GIANTS coach Leon Cameron has a proper selection migraine on his hands ahead of his side’s round 14 clash against Carlton.
Rhys Palmer and Jack Steele both stood out in the WSU GIANTS 53-point NEAFL win over the Canberra Demons in Wagga Wagga.
Their strong claims for a senior recall come on top of the possible returns of experienced pair Shane Mumford and Steve Johnson from minor injuries.
WSU GIANTS coach Brad Miller praised Palmer’s performances over the last two weeks after returning from a toe injury.
“He’s just hard and tough around the contest, he offers a bit of experience,” Miller said.
“He’s got a bit of polish forward of center too and he ended up with four goals so it was nice to see him finish off some of his grunt work.”
Palmer picked up 52 disposals, recorded 14 clearances and sent the ball inside 50 11 times as he helped the WSU GIANTS to a hard fought win over the Demons, with the two sides going goal for goal throughout the first half.
After leading by nine points at the main break the GIANTS kicked away in the third term to extend their lead to 23 points at three quarter time.
The GIANTS then ran over the top of the Demons, keeping them goaless as they slammed on five goals of their own.
Steele was a standout in the WSU GIANTS for the second successive NEAFL game, kicking two goals and running amok in the midfield with 35 disposals.
“He’s similar to Rhys he’s really good around the contest,” Miller said.
“He set the example for his team mates. He’s in really good form playing in the reserves and he’ll wait for his chance and no doubt come in and fill the role when he gets his spot.”
Miller was also happy with the performance of young ruckman Matthew Flynn and his experienced teammate Dawson Simpson who recorded a massive 61 hit outs.
“They both bring different strengths to the table, Dawson’s strength and tap work was probably a highlight even though we weren’t capitalising on it in the first half.” He said.
“Flynn around the ground had some dominance in the air taking contested marks both forward and back, that’s two weeks in a row he’s been able to do that.”
For Flynn and many of the WSU GIANTS players from New South Wales’ Riverina region the opportunity to play in Wagga was an exciting prospect.
“A lot of the boys families came along, I definitely saw a spring in Matt Flynn’s step even before the game,” Miller said.
“For him to play well in front of family and friends was really terrific, It was really good to see a lot of familiar faces.”
The 20.12 (132) to 12.7 (79) win sees the GIANTS in fourth position on the NEAFL ladder after 12 rounds.
The WSU GIANTS have a big challenge on their hands this Saturday at Spotless Stadium when they take on fifth place side Sydney University.
WSU GIANTS 5.4, 9.6, 15.9, 20.12 (132)
Canberra Demons 4.0, 8.3, 12.4, 12.7 (79)
Goals
Rhys Palmer 4; James Stewart 3; Logan Gray, Luke Redfern, Adam Tomlinson, Jack Steele 2; Matthew Flynn, Jeremy Finlayson, Mathew Walker, Dawson Simpson, Pat McKenna 1.
Best
Rhys Palmer, Jack Steele, Matthew Flynn, Harrison Himmelberg, Pat McKenna, Adam Tomlinson
