The UWS GIANTS got off to a flying start against the Brisbane Lions' Reserves in Cooparoo over the weekend, before eventually being defeated by 38 points.

Midfielder Anthony Miles set the tone for the first quarter after being awarded a free kick from the first stoppage. Setanta O'hAilpin took a number of strong marks early in the game, helping the GIANTS to head in to the first break with a 28 point lead.

Brisbane was quick to respond, kicking five goals in the first ten minutes of the second quarter and continuing to lead in to the breaks for the rest of the match.

UWS GIANTS Coach Brett Hand said that while he was pleased with the strong start to the match, the team needed to work on their consistency to stay in the game longer.

"The first quarter was really good, they came out of the blocks firing," Hand said.

"Our forward structures were working really well, Miles' work rate and clearances around the stoppages was excellent. Setanta (O'hAilpin) took a few great marks and kicked some early goals.

"Brisbane's five goals at the start of the second quarter were very disappointing, three of those goals were from poor decision making on our part and two of them were turnovers," he said.

Hand was also impressed with a number of individual performances from the GIANTS' senior listed players who will be pushing for selection in 2013.

"Miles was the stand out along with Haynes. Josh Bruce was solid down the back and Reid and Whiley both tried hard as well.

"We played pretty well but need to work on our ability to stay in the game for longer and not drop out because that small amount of time may have cost us the game," he said.

The UWS GIANTS will take on Ainslie Football Club at McPherson Oval in Wagga Wagga at 11.15am on Saturday April 13.

Lions 14-14-99
GWS GIANTS 8-13-61
Best: Miles, Haynes, O'hAilpin
Goal Kickers: O'hAilpin 3, Jaksch, Downie, Whiley, Steele, Barrett