Thirty six possessions from Daniel Lloyd wasn't enough to get the GIANTS Reserves home against the Canberra Demons in their round three NEAFL match.

The GIANTS lead by 14 points at half time, before the Demons took control after the main break to win by 16 points at Alan Ray Oval in Canberra.

With only 11 AFL listed players taking to the field for the GIANTS, Canberra kicked six of the seven goals either side of three-quarter time to put together a match winning lead as the GIANTS ran out of legs. 

“It was a tough battle which was neck and neck for a long time, but to Canberra’s credit they ran away with it,” said NEAFL coach Brad Miller.

“We competed well and our older guys were good, but our depth was tested and to Canberra’s credit they were too good.”

Lloyd, who has played mostly as a forward since joining the GIANTS, fought hard as a midfielder as he continues to put his name forward for a potential AFL debut.

Miller was full of praise for the 25-year-old.

“You know what you’ll get every week with Lloydy.

“He uses the ball well and has been knocking the door down for the last four weeks. 

“He’s developing as a midfielder and if he keeps going about it like he is, his opportunity at AFL level will come.”  

Number 14 draft pick Harry Perryman set the GIANTS alight in the first term gathering 12 possessions and kicking a goal before the Demons clamped down on him.

The 18 year old continues to impress and had 26 disposals and kicked three goals.

The other shining light for the GIANTS was the first game for the season by mature recruit Matt De Boer.

Following a hamstring injury earlier this year, the former Fremantle midfielder played close to 70 per cent of the match as he set out to do in his first game in GIANTS colours.

“We were really pleased to see Matt get through unscathed,” said Miller.

“His attitude was terrific and he was super professional around our young group.“ 

The 27 year old is expected to increase his game time when the GIANTS play the Swans Reserves at the SCG on Saturday. 

With their AFL side expected to name a number of experienced campaigners, the Swans Reserves could feature several inclusions who've been playing at AFL level in recent weeks.

The GIANTS currently sit in 8th position with the Swans in 5th place. The match gets underway at 3.45pm.