The UWS GIANTS have cemented third spot on the NEAFL ladder with a convincing 63-point victory over the Sydney Swans reserves at the SCG.
With ruckman Dean Brogan playing his first match in almost two months, and Adam Tomlinson, Jacob Townsend and Adam Kennedy returning from the seniors, the 10-goal win has the GIANTS eyeing off a big finals campaign in the NEAFL.
The GIANTS got the jump early on their cross-town rivals with free-flowing movement through the midfield and relentless pressure in defence, winning 21.16 (142) to 12.7 (79).
UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand said it was pleasing to see a host of players share the work load.
“It was a really good to have a spread of contributors including the guys that came back from the seniors who certainly didn’t drop their heads,” said Hand.
“Tomlinson and Kennedy came into the side and played different roles through the midfield which worked really well and Townsend got a number of possessions and was strong over the ball.
“I thought we were really impressive in the first quarter because we were able to stick to our structures under pressure and move the ball well from stoppages.
“Sydney changed their game in the second quarter and played more of a man-on-man style which took us a bit of time to adjust to but we were able to wrestle the game back which was pleasing.”
Nathan Wilson led the way kicking three goals, while Sam Schulz, Tom Downie, Gerald Ugle, Zac Williams, Bret Thornton, Townsend and Brogan kicked two each.
Downie did his chances of a senior call-up no harm with another stellar game, following on from his best on ground performance last week.
Similarly, elevation to the senior team might not be too far away for James Stewart with the 195cm forward impeccable with his ball use inside 50.
“Downie was fantastic in the ruck, his improvement over the last 12 months has been enormous and Stewart is showing some really positive signs with his ball movement and running patterns,” said Hand.
It’s been a remarkable month for the third-placed UWS GIANTS, who have averaged a winning margin of 125-points over their last three matches.
The GIANTS have a chance to freshen up with the bye this week before travelling to Metricon Stadium to take on the Gold Coast Suns reserves in a fortnight.
