A standout solo performance by Sam Reid wasn’t enough to get the Western Sydney University GIANTS over the line in their NEAFL match against the Gold Coast Suns reserves in Townsville.
Reid, who was elevated to the GIANTS senior list earlier in the week, kicked six goals as the GIANTS went down 8.9 (57) to 11.15 (81).
It was a tight tussle in the first half with the GIANTS taking a six-point lead into the main break before the Suns rallied to be two points up at the last change.
The GIANTS failed to kick a goal in the final term while the Suns handled the slippery conditions better to kick the only three majors of the term.
WSU GIANTS coach Brad Miller said it was a disappointing loss.
“The guys had a real crack and we matched them (Gold Coast) at the contest for most of the night,” said Miller.
“But at the end of the game we didn’t adapt to the humid conditions with the Suns being a lot cleaner and handling the greasy ball a lot better.”
Reid kicked six of the GIANTS’ eight goals with Miller full of praise for the 26-year old.
“He really hunted the opposition and tackled well. He plays to win and that’s what we love about him,” he said.
“Sam played up the ground and worked really hard back towards goal and kicked a couple at the drop of the ball off our big guys too.”
Defender Tim Mohr had his best game since returning from his second knee reconstruction and set up a lot of the GIANTS’ offensive moves from the back line.
Midfielder Jacob Hopper and defender Nick Haynes continued to push their claim for a call up to the AFL with impressive performances in trying conditions.
The GIANTS lost ruckman Dawson Simpson as a late withdrawal with an ankle injury but he is expected to be available for this weekend’s NEAFL game as the GIANTS host the NT Thunder.
“All the guys are really excited about playing the curtain raiser this Saturday,” said Miller.
“It’ll be the first game at Spotless Stadium for a number of our guys and it’s fantastic for the club to be able to have both sides play at our Sydney home ground for the first time this season.
“The NT Thunder had a good win last week against Redland so we’ll need to be right on our game this Saturday.”
WSU GIANTS 8.9 (57) def. by Gold Coast Suns Reserves SUNS 11.15 (81)
WSU GIANTS
Goal Kickers: S. Reid 6, J. Conlan, J. Hopper
Best Players: S. Reid, T. Mohr, J. Hopper, N. Haynes, J. Finlayson
GOLD COAST SUNS RESERVES
Goal Kickers: J. Garlett 3, C. Loersch 2, B. Matera 2, D. Stanley, H. Simington, R. LeFeuvre, T. Keough
Best Players: H. Schade, J. Garlett, J. Leslie, D. Macpherson, M. Willis, S. Tape
