After five long years, the GIANTS’ trophy cabinet has its first addition following the WSU GIANTS’ thrilling four point NEAFL Grand Final win over the Swans Reserves.
The lead changed five times in a frantic final quarter, with neither side being able to break away to set up a match-winning lead.
With only a few minutes on the clock James Stewart capitalised on a Ted Richards fumble in the goal square to put the GIANTS in front for good, as they hung on for what seemed like an eternity until the final siren sounded.
WSU GIANTS coach Brad Miller was full of admiration for the effort of the entire playing group in the history making 11.16 (82) to 11.12 (78) victory.
“The boys just found a way to win. A couple of times it looked like we were gone but they just dug deep,” Miller said.
“Their ability to win contested footy and make tackles got the ball going our way and they fought it out right until the end.
“It’s hard to separate any of the guys today because even the guys that didn’t have a huge influence numbers-wise still found a way to play their role.
“There are going to be 10 or 11 players who have put their hand up and could be considered if they were needed in two weeks when the seniors play a preliminary final.”
The Swans started the better of the two sides, kicking the first four goals of the match before Pat McKenna and Matthew Flynn kicked truly to trim the margin to 17 points at quarter time.
The GIANTS kicked four goals to the Swans’ two in the second quarter to leave the match deadlocked at the main break - As has been the case all season.
Midfielder Jake Barrett and Academy player Connor Byrne both kicked goals in a tense third quarter with the margin never getting above 10 points throughout, with the GIANTS taking a three-point lead into the last quarter.
The Swans kicked the first goal of the last as both sides went goal for goal until James Stewart’s match winner in the dying minutes.
Miller was quick to highlight the importance of the victory for the club and acknowledged the hard work done by the entire GIANTS coaching staff throughout their short history.
“I have no doubt that I wouldn’t be standing here in this situation if it wasn’t for Brett Hand, Al McConnell and guys that have been here from the start,” he said.
“Without those guys' help and support in my first year as coach I wouldn’t be able to say that we have just won a flag under my watch.”
WSU GIANTS 11.16 (82) def Sydney Swans Reserves 11.12 (78)
GOALS
Jake Barrett, Matthew Flynn, James Stewart 2, Sam Reid, Tom Downie, Rhys Palmer, Pat McKenna, Connor Byrne
BEST
Jake Barrett, Sam Reid, Adam Kennedy, Rhys Palmer, Dawson Simpson, Pat McKenna
