Versatile tall Adam Tomlinson and forward Sam Reid both produced standout performances in the WSU GIANTS’ 13-point loss to NT Thunder at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.
Tomlinson had 28 touches and kicked two goals, while Reid kicked three goals before going down with a hamstring injury in the reserves’ 11.12 (78) to 9.11 (65) defeat.
The GIANTS battled hard under tough circumstances, with injuries to Will Hoskin-Elliott (quad), Matthew Flynn (ankle) and Reid (hamstring) forcing the GIANTS to play the majority of the last quarter with just 17 players on the field.
Hoskin-Elliott left the game mid-way through the first quarter with a recurrence of the quad strain that saw him miss the round four match and played no further part in the game.
Flynn rolled his ankle early in the opening minutes before returning to the field briefly in the second quarter but took no further part after the main break.
Reid, who was closing in on a remarkable return to the AFL side having been named as an emergency this week, suffered a hamstring injury late in the third quarter just as he looked set to take the game away from the Thunder.
GIANTS NEAFL Coach Brad Miller commended his team’s perseverance and ability to stick with the Thunder despite the numerical disadvantage.
“I thought we started pretty poorly, we conceded six goals and I just thought that we didn’t come to play but after halftime the guys really cracked in and got the game back to level pegging at three quarter time,” Miller said.
“I thought they had a really good crack in the second half, unfortunately we went down to 17 men towards the end of the game and couldn’t quite get over the line but I was really proud of their effort in the second half.”
Miller understands just how important it is for his side’s players to be putting pressure on the seniors for spots in the AFL side and was quick to highlight a number of players that put their hand up for selection with strong performances.
“I thought Tommo (Tomlinson) was outstanding, he was the most influential player on the ground, around the footy. He had eight or nine clearances so it was a really well rounded performance,” Miller said.
“Reid was really dangerous, he tackles the opposition really well and unfortunately it looks like he has hurt his hammy … I thought he was really damaging when he was on.
“Tim Mohr did a great job on Ewing, their full forward, he battled hard all day and fought well in the contest.
“Harry Himmelberg was good across halfback, I thought he got the balance right for when to defend his man and when to provide offence for us.”
The GIANTS were without defender Nick Haynes who was a late call up to the AFL side to replace Ryan Griffen (back).
First round draftee Jacob Hopper was also rested for the match after cutting his face in a pool accident, but is expected to be available for selection next week.
The WSU GIANTS have a bye this week, before they return to Spotless Stadium on Saturday May 14 to take on the Gold Coast Suns reserves.
WSU GIANTS
Goal Kickers: S Reid 3, A Tomlinson 2, J Barrett, B Myers, D Lloyd, B Clark
Best Players: A Tomlinson, S Reid, T Mohr, H Himmelberg, T Downie
