”
Williams said that today’s 64-point win would instill confidence in the GIANTS as the AFL’s newest recruit prepares to enter the AFL in 2012.
“This was a great win for our club.
“This gives our supporters, sponsors, players and staff some confidence in the side and where we’re heading. That is the main thing that we’ll take from this game.”
GWS GIANTS
18.13.121
Sydney Swans Reserves
9.3.57
GIANTS goal kickers
Jeremy Cameron 4
Israel Folau 3
Rhys Cooyou 2
Josh Bruce 2
Curtly Hampton 2
Jonathan Giles
Ben Reid
Anthony Miles
Alex Carey
Dylan Shiel
Bests
Miles, Hombsch, Giles, Cameron, Reid, Cooyou
