Young draftee Kristian Jaksch kicked four goals in the UWS GIANTS' five point loss to the Sydney Swans in the opening match of the NEAFL season at ANZ Stadium.

The UWS GIANTS had 10 more scoring shots than their opponents but still went down 14.18.102 to 17.5.107.

Wayward kicking in front of goal hurt the UWS GIANTS who trailed at every break but fought hard to stay in touch with the Swans right until the final siren.

The Swans' lead was reduced to under a goal on three occasions in the final quarter but time would become the GIANTS' enemy, with Sydney holding on for a five point win.

UWS GIANTS Coach Brett Hand took plenty of positives out of the narrow loss.

“To have had 10 more scoring shots than the opposition demonstrates that we are more than capable of providing plenty of inside 50 entries for our forwards and we need to continue to work on converting these opportunities and keeping the ball inside our forward 50,” said Hand.

“As a combined group our forwards kicked 10 goals and 12 behinds between them.”

“Kristian Jaksch kicked four goals and Adam Tomlinson, Gerald Ugle and Setanta O’hAilpin booted two each so that was pleasing to see them get their hands on the ball that much.”

Sam Reid and Rhys Palmer once again stood out in the midfield to be among the GIANTS best.

“Those two (Reid and Palmer) worked tirelessly through the midfield with Zac Williams showing some good signs on a wing and through the middle of the ground too,” said Hand.

“Adam Tomlinson provided a good focal point up forward and Nick Haynes was solid in defence in his first game back from injury.”

The UWS GIANTS' next match will be against the Brisbane Lions at Giffin Park, Coorparoo on Saturday, April 6 at 11am.

UWS GIANTS: 14.18.102

SYDNEY SWANS: 17.5.107

GIANTS BEST: Reid, Palmer, Williams, Whiley, Haynes, Tomlinson

GIANTS GOALS: Jaksch 4;  O’hAilpin 2; Tomlinson 2; Ugle 2; Reid 2: Miles; Palmer