Rory Lobb and Will Setterfield have made successful returns from injury in the GIANTS Reserves’ 96-point loss to the Brisbane Lions Reserves at South Pine Sports Complex on Saturday.
Both Lobb and Setterfied had reduced playing time but were amongst the GIANTS’ best in the 22.15 (147) to 7.9 (51) defeat.
Lobb played only half the game but collected 18 disposals playing on the wing and deep in the forward line as he returned from a groin injury that has kept him sidelined for five weeks.
Settefield collected 23 disposals and laid five tackles as he made his first appearance since suffering a syndesmosis ankle injury against Sydney University in early April.
GIANTS NEAFL Coach Brad Miller said the duo made positive steps in their recovery.
“Rory was able to cover the ground and discovered first hand that it is tough for the NEAFL guys week in and week out,” he said.
“We were rapt that Will was able to get through about 75-80 per cent of the game, he’s pulled up really well and was able to contribute in a physical sense around stoppages.”
The GIANTS Reserves were also boosted by the return of Harry Perryman who collected 23 touches after playing four games in the AFL.
“Harry is made of the right stuff, he came back with a really good attitude,” Miller said.
“He competed and the tougher it got the more he seemed to want to stand up and fight the fight.”
Jeremy Finlayson – who was named as an emergency for the GIANTS’ AFL clash with Brisbane – also contributed off half back kicking a goal and collecting 23 disposals.
“It’s the first time in a while that he’s played half back for a full four quarters, we wanted to leave him settled in one position,” Miller said.
“His good is very good but we need to bridge the gap between his best and when he’s not so great.
“He’s going to see some improvement going through these hard times having to defend a lot; it’s really going to sharpen his craft.”
The GIANTS Reserves play the NT Thunder at Spotless Stadium this Saturday at 3.15pm as a curtain-raiser to the GIANTS’ blockbuster clash with Geelong on Saturday night at Spotless Stadium.CLICK HERE to get your tickets.
Brisbane Lions Reserves 22.15 (147) def. GIANTS Reserves 7.9 (51)
Goals: Dylan Addison 4, Jack Buckley 2, Jeremy Finlayson
Best: Tim Mohr, Harry Perryman, Dylan Addison, Dawson Simpson
