A GIANTS Reserves’ side featuring just four AFL listed players lost to Southport by 70 points at Fankhauser Reserve on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Despite a solid second half, the GIANTS Reserves couldn’t reel in the fast-starting Sharks, losing 7.6 (49) to 18.10 (118).
Ruckman Dawson Simpson was again amongst the GIANTS’ best performers on the day, dominating the ruck while collecting 14 disposals and taking five marks.
NEAFL Coach Brad Miller said the 28-year-old has shown through consistent performances that should an AFL call up come, Simpson would be ready.
“He hasn’t put a foot wrong in any game we’ve played in the NEAFL this year,” Miller said.
“Once the ball hits the ground, for a guy his size, he plays like a midfielder, he hunts the ball and lays tackles.
“He’s definitely putting pressure on the guys above him with his performances and his selfless approach to helping the younger guys in a really undermanned team.
“His ability to put the team first always shines through, he’s ready to go when called upon.”
Fellow ruckman Matt Flynn continued his good form, kicking a goal and taking seven marks as he was thrown into the backline.
Miller said he was impressed by Flynn’s ability to take on the challenge of playing in an unfamiliar position.
“We threw the challenge to Jake Stein to play on their forward Hamish Sheppard and he got off the chain early so we threw Matt down there,” he said.
“He helped stem the tide and is in really good marking form both forward and down back, he’s reading the ball really well.”
Will Setterfield found the going tough in his second full game since returning from an ankle injury.
The inside midfielder collected 14 disposals and laid five tackles, a week after compiling 31 disposals, laying 18 tackles and kicking two goals against the NT Thunder.
“We though around the contest he was really strong, he was competitive, he still had a few tackles and won his fair share of contested footy, but once the ball left the contest we found this week he was struggling to make decisions to get him to the next contest,” Miller said.
“It’s something that he’s got to work on but he’s missed a lot of footy, so you’re going to be a little inconsistent coming back.
“He is heading in the right direction and we’re confident he’s going to play his best footy at the end of the year.”
Jake Stein battled manfully in defense collecting 11 disposals as he continues his developement.
“The kid’s in his first year of footy and you can’t forget that, ideally he’s the third or fourth backman, learning from others who have been playing down back their whole lives,” Miller said.
“It’s a steep learning curve for him, he was a bit exposed on the weekend and we didn’t help him as a team.
“It’s not ideal to have him as our number defender but circumstances have meant that he’s needed to step up pretty quickly.”
Miller was also full of praise for the GIANTS Academy players who stepped up including Rhys Pollock, who kicked two goals.
“He’s a dangerous forward, I like what he gives us in the forward line,” Miller said.
“Jack Buckley’s been playing for us the last three weeks and he’s shown some signs that he’s going to be a good, solid NEAFL player.”
The GIANTS Reserves play the Swans Reserves in a curtain-raiser to the massive Sydney Derby XIII on Saturday at 3.45pm at Spotless Stadium.
