GIANTS young guns Harry Perryman, Isaac Cumming and Zach Sproule were shining lights in their side’s 71-point NEAFL loss to Aspley on Saturday.
Despite the 8.10.58 to 19.15.129 defeat the trio of GIANTS Academy draftees put in impressive displays, delighting NEAFL Coach Brad Miller.
Cumming finished the match with 27 disposals and laid five tackles in his best game of the season so far, while Perryman collected a game-high 39 touches and kicked a goal.
“Isaac has been great the last two weeks and it was good to see him get a fair bit of the ball,” Miller said.
“He’s got great speed around the ground and was able to use it to make an impact around the contest.
“Harry spent most of his time in the midfield and really showed a lot of class with his ball use, we’re really excited about his development.”
Sproule was a constant headache for the Aspley defence as he continues to thrive in his first season.
The Rookie listed key-forward kicked three goals to take his season tally to 17, placing him equal third on the NEAFL goal kickers list.
“He’s adjusting to the rigours of playing in a key position and we are now starting to see that he’s added different dimensions to his game, so he is really hard to stop,” Miller said.
“His contest work is starting to improve and for the first time he really got his defensive acts up so it was a very encouraging performance.”
Dawson Simpson dominated in the ruck throughout the match, providing the GIANTS’ midfielders with first use of the ball.
Miller said he was pleased with the impact the ruckman had on his teammates.
“He just continues to deliver week in week out, he’s been really consistent with his attitude and leadership,” Miller said.
“The effect that he has on all the guys and the younger players in particular has been outstanding.”
For the second consecutive week Matt de Boer collected over 30 disposals and provided plenty of run and carry through the middle as he continues to push his case for an AFL call up.
After a close start to the match that saw the teams level at the first change, the Hornets took control late in the second quarter to open up a 16-point lead at the main break.
The second half was dominated by the visitors as they kicked 12 goals to three to take the game away from the GIANTS, who are still searching for their second win of the season.
“We were right in the game up to half time and that’s been a theme throughout the season,” Miller said.
“It’s definitely a challenge with different players learning new roles each week but we have plenty of things to work on for next week.”
The GIANTS Reserves face the Brisbane Lions Reserves at Spotless Stadium on Saturday May 20 at 12.55pm.
GIANTS v Aspley Hornets at Blacktown International SportsPark
GIANTS 2.3 5.3 7.6 8.10 (58)
ASPLEY 2.3 7.7 12.8 19.15 (129)
Goals: Z. Sproule 3; M. Flynn, W. Clark, M. De Boer, H. Perryman, L. Tiziani
