The Sydney Swans Reserves defeated the UWS GIANTS by 62 points at SKODA Stadium on Saturday.

The GIANTS were boosted by the inclusions of Israel Folau, Dom Tyson, Rhys Palmer and Josh Growden, who made his long awaited return from injury after suffering a broken fibula.

The GIANTS were well and truly in the contest early and put in their best display of the season after sprinting out of the blocks to take control of the contest.

The Swans rallied however in the second half and trimmed the GIANTS slender lead before powering away late in the game.

UWS GIANTS coach, Brett Hand criticized his team for letting the game slip away after taking an eight-point lead into the main break.

“The second half was abysmal, we turned the ball over way too much and let them run away with the ball without putting pressure on them, they just scored far too many goals from our turnovers. The Swans scored about 8-9 goals from our turnovers in the third quarter. We struggled to find a forward and take a mark and finish of for us,” said Hand.

Hand did find positives despite his frustrations, but said there was work ahead of the GIANTS before their trip to the Gold Coast next weekend.

“The first half was the best footy we have played all year, and it was against an AFL reserves team which was really pleasing. We have another AFL reserves side against the Gold Coast next week, which is against a young group who are a year older than us and trying to do what our young players are trying to do, which is to forge a spot on an AFL list.

“There is a bit of work to be done between now and then, but we get another chance to go next week,” said Hand.

Hand praised a number of other players, including Dom Tyson, who also made a return from injury and saw a lot of the football early on in the piece.

Andrew Phillips put in another impressive display, with a strong showing in the ruck. Stephen Clifton pushed his claims for a senior recall with great work all over the ground. Shaun Edwards provided some great run off the half back flank early on and Jack Hombsch was also strong deep in defence.

Hand was full of praise for the return of Josh Growden, who was playing his first game of football after missing fifty-one weeks with a broken leg.

“Josh Growden played his first game in fifty one weeks, just to get through the game that is exciting for us and for him, after everything he has been through it is a credit to him and the rehab team, said Hand.

Josh Growden spoke to the GIANTS website after the game and said he was glad the frustrating return from injury was over.

“It’s been a long time, so awesome to finally get out there. I was told I was only going to be out for six months, and when I got to that mark I realized I still had a long way to go. So I spoke to our sports psychologist who said I have three options. I’m either going to play, play reserves, play AFL or I wouldn’t play. They were my options and they were always on my mind, but it was just a matter of taking them week in week out and every week seeing what option was next. I’ve now ticked off the first option and hopefully I can get the next one, said Growden.

“I got a few touches early, and went about twenty minutes without getting a touch. It’s a shame we didn’t get the result, but I will keep training and playing, and I only played about 70% this week, and I feel fine, so hopefully we can build on that and hopefully get a run later in the year.”

Andrew Phillips was named best of ground for the GIANTS as he continued his impressive recent form.

Phillips was disappointed in the team’s performance, but was excited at hearing GIANTS coach, Kevin Sheedy recognize his recent run of form post game.

“We started really well, obviously showed what we can do in the first half, but we were really disappointing in the second,” said Phillips.

“It’s exciting knowing I am a chance of getting another couple of games before the year is out. I am grateful for getting the six or so I have had already. Coming into the season I wasn’t sure how many games I would get, so to get the opportunity to add to those games I have already had would be great.”

Goals- Downie, Ugle, Phillips, Haynes, Clifton, Flaherty 2, Wilson 2

Best- Andrew Phillips, Jack Hombsch, Stephen Clifton, Shaun Edwards, Tim Golds, Dom Tyson

SWANS 18.18 126 – UWS GIANTS 9.10 64