The UWS GIANTS have moved into third place on the NEAFL ladder and booked a spot in the finals thanks to a 191-point win over Sydney Uni at Blacktown International Sportspark.
After a disappointing one-point loss last week, the GIANTS came out firing, trouncing their opponents 34.18 (222) to 4.6 (30).
The GIANTS shared the workload up forward with 15 individual goal kickers, including six majors to Kristian Jaksch, while Joe Redfern (five), Nathan Wilson (four), Liam Sumner (three), Tom Downie (three) and Sam Frost (two) all kicked multiple goals.
UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand said he was impressed with the consistent performance of his players.
“It was a good way to bounce back from our last match and the pleasing thing today was we played four quarters of footy the way that we wanted to,” said Hand.
“The focus this week was about playing the game out and not worrying about the scoreboard, which we knew would look after itself.
“We were able to use the ball really well with our shape and structure on the field so hopefully we can continue with that heading into finals.”
In-form big man Tom Downie gave the GIANTS midfielders first use of the ball with another impressive performance in the ruck while Matt Buntine and Aidan Corr were dominant in defence.
A number of players were unstoppable through the midfield, with Dom Tyson, Jonathon O’Rourke and Sam Schulz among the best.
“It’s hard to get picked in the top team at the moment and a lot of guys have all put their hand up but they just have to bide their time and keep playing consistent footy,” Hand said.
“We’ll be playing finals this year which is good for the club but we have two tough matches coming up against quality opposition so the boys need to keep working hard.”
Next week the GIANTS head to ANZ Stadium to take on cross-town rivals the Sydney Swans on Saturday at 4pm.
Last time the two sides met, the GIANTS came out 63-point victors.
UWS GIANTS 34.18 (222) def. Sydney Uni 4.6 (30)
Best:
Tyson, Downie, O'Rourke, Wilson, Edwards, Buntine
Goals:
Jaksch 6, Redfern 5, Wilson 4, Stewart 3, Downie 3, Sumner 3, Frost 2, Ugle, Schulz, Aylett, Miles, Reid, O'Rourke,Growden, Edwards
