The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS are primed for another tough clash this weekend when they take on the Brisbane Lions Reserves at home.
This is the second time that the teams will meet in 2011, after the young GIANTS went down to Brisbane by 15 points earlier in the season.
The GIANTS are looking to reclaim second spot on the NEAFL Eastern ladder after dropping to third place following last week’s clash against NT Thunder while the Lions are battling for a final’s berth in the Northern competition.
GIANTS reporter, Beck Mills caught up with Melbourne based GIANT #9 Tomas Bugg, who is spending his school holidays playing and training with the squad to find out how the team is preparing for the match on Saturday.
So Buggy, how are you feeling ahead of your clash with the Lion’s Reserves on Saturday?
We’re really looking forward to a tough match on the weekend.
The boys played them earlier in the season in Brisbane and lost by a few goals so they’re we’re keen to get out there and prove ourselves this time.
The team pulled up well after the NT game, there weren’t any serious injuries which is good.
We’ve looked over the footage from last week and seen the things that we can improve on for Saturday.
What were the things that you think you can improve on?
Making an effort through four quarters and making sure that we tackle more.
On Wednesday we’ll start having a look at how the Brisbane Lions play and planning our team tactics for Saturday.
What was the feeling amongst the playing group after a fast, physical match against NT Thunder on the weekend?
The team was pretty disappointed. We started off well and were meeting all of our KPI’s in the first quarter but we dropped off.
You’ve been playing schoolboys footy, how did you go with the pace and physicality on Saturday?
Saturday was a really different experience for me. The pace of the game was a lot faster and we were playing against bigger bodies.
I didn’t have the best game but I learnt a lot from it so next time I’ll be a lot better prepared.
Are you enjoying your school holidays in Sydney?
It’s great to be back in the football environment at the GIANTS. I love spending time around the boys and the whole club.
I’ve got a lot of homework to do while I’m on holidays though so I’ve been reading a lot.
Will you have all of your homework done by the time you go back to school?
Yep.
Are you just saying that in case your parents read this?
No, I’ll get it all done.
Click here to chat LIVE during the match.
GWS GIANTS v Brisbane Lions
Saturday July 9
Gates open 9am, match begins at 12.30pm
Blacktown International Sports Park
Eastern Road, Rooty Hill
Parking available
What’s on?
• GIANTS v Lions Reserves match 12.30pm
• Junior GIANTS Game Day Clinic
• GIANT Fan Zone inc; GIANT inflatable AFL skills wall featuring kicking, handball game and high marking
• Meet GIANTS players and get an autograph
Tickets:
Entry to Saturday's match is FREE
