Adam Tomlinson has had a near-perfect game as the WSU GIANTS got back on the winners list with a 71-point victory over the Gold Coast Suns reserves on Saturday at Spotless Stadium.
After two losses in a row, the GIANTS notched up their third win of the NEAFL season, beating the Suns reserves, who they lost to in Townsville just a fortnight ago.
It was a dominant performance after quarter time as the GIANTS piled on 15 goals to four in the final three quarters in the 18.10 (118) to 6.11 (47) victory.
“It was the first time we’ve put together four quarters for the season,” said NEAFL coach Brad Miller.
“We didn’t play our best footy the whole way through but I was just really pleased with the effort across the four quarters. The guys really put in and the result took care of itself.
“It was a bit of an arm-wrestle early but the guys stuck to what they know works and the game sort of broke open and we were able to score quite easily.”
Tomlinson had 44 touches, 13 marks, six clearances and 11 inside-50s in a performance that has shot him to second in the NEAFL MVP Award.
“They’re big numbers. It was a pretty complete game, he had three shots on goal and unfortunately didn’t finish any of those goals so that would have made it almost perfect,” Miller said.
“It was exceptional, we’re really pleased with Tommo’s attitude and effort.
“He’s obviously suffered some setbacks in coming back and being dropped from the senior team but the way that he comes back and approaches his footy when he plays in the NEAFL team is exemplary and he sets a really good example for his teammates.”
Key forward James Stewart kicked five goals while ruckman Tom Downie and rookie Daniel Lloyd chipped in with three each.
Downie and Lloyd joined Tomlinson in the best players from the match, alongside young defenders Harry Himmelberg and Pat McKenna and draftee Matt Kennedy, who collected 37 disposals.
But Miller was pleased with his entire side’s effort, with the team including 10 top ups from the GIANTS Academy.
“Across the board we had a lot of contributors. I was hard to find a player who didn’t play their role on the day,” he said.
“It was the first time where we really went through everyone and could find a heap of positives and rated their game really highly so it was great.”
The WSU GIANTS now sit fifth on the NEAFL ladder with three wins and three losses and face the bottom-placed Brisbane Lions reserves at Spotless Stadium on Sunday morning.
“It’s great, really great. You wake up in Sydney and get to go to your home deck.,” Miller said.
“The boys really love playing there, the facilities are great, they get a real kick out of playing at home for sure.”
The WSU GIANTS will play the curtain-raiser as the GIANTS take on the Western Bulldogs in a blockbuster battle at Spotless Stadium on Sunday.
