A dominant second quarter has helped the WSU GIANTS defeat the Swans Reserves by 65 points in a NEAFL trial match at Tom Wills Oval on Saturday.
In a closely fought first quarter, both sides struggled to deliver clean ball into their forward line, with the GIANTS holding a one-point lead at the first break.
From the opening bounce in the second quarter the GIANTS midfield took control scoring 47-0, winning the ball out of the middle and providing plenty of scoring opportunities.
The GIANTS defence held the Swans scoreless, with Harrison Himmelberg and Joel Patfull strong down back.
The GIANTS dominated in the hot conditions, with seven different goal kickers helping them open up a 48-point lead at the main break.
Despite some inaccurate kicking in the second half, WSU GIANTS coach Brad Miller was pleased with his side’s performance across the four quarters and saw a number of positives from the result.
“We dominated most parts of the game and then the guys continued to play the way we wanted to play and didn’t play a selfish brand of footy,” Miller said.
“Once we got it on our terms I thought the guys were really good in keeping the ball in our forward half.”
Draftee Matthew Kennedy, power forward and Jon Patton finished with two goals while GIANTS Academy top-up player Sam Fisher led the scoring with three majors.
Brad Miller highlighted the performances of Patton, rookie Sam Reid, Kennedy and exciting forward Jarrod Pickett.
“Jon Patton was very good up forward, his leading patterns were good and he gave a contest which was really pleasing,” Miller said.
“Sam Reid around the ball is just a workhorse, he just does the right thing at the right time. Matthew Kennedy tackled well and I thought Jarrod Pickett had a really good first half. He was lively around the ball, putting plenty of pressure on the opposition.”
Number 7 draft pick Jacob Hopper suffered a slight concussion late in the first quarter and was rested for the remainder of the match as a precaution.
The GIANTS have a week off before taking on the Swans Reserves again at Blacktown International Sports Stadium in a fortnight’s time.
That will be their final hit-out before they open their NEAFL season with a clash against Sydney University at Henson Park on Sunday April 3.
WSU GIANTS 13.21 (99) def. Swans Reserves 5.4 (34)
Goals: Sam Fisher 3, Jon Patton 2, Matthew Kennedy 2, Jarrod Pickett, Jake Barrett, Matthew Flynn, Daniel Lloyd, Sam Reid, Connor Byrne
