Adam Tomlinson has put his hand up for a senior recall with a commanding performance in the WSU GIANTS’ 20-point victory over Sydney University.
The Western Sydney University (WSU) GIANTS came from behind to defeat Sydney University 17.9 (111) to 13.13 (91) in the opening round of NEAFL at Henson Park in Marrickville.
Tomlinson had 35 possessions, took 18 marks and kicked three goals in a performance that pleased NEAFL coach Brad Miller.
“I thought Tommo was outstanding wherever we played him whether it was in the middle or forward or even down back at times,” Miller said.
“It’s definitely a three vote game I would have thought."
The GIANTS trailed by eight points at the first break with Sydney Uni jumping out to a 14-point lead at half time before the GIANTS rallied strongly kicking 10 goals to five in the second half.
“We thought we were off with our intensity and our ability to tackle the opposition,” Miller said.
"They got a lot of uncontested ball away from contests early in the first half but to our credit, we bounced back in the third quarter and turned the game with our frenetic attack on the man and the ball so it swung back in our favour.”
Number 7 draft pick Jacob Hopper (26 possessions) and defender Zac Williams (28 possessions) were also amongst the best while rookie Sam Reid continued his dominant form with four goals and 20 touches.
“To finish with four goals was really pleasing for him (Reid). He’s been getting a lot of shots but missing the goals in recent weeks so to bring the kicking boots and kick four goals, one (behind) was really pleasing and I was happy for him."
On a sour note for the GIANTS, ruckman Dawson Simpson sat out the second half after landing awkwardly on his shoulder right before the main break.
While more will be known about Simpson’s condition early this week, Miller was pleased with the performance of ruckmen Tom Downie and Matthew Flynn who stepped up in the second half.
“I thought Tom was fantastic in the second half. He’s missed a lot of footy over the past six weeks but it looked like he hadn’t missed a beat with the way he came in and was giving us a real contest and took some nice marks,” Miller said.
“Matthew Flynn’s contests aerially were just outstanding. He just brought the pack with him and created opportunities for his teammates."
In the backline, both Nick Haynes and Tim Mohr continued their return from long term injuries with increased game time.
Mohr, who’s only ever kicked one goal in his 43 AFL games, booted two second half goals with his teammates coming from everywhere when the man affectionately known as 'Bear' kicked his first from outside 50 in the third term.
The WSU GIANTS now face the Sydney Swans reserves in round two this Saturday, April 9 at 12pm at Henson Oval.
Sydney University 13.13 (91) def. by WSU GIANTS 17.9 (111)
WSU GIANTS
Goal Kickers: S. Reid 4, M. Flynn 3, A. Tomlinson 3, J. Hopper 2, T. Mohr 2, J. Stewart 2, T. Downie
Best Players: A. Tomlinson, J. Hopper, Z. Williams, D. Lloyd, H. Himmelberg, S. Reid
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Goal Kickers: M. Manteit 3, N. Winmar 2, S. Fong, Z. Fyffe, M. Thompson, T. Young , T. Ayton, M. Wilson, A. Day, J. Potter
Best Players: S. Fong, E. Sertbas, W. Sierakowski, M. Manteit, M. Rawlinson, M. Wilson
