Sydney’s AFL community will be divided this Saturday, June 18, when the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS take on the undefeated Sydney Swans Reserves at Blacktown Olympic Park.
The GIANTS have shown a dramatic improvement each time they have played their cross town rivals this year, pulling the margin back from 96 to 60 points on their last two meetings.
This weekend’s clash will test the recent form of the GIANTS who have had a number of young guns realising their potential recently, defeating the Gold Coast SUNS reserves by 37 points before the bye round.
While his GIANTS teammates were enjoying their bye weekend, seventeen-year-old Adam Flagg made his way to Adelaide to take on South Australia as a member of the NSW/ACT RAMS squad in the NAB Under-18 Championships. After kicking multiple goals for the RAMS against South Australia and Vic Metro, Flagg will don the orange and charcoal guernsey again on Saturday.
GIANTS reporter Beck Mills caught up with Flagg to find out how the team will prepare for the clash against the Swans and how the young GIANT is balancing the demands of NEAFL football and RAMS matches with the pressure of Year 12.
So firstly Adam, have you seen a cross-town rivalry forming between the GIANTS and the Swans?
Yeah there is, especially for me. Some of my RAMS teammates, Lynch and Potter, will be playing for the Swan’s Reserves on Saturday. We all teased each other a bit at RAMS camp, telling each other that you can’t wait to flog them on the weekend.
What will the GIANTS focus be heading into Saturday’s match?
I’m not really sure yet, we will talk about it more tomorrow but it will probably be just making a four quarter effort and making sure that we put in 120 minutes of intense, fast footy.
What about your personal focus?
I’ll just be sticking to the team structure. I’ll need to work the ball up and down the ground and when I do go into the forward line for a rest, hopefully kick a few goals.
Do you think it will be hard to adjust back into the GIANTS game style after two weeks with the RAMS?
No, I don’t think it will take any time really. I’ll train with the group tomorrow and I’ve been around the club a lot so I still know what’s going on.
What are the main differences between playing in the U18s carnival and the NEAFL?
The NEAFL matches are a lot more physical. I’ve found that the speed of the game is pretty much the same but the physicality is a lot more demanding than under 18s.
Is it hard to transition to different spots on the field depending on whom you’re playing for?
Not really, I’m pretty well educated about what I need to do depending on where I’m playing.
Has spending a lot of time training with the GIANTS in 2011 helped you with that?
Yeah, definitely, it has helped me so much. Doing match reviews a lot with the club really helps you to understand.
Was it an odd feeling last week, watching the GIANTS beat the Gold Coast at home then running out with the RAMS?
Actually, watching the boys play before the RAMS match really pumped me up. Watching them play so well gave me a lot of motivation. I saw a few of them after the GIANTS game and they said good luck.
How do you balance playing for the GIANTS and the RAMS with the demands of Year 12?
It is hard, especially when you miss a lot of school on Fridays and when you travel for games. You just have to try to make the most of the time that you do have at school. We also have some extra tutoring to try to keep us up to date.
Is there anything that you’re finding particularly difficult with school this week?
At the moment we’ve got a big woodwork project so that is making it hard. I’m making a hall way cabinet and Towno (Jacob Townsend) is making a coffee table with a chessboard.
Who’s finished product is shaping up to be better?
Mine of course.
GIANTS v Swans Reserves
Blacktown International Sports Park
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Gates open 11.45am
Match starts 2pm
What’s on?
• GIANTS v Swans Reserves match 2pm
• Junior GIANTS Game Day Clinic
• GIANT Fan Zone inc; GIANT inflatable AFL skills wall featuring kicking, handball game and high marking
• Meet GIANTS players and get an autograph
Tickets
Tickets available at the gate, adults: $5
GIANTS Foundation members get in FREE
Please note: Due to the inclement weather this week and trenching work that has been occurring at Blacktown Olympic Park with building the Giants training and administration centre, general parking for the NEAFL, the pre-match clinic and the local senior and junior matches this Saturday June 18 will not be available in the AFL/Cricket precinct car park.
Parking is available by entering at the main entry to Blacktown Olympic Park (at the traffic lights) off Eastern Road, Rooty Hill. Parking in this area of the venue will only add 5-10 minutes on your walk to the ground.
If you have a disability parking permit, parking will still be available in the AFL/Cricket precinct car park.
