Tommy Sheridan has made a positive return in the GIANTS’ NEAFL loss to the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.
Playing limited game time, the 25-year-old collected 14 disposals in his first game back in over a month in the 20.8 (128) to 6.7 (43) loss.
The undermanned GIANTS – who had just seven listed players – were no match for the experienced Suns, with the home side slamming on eight goals to one in the opening term.
While the GIANTS managed to show some fight in the third term, they were unable to keep up with the Suns who kicked six goals to one in the final quarter.
“Obviously it wasn’t the result we were after,” GIANTS NEAFL Head Coach Adam Schneider said.
“We let them get off to a great start and kick eight goals in the first quarter and the game was pretty much done there and then.
“I think the important thing was that we actually didn’t give up after quarter time, we sort of got back into the game and fought it out until the end.”
Nick Shipley again impressed in the midfield for the GIANTS, while Irish rookie Callum Brown provided the highlight of the day, kicking a brilliant running goal from half-back.
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Zach Sproule kicked two goals from limited opportunities in his third game back from a knee injury.
Gold Coast 8.0, 11.3, 14.5, 20.8 (128)
GIANTS 1.1, 2.3, 5.6, 6.7 (43)
GIANTS Goals: Sproule 2; Brown, Delahunty, Kelly, Mudge 1.
GIANTS NEAFL Head Coach Adam Schneider on the GIANTS’ AFL Listed Players:
Jye Caldwell – 20 disposals, one mark, six tackles
“Jye battled away, he had a little match up in the midfield with a couple of their good midfields. He had a slow start but worked his way into the game. He’s been working on some things within his game over the last couple of weeks and it’s starting to show. We know what he can do with the footy, but I think we’re seeing some good stuff when he doesn’t have it.”
Tommy Sheridan – 14 disposals, two marks, four tackles, two inside 50s
“I’m very happy for Tommy, he’s had a frustrating year in his first season at the club. It was great to see him running around out there and get through the game unscathed. He’ll look to build on his game time next week .”
Zach Sproule – 14 disposals, four marks, eight tackles, four inside 50s, two goals
“I was very pleased with Sproule’s game. He was captain for the day which was good for him and he finished with eight tackles which was probably the most pleasing thing from his day. His aggression and communication to help the other players around him - especially with such a young team – was great. I thought he was super.”
Kieren Briggs – 13 disposals, two marks, three tackles, 27 hitouts
“Briggs came up against Tom Nicholls who is a very good ruckman. It was another learning game for him, it’s been a big year for Kieren, he’s had to carry a lot of load. It was his second full game as a ruckman which is always challenging and around the ground he was good his follow up was great but he probably got beaten in the ruck. Like I said it was a good learning game for him.”
Nick Shipley – 35 disposals, 12 marks, five tackles, three inside 50s
“Shipley again played some good footy on the wing. We know he can find a lot of the footy and that comes down to the pure gut running and work rate. That’s how he gets rewarded so he was again for us. He just needs to work on his skill execution as that’ll make him more dangerous."
Connor Idun – 17 disposals, eight marks, two tackles
“It was a different sort of opponent for Connor which took him up the ground and got him running around. He’s had a super year but he probably fell even in the match up. He played on Josh Corbett whose work rate is outstanding and has played a few AFL games this year so it was a good experience for him.”
Callum Brown – 15 disposals, five marks, two tackles, one goal
“He probably kicked goal of the year as he was happy to tell me after the game, he was pretty rapt with that. He looked a little tired at times out there as it was pretty hot but again I’m liking what I saw on the weekend. Now we’re working on his balance of offence and defence. It’s been a super year for a guy who’s never played the game before to come out and produce what he’s produced.”
