The WSU GIANTS produced a stirring fightback to upset the previously undefeated Swans Reserves by one point in their NEAFL clash at Spotless Stadium on Sunday.
Trailing for the majority of the match, the GIANTS drew level early in the final quarter, before goals to Jeremy Finlayson and Matthew Kennedy helped the GIANTS hit the front for the first time and hang on for the thrilling win.
NEAFL coach Brad Miller couldn’t speak any higher of the effort from the GIANTS players in their biggest victory of the year.
“We could see the clear difference between when we were winning contested footy we were scoring and when they were winning it they were scoring,” Miller said.
“I just encouraged the boys to increase their intensity around the ball and actually attack it with some fierce intent and to their credit they did in the second half and we got it back on our terms.
“The last 15 minutes was pretty tense, the boys’ effort to just get the job done and win the game was just outstanding.
“I certainly gained a few grey hairs out of that don’t you worry.”
The GIANTS’ defence found themselves under pressure throughout the match, with Miller highlighting the best on ground performance by GIANTS Academy draftee Harry Himmelberg.
“They were under the pump a lot they had to defend a lot of inside 50s but Harry’s effort was absolutely terrific,” Miller said.
“Playing on a seasoned AFL player in (the Swans’) Sam Reid and I just thought it was his best game for the season so far.
“He took marks when he needed to, he spoiled when he needed to and then his ball use and decision making in traffic was first rate for a tall.”
Midfielder Jake Barrett (40 disposals) and Rhys Palmer (39 disposals) were just a few of the GIANTS players who stood up when it counted late in the fourth quarter.
“Jake was really important, he has got a rugby league background and he certainly tackles like he is in the State of Origin so it’s great to have him around the footy.
“I thought we had a couple of inclusions that were really important for us today - Rhys Palmer, Jack Steele coming into the team and Adam Tomlinson.
“We added a bit of strength and experience around the ball which became really important as the game went on.”
The WSU GIANTS travel to Wagga Wagga next Saturday to take on the last placed Canberra Demons, before taking on Sydney Uni at Spotless Stadium on June 25.
WSU GIANTS 16.13 (109) def. Swans Reserves 16.12 (108)
Goals: Matthew Flynn, Matthew Kennedy 3, James Stewart, Rhys Palmer 2, Jake Barrett, Donald Roberts, Tom Downie, Jack Steele, Jeremy Finlayson, Adam Tomlinson
Best: Harry Himmelberg, Rhys Palmer, Jake Barrett, Matthew Kennedy, Adam Tomlinson, Jack Steele
