The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have finished the club’s first ever home and away season with a convincing 20 point win over Eastlake Football Club.
A number of young GIANTS Academy players stepped up and took advantage of the opportunity with fourteen of the GIANTS’ listed players sidelined with injury.
Riverina Academy player Harry Cunningham was impressive throughout the game and said that he was thrilled to represent the GIANTS.
“I’ve played about seven games for the Club now.
“It was good to get out there and have a run with the boys. I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to play.”
Cunningham said that the increase in physicality and speed of the game were two of the toughest components that the young Academy players have battled in 2011.
“It definitely steps up an intensity level in the NEAFL, which is great because I really want to challenge myself.
“The game is more physical as well but I’m a country boy so I’m used to that a bit, you just have to ignore it and go in lower and harder than they do.
“It’s an awesome opportunity that you don’t get everyday.”
Eastlake got off to an early lead in the physical match before the home side increased their pace and clearances in the second and third quarters to lead by 35 points at three quarter time.
“The second and third quarters were major confidence boosters for us.
“I think because we ran so hard in the second and third quarter we got a bit tired in the last. To run out the game was great though and we got the win which is what really matters.”
With a number of younger players on the field, some of the GIANTS listed players were given an opportunity to test their leadership qualities, offering advice and direction to their new teammates.
“Some of the backline boys like Benny Casley and Sam Darley tell me where to go all day, which I love because I really need it.”
Cunningham was also impressed with run of the GIANTS midfield, particularly Anthony Miles who led the possessions today with 25.
“I’m always impressed with Anthony Miles, he’s always in and under and going after the hard stuff.
“I respect a player who loves doing the hard work and he does it week in, week out.”
The GIANTS will now come up against Eastlake again next week in the first round of the NEAFL finals series.
GWS GIANTS
16.14.110
Eastlake
14.6.90
GIANTS goal kickers
Ben Reid 3
Nathan Wilson 2
Jonathan Giles 2
Josh Bruce 2
Israel Folau
Jacob Townsend
Lachlan Harper
Stephen Clifton
Anthony Miles
Andrew Phillips
Harry Cunningham
Bests
Miles, Townsend, Cunningham, Casley, Darley, Ugle
