Dawson Simpson has put up his hand for AFL consideration after a dominant performance in the ruck against the Swans Reserves in Saturday’s thrilling four-point NEAFL win.
He was one of several AFL-listed players who pushed their cases for selection in the arm-wrestle of a match at the SCG, which saw the lead change 12 times before the GIANTS Reserves ran out winners 11.7 (73) to 9.15 (69).
The GIANTS led at each break, but could not shake the Swans, who took the lead twice in the last quarter before GIANTS Academy player Kieren Briggs snapped a goal 19 minutes into the term to give them back the lead.
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“It was a great win against the Swans – they were in the grand final last year, and I think they had 18 AFL-listed players (on Saturday),” GIANTS NEAFL head coach Adam Schneider said.
“The boys did really well. Sydney are a very strong team. We were probably up against it a little bit with a few blokes out with injuries, but it was a really hard contest and the boys really stood up.
“It was fantastic, just after last year as well - the way the boys played all year and had not many wins for the season – and to start off on the right foot is fantastic.”
The match was Schneider’s NEAFL coaching debut, with 2005 premiership teammate Tadhg Kennelly making his coaching debut for the Swans.
GIANTS Reserves 11.7 (73)
Swans Reserves 9.15 (69)
GOALS: D. Buckley 4; Z. Sproule 3; M. Flynn, N. Shipley, J. Peatling, K. Briggs
The GIANTS Reserves take on Gold Coast Suns Reserves in round two at Harrup Park, Mackay, on Saturday, April 14 from 6.30pm.
GIANTS NEAFL coach Adam Schneider on the performance of GIANTS AFL-listed players:
Ryan Griffen – 30 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 clearances, 2 inside 50’s, 2 rebound 50’s
“He was probably one of our best players on the ground. Had a full game this week, which was great for him and covered the ground really well, which is positive signs going forward.”
Dawson Simpson – 44 hit outs, 13 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 clearances
“Dawson was unbelievable in the tap out – he had 44 hit outs and set us up again. He’s been fantastic and shown great leadership as captain.”
Aiden Bonar – 28 disposals, 8 tackles, 6 clearances, 3 inside 50’s, 1 rebound 50
“He’s growing every week, Aiden. He was fantastic on the weekend, just with the inside ball and he got a lot of the footy.”
Isaac Cumming – 27 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 marks, 5 clearances, 2 inside 50’s, 2 rebound 50's
“It was a full game again for Isaac – his best game for the year so far. He had some great run and carry of the ball.”
Nick Shipley – 25 disposals, 13 tackles, 9 clearances, 4 inside 50’s, 5 rebound 50’s
“‘Ships’ definitely had the saddle on the weekend with his tackling, it was fantastic and he had a bit of a role for the team and played it really well.”
Jake Stein – 12 disposals, 8 marks, 3 rebound 50’s, 2 tackles
“‘Steiny’ has been getting better every game. I was extremely happy with his game on the weekend and he definitely helped our back line out a fair bit.”
Matt Flynn – 11 disposals, 8 hit outs, 2 clearances, 2 inside 50's, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal
“‘Flynny’ was very good. He typified our game with the contest and matching the Swans, and he really delivered in that area. It was a very hard, contested game for Flynny.”
Lachlan Keeffe – 11 disposals, 2 inside 50's, 2 rebound 50's, 2 tackles, 2 marks
“Lachie Keeffe was a bit quiet with numbers, but played a very, very important role for us with leadership and structures.”
Tim Mohr – 11 disposals, 5 rebound 50's, 1 mark, 1 tackle
“‘Mohry’ was very solid down back – not quite as good as he has been the last few weeks, but he didn’t get beaten in many contests.”
Lachie Tiziani – 11 disposals, 6 inside 50's, 1 rebound 50, 4 tackles, 2 marks
“It was the first game back for Lachie after a shoulder injury. He slowly got his way into the game and will be looking for more game time next week.”
Dylan Buckley – 10 disposals, 4 goals, 4 inside 50's, 2 clearances, 2 marks, 2 tackles
“He only played half a game and he was fantastic, Dylan. He brought a lot of energy and a bit of speed to our forward line and kicked some great goals.”
Jack Buckley – nine disposals, 3 inside 50's, 1 rebound 50, 2 tackles
“He had half a game as well in his first game back from a hamstring injury. He started to cover the ground reasonably well in the second half.”
Zach Sproule – 8 disposals, 3 goals, 4 marks
“‘Sprouley’ worked very, very hard on his work rate. He contested and kicked some great goals and celebrated even better.”
