The UWS GIANTS have finished minor premiers in the NEAFL for the second successive season, despite losing their last match against Sydney University on Saturday.

Capping off a consistent season with 16 wins and just two losses, the UWS GIANTS now have the week off before playing the winner of Aspley and the Swans reserves in a semi-final at Blacktown International Sportspark on September 12.

UWS GIANTS Coach Brett Hand said the 33-point loss to Sydney Uni will serve as a timely reminder leading into finals. 

“It was a disappointing way to end the home and away season to be honest,” Hand said.

“No loss is a good loss, especially with finals just around the corner. We want to win every game we play.

“We made some bad mistakes and missed some opportunities which was pretty frustrating.

“Jake Barrett was good along with Jacob Townsend while Jack Steele had a strong second half.

“Sydney Uni have improved a lot this season and will be around the mark during the finals series.”

It was a rare loss for the UWS GIANTS who trailed in disposals (353-310), tackles (64-59) and time in possession (53%-47%).

Hand, who joined the GIANTS before their inception, was named the NEAFL’s best coach at an awards ceremony in Brisbane on Sunday night.

GIANTS players Curtly Hampton, Jed Lamb and Jake Barrett have also been named in the NEAFL Team of the Year.

“It was good to be recognised along with the other three boys,” Hand said.

“It’s been a frustrating year for both Jed and Curtly playing limited senior football, but it’s a credit to them that their form held up in the reserves.

“Jake Barrett’s improvement has been second to none and will only get better with time.”

The UWS GIANTS have a bye this week as part of the first week of the finals series.

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 16.13 (109) def. UWS GIANTS 10.16 (76)

BEST: Barrett, Townsend, Steele, Lobb, Reid

GOALS: Cornell 3, Faul, Steele, Barrett, Reid, Himmelberg, Golds, Hodgson.