NAB League: GIANTS secure first win
Written by Madison La Pira.
Both the Sydney Swans and GIANTS Academies returned home victorious after this weekend’s NAB League matches in Melbourne.
The GIANTS were up first at Trevor Barker Oval, defeating the Northern Knights to grab an exciting first win of the year.
The opening half saw a tight battle between the two teams for the lead. However, the GIANTS gained control in the third term, kicking three goals, while their opponent remained unable to make a real impact on the scoreboard.
Keeping up the pressure which they have lacked in previous weeks during the final term, the GIANTS belted out their team song as 26-point winners.
Three goals from Coolamon’s Liam Delahunty helped lead the away side to victory, whilst also placing himself in the top five goalkickers of the competition so far this year.
Canberra’s Tom Green starred for the GIANTS, ending the game with game-highs of 38 disposals, 27 contested possessions and 13 clearances. Ardlethan’s Jeromy Lucas’ 28 disposals and two goals were also instrumental in the victory. An impressive performance from Canberra’s Matthew McGrory, however, won him best on ground for the away side.
Following the success of the GIANTS match, the Sydney Swans Academy secured victory over the previously undefeated Sandringham Dragons. They now remain one of three undefeated teams in the new NAB League.
The Swans led the entire match and not even a gallant five-goal effort in the final quarter from the Dragons could stop them.
A stellar game and two goals for his side helped Manly’s Hamish Ellem earn best on ground for his team in just his second game back this season.
Four majors from the bottom-age prospect, Braeden Campbell and three from Pennant Hills Harry Maguire contributed to the Swans’ win. Maroubra’s Errol Gulden also notched up 27 disposals and a game-high 10 inside 50s alongside Wollongong’s Samuel Thorne who finished with 22 disposals and two goals.
MATCH RESULTS
GIANTS ACADEMY VS. NORTHERN KNIGHTS
GIANTS – 10.17.77
KNIGHTS – 7.9.51
GIANTS BEST – M. McGrory, J. Lucas, J. Peatling, L. Delahunty, S. Driscoll, H. Grant
GIANTS GOALS – L. Delahunty (3), L. Conlan (2), J. Lucas (2), M. Hamblin, J. Peatling, S. Driscoll
SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY VS. SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS
SWANS – 16.9.105
DRAGONS – 12.11.83
SWANS BEST – H. Ellem, N. Brewer, B. Campbell, L. Parks, A. Watling, S. Thorne
SWANS GOALS – B. Campbell (4), H. Maguire (3), T. Tyson (2), S. Thorne (2), H. Ellem, E. Gulden, K. McGrath, A. Watling
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