Our Season Summary looks back at how each GIANTS player fared during the 2015 AFL season.
Name: Tom Downie
Number: 44
2015 Games: 13 NEAFL, 7 AFL
AFL Fantasy Average: 56
Awards: Nil
Background: The GIANTS selected ruckman Tom Downie with pick number 56 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft. He played one AFL game in 2013 before playing his next match in Round 14, 2015.
Best Game: AFL Round 22 v Carlton at Spotless Stadium – 11 disposals, 37 hit-outs, six marks, four tackles.
Summary: Tom Downie went almost two years without playing an AFL match but an opportunity opened in the seniors when Shane Mumford went down with an ankle against Collingwood in Round 11. Downie impressed with his workrate around the ground and willingness to improve. The Benalla big-man ended up playing seven games for the GIANTS and gained some invaluable experience at senior level.
Pat On The Back: Downie stood up when the club needed him most. His best game came against Carlton when he rucked the entire game against former Number One Draft pick Matthew Kreuzer and Cameron Wood.
What They Said: "You can clearly see that he wants to be one of those young rucks that take the opportunity that’s been created with Mumford’s injury.” GIANTS Coach Leon Cameron.
Look Ahead: Downie will takeaway a wealth of experience and confidence from his 2015 season. Expect the big-man to push for a more consistent senior spot next year.
