Nathan Wilson has pushed his claims for senior selection with three goals for the UWS GIANTS in their 29 point loss to the Gold Coast Suns at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Sam Reid was also among the GIANTS best players, kicking four goals. The match also marked the long awaited return of young midfielder Dom Tyson after five months on the sidelines because of a knee injury.
After kicking five goals each in the first term, the GIANTS trailed by just two points at quarter time before the Suns kicked seven goals to three in the second quarter to open up a handy lead at the main break.
Both sides kicked another six goals in the second half but the GIANTS were unable to make up any ground on Gold Coast.
UWS GIANTS Coach Brett Hands says it was disappointing to let the Suns get away in the second term.
"We made some costly mistakes and they capitalised on them. We need to work on our concentration lapses and stop the opposition kicking quick goals in succession like they did,” said Hand.
“The Suns dominated the hit outs and centre clearances and put our back line under a lot of pressure.”
“Sam Reid was outstanding all day, spreading both forward and back and he got on the end of a few too.
“Nathan Wilson was also lively up forward and it was good to see him playing with some spark and kicking three goals.
“Mark Whiley won plenty of the ball at stoppages and did a very good job tagging Michael Rischitelli in the second half, while Lachie Plowman and Will Hoskin-Elliott were very solid defensively,” he said.
Tyson also impressed Hand. "Dom [Tyson] played about 60 per cent of the game and he was very pleasing. He was creative at stoppages, moved well and showed some slick hands," said Hand.
“He’ll be better for the run and we’ll increase his workload next week.”
The UWS GIANTS play the Sydney Hills Eagles at Bruce Purser Reserve in Kellyville on Saturday at 4.40pm.
Result: Gold Coast 18.12.120 def. UWS GIANTS 14.7.91
Goals: S. Reid 4, N. Wilson 3, G. Ugle 2, B. Thornton 2, W. Hoskin-Elliott , T. Downie , M. Whiley
Best: S. Reid, N. Wilson, N. Haynes, M. Whiley, L. Plowman, G. Ugle
