The UWS GIANTS have bounced back to form in a big way to defeat the Gold Coast Suns by four points in a heart stopping contest at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
After a disappointing second half last week against the Sydney Swans, UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand criticized his players for their effort, but Hand would have been impressed with the swift return to form and the impressive effort shown by his players.
The GIANTS were again undermanned with seven top up players used from the Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy, the GIANTS put in a tough display to hold on late to take victory.
After a tight first quarter in which both sides were level at the break, the GIANTS responded in the second quarter to get the jump on the Suns, before a couple of late goals saw the GIANTS take a slender two point lead to the main break.
The game stayed close in the third, with the GIANTS composure in front of goal the difference as they extended their lead slightly, going into the final break with a ten-point lead.
It made for a tense final term as the Suns peppered the GIANTS goal throughout, but the GIANTS showed great commitment under pressure for a young side to hold on by four points in a thriller.
Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy member, Zach Williams was best on ground for the GIANTS, as he continues to show his tremendous potential after being involved with the NEAFL side for the past few weeks.
Nathan Wilson staked his claims for a senior recall with his strong work up forward resulting in two goals, and he continues his impressive recent run of form, finding his name on top of the goal-scoring list for the third consecutive week.
Nick Haynes was another who will ensure he is in the selectors minds come match committee, as he put in a solid display off the half back flank.
Dom Tyson again found himself amongst the best and was solid around the ground, as he continues to build himself up to full fitness having only recently returned from a shin injury.
Sam Schulz and Kurt Aylett were also named in the GIANTS best and they provided great drive through the midfield and provided strong leadership across the ground for the younger group.
Rhys Cooyou marked his return with two goals, after missing a large part of the season through injury. Cooyou provided some much needed spark up forward and his pace around the ground proved too much for the Suns defence.
Liam Sumner was another to return from injury, having missed a number of weeks with a stress fracture in his foot.
Several players making their return from injury in recent weeks have bolstered the GIANTS, and Josh Growden, who returned last week after missing fifty-one weeks with a broken leg, was lively and kicked a goal to reward his efforts.
The GIANTS play their final match of the season against Belconnen next weekend at Manuka Oval in Canberra next Saturday.
Goals- Cooyou 2, Tyson 2, Flaherty 2, Williams 2, Wilson 2, Bond 2, Green, Growden, Ugle
Best- Zac Williams, Wilson, Haynes, Tyson, Schulz, Aylett
