An undermanned UWS GIANTS brought up their ninth consecutive win with a 48-point victory over the Sydney Hills Eagles at Blacktown International Sportspark.

UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand said he was pleased with the win given they were forced to field 10 top-up players from the PM Capital GIANTS Academy,

“We met eight of our players for the first time on the day of the game so I was really impressed with how they went,” he said.

Big men Jon Giles, Tom Downie and James Stewart all impressed, while midfielder Mark Whiley was dominant around stoppages.

“The game plan was stripped back to keep things simple and our experienced players like Jon Giles, Dylan Addison and Sam Reid really stood up and helped the younger blokes,” Hand said.

“It shows we have good depth heading towards finals so it’s good to know guys can come in and play a role for the team.”

Hand said Downie had one of his best games for the club after playing a defensive role on Eagles spearhead, Jamie Vlatko.

“For a ruckman playing as a key defender at the moment it was pleasing to see him take some marks and create some spoils.”

The UWS GIANTS remain on top of the NEAFL ladder, sitting just ahead of NT Thunder on percentage.

Next Saturday the UWS GIANTS face Queanbeyan at Dairy Farmers Park in Canberra.

UWS GIANTS 14.18 (102) defeated Hills Eagles 8.6 (54)

Best: T. Downie , J. Giles , M. Whiley , N. Wilson , J. Lamb , J. Stewart
Goals: D. Spinks 2, J. Stewart 2, J. Lamb 2, A. Phillips 2, S. Reid, D. Biermann , M.Whiley , J. Giles , K. Merson , M. McKelvie