The WSU GIANTS have continued their fine form with a resounding 111-point win over Gold Coast’s reserves at Metricon Stadium.
13 GIANTS made it onto the goal scorers list as they defeated the Suns 27.8(170) to 8.11(59).
Will Hoskin-Elliott, Jacob Hopper, Jack Steele and Matt Kennedy all stood out in the win, putting pressure on the AFL selection panel ahead of round 21.
“Jacob was on limited game time… but he was really, really good,” WSU GIANTS NEAFL coach Brad Miller said.
“Jack’s coming back from a hand injury so it was really great for him to be able to play unrestricted.
“Matt Kennedy was really good around the ball, he collected a lot of the footy and was really hard and tough at the contest as well.”
Midfielder Jake Barrett continues to impress in the NEAFL, collecting 30 disposals and kicking three goals.
“He’s just got to keep on doing what he’s doing, he’s ticking most of the boxes.” Miller said.
“He played primarily as a forward in the second half and he still won a lot of the footy and generated a lot of shots on goals.
“His attack on the ball and ability to hunt the opposition was outstanding.”
Defenders Adam Kennedy and Matt Buntine also pushed their cases for an AFL recall as key defender Aidan Corr made a successful return from an ankle injury.
Miller said it was great to see Corr return after not playing since the GIANTS’ round three loss to the Swans.
“He was hard and tough at the contest and he’s really physical with his opponents,” he said.
“It was just great to see him put four quarters together and see him come off with a smile on his face.”
The WSU GIANTS trailed early in the contest before slamming on seven goals in the second quarter.
A Suns comeback in the third term didn’t eventuate with the WSU GIANTS kicking nine goals to one to lead by 83-pionts at the final break.
“We went into the game expecting a really tough contest,” Miller said.
“They could still make the finals mathematically and so we thought they’d give it everything they had and they did, They started well but our guys really responded.”
The WSU GIANTS host Redland this weekend as a curtain raiser at Spotless Stadium before the GIANTS take on West Coast in the AFL.
Suns Reserves 8.11 (59) def. by WSU GIANTS 27.8 (170)
Goals: J. Stewart 4, J. Hopper 4, J. Barrett 3, T. Downie 3, J. Steele 3, R. Palmer 2, M. Kennedy 2, M. Flynn, C. Byrne, D. Simpson, S. Fisher, W. Hoskin-Elliott, J. Finlayson
Best: W. Hoskin-Elliott, J. Hopper, J. Barrett, J. Steele, A. Kennedy, M. Kennedy
