A dominant performance by Josh Kelly inspired the UWS GIANTS to a thrilling seven-point win over the Swans reserves on Saturday.
The NEAFL curtain-raiser at Spotless Stadium kicked off a great day for the club with the GIANTS going on to beat reigning premiers Hawthorn by 10 points.
After being omitted from the senior side, Kelly responded with 39 possessions, 11 clearances, 12 tackles, six rebound-50s and a goal.
“Josh was exceptional and found form immediately after missing out on selection,” UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand said.
“He concentrated on finding more of the footy and played a bit of different role as an inside-mid which he excelled at.
“It was a really complete game from him with a lot of contested possessions so hopefully he can perform like that regularly.”
Forward Jed Lamb played well again despite copping close attention from the Swans’ Harry Marsh while Jack Steele continued his good run of form.
Young draftee Caleb Marchbank also earned praise from the coach after playing his best game since joining the club as pick six in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.
“Caleb showed some really promising signs dropping off his opponent at the right time and winning one-on-one contests in the air,” Hand said.
“He was outsized all day but we were really impressed how he and Aidan Corr dealt with the bigger bodies in defence.”
There was a sour note from the match with key defender Tim Mohr re-rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
The incident occurred in the second quarter when Mohr was involved in an awkward tackle. It was just his sixth game back from an eight-month stint on the sideline.
“It was shattering for the players and devastating for Tim,” Hand said.
“I have no doubt he’ll bounce back from this and as a club we’ll support him every step of the way.”
The UWS GIANTS now top the NEAFL ladder, sitting ahead of Aspley and NT Thunder on percentage.
The GIANTS will now travel to face the Brisbane Lions reserves this Sunday, May 17 at Coorparoo from 12pm.
Best: J. Kelly, C. Marchbank, C. Hampton, J. Steele, J. Barrett, N. Wilson
Goals: S. Reid 2, J. Pickett 2, A. Phillips 2, J. Steele 1, L. Mckay, P. Ahern, J. Barrett, J. Kelly, J. Lamb
