The GIANTS Reserves put in one of their best displays of the season despite a 59-point loss to the Swans Reserves at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Despite taking the field with eight AFL listed players, the GIANTS held their own against the ladder leaders, closing to within five points in the third quarter before the Swans kicked nine of the last 10 goals to run out 16.16 (112) to 8.5 (53) winners.

NEAFL Coach Brad Miller was pleased with his side’s application and intent throughout the match.

“The Swans fielded a really strong side and I was really happy with the guys’ effort throughout,” Miller said.

“For 90 per cent of the game we were able to execute our game plan, our contested ball was right up with theirs and we were using the ball effectively.”

The GIANTS had a number of strong performances from their young stars with Isaac Cumming (30 disposals), Will Setterfield (29 disposals) and Zach Sproule (two goals) all among the GIANTS’ best.

Miller was extremely pleased with the trio’s efforts throughout the tough, physical contest.

“Isaac is really starting to take the game on and his ball use was a really high standard throughout the game,” Miller said.

“We’re really pleased with his progress particularly over the last few weeks.

“Will is hard and tough around the contest and today he was able to break away from the stoppage today which was really good to see.

“It’s just his third game back from injury and right now he just needs to get some run in his legs but he will be better for the run.

“Zach went into the game with a real focus to lead up at the ball carrier and I thought he did that extremely well taking ten marks.

“I was really happy with his contribution and you can see he is developing his ability to read the game and make decisions based on the situation the game is throwing at you.”

The GIANTS side also featured five Academy players recently selected in the Allies Squad for their U/18 Championship match against QLD.

Local Western Sydney talent Nick Shipley was the standout, kicking a second quarter goal, laying eight tackles and collecting 20 disposals.

“It was Nick’s best game for the NEAFL side which is really pleasing for him,” Miller said.

“He hunted the footy really well, he was clean around the contest and used the ball really well.”

The GIANTS Reserves take on Sydney University on Saturday at 2pm at Blacktown International Sportspark.