Young draftee Jack Steele is among a number of NEAFL players who could be elevated this week to cover a raft of injuries in the GIANTS’ senior side.
The 19-year-old could make his long awaited debut after starring again in the UWS GIANTS' 28-point win over Southport at Fankhauser Reserve in Queensland.
Forward Rhys Palmer (33 touches) performed well for the second consecutive week while defenders Aidan Corr and Caleb Marchbank also impressed.
There were several injuries from the GIANTS’ 42-point loss to Collingwood on Sunday including Joel Patfull who will be sidelined for at least a month with two broken ribs and a punctured lung.
Replacements might also be needed for Phil Davis (ankle), Shane Mumford (ankle) and Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) who will all see specialists later this week.
UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand said although injuries to the senior side were unfortunate, it gives his NEAFL players a chance to step up to the AFL.
“It’s always sad to see players go down hurt but it gives an opportunity to guys playing in the reserves,” Hand said.
“There are a number of players who have been consistent performers in the NEAFL and we’re confident they can reproduce that form when the time comes to step up.
“Steele has been exceptional in his willingness to get the small things right and improve his game. He was exceptional again through the midfielder and up forward.
“Rhys Palmer led from the front all match and got back to his best form and Aidan Corr did his job really well in the backline.”
The UWS GIANTS ran over the top of their opponents in the second half after taking just a two-point lead into the main change.
Hand said his side’s fitness was the difference after wasting some opportunities in front of goal early.
“Southport are leading the competition in hard ball gets so it was pleasing to stand up and absorb that pressure throughout the match,” he said.
“It was a scrappy sort of match in blustery conditions but we managed to turn our game around with our ball use and hard running.”
The UWS GIANTS' next match is against Ainslie in Canberra on Saturday at 12pm.
UWS GIANTS 12.15 (87) def Southport 9.5 (59)
BEST: Steele, Palmer, Marchbank, Corr, Williams, Lamb, Lobb
GOALS: Sumner, Lamb, Steele 2, Hampton, Downie, Pickett, McKenna, Addison, Ahern.
