NAB League: Swans topple Tassie Devils

Written by Madison La Pira

The Sydney Swans and GIANTS Academies played their inaugural NAB League matches over the weekend, taking on fellow competition newcomers the Tasmania Devils and the Brisbane Lions Academy.

It was all the Swans’ way in the opening stages of the match, keeping Tasmania scoreless across the first term.

Despite their slow start, Tasmania kept pace with the Swans throughout, keeping close enough to mount a comeback in the final quarter. Kicking just-one goal to their opponents’ three, the home side were able to hold off a gallant Tasmanian outfit, recording their first win on the NAB League circuit.

Bottom-age player, Errol Gulden starred for the Swans, notching up 19 possessions by half-time and ending the match with a game-high 36.

Both Gulden and Marc Sheather kicked two goals for the Swans while Callum Nash, Harry Parker and captain, Sam Thorne all contributed to the scoreboard.

Luke Parks and Kyle McKeller also shone for the Swans in their opening match of the series.

In the second game of the triple-header at Blacktown, the GIANTS Academy were unable to overcome the Brisbane Lions Academy, going down by 26 points.

The GIANTS started well, giving the home crowd something to cheer about, however could not stop the rampaging Lions once they kicked into gear.

Kicking six goals to three in the second quarter to catch up with the home side, the Lions were then able to keep the GIANTS goalless in the third.

Despite goals to Cameron Edwards, Matthew Hamblin and James Peatling in last quarter, the GIANTS were unable to claw back the Lions who left Blacktown with the four points.

Liam Delahunty was best on ground for the GIANTS scoring three majors for the match, while Southern New South Wales duo, Nicholas Murray and Jeromy Lucas also played well.

MATCH RESULTS

SYDNEY SWANS ACADEMY VS. TASMANIA DEVILS

SWANS  – 7.14.56

DEVILS – 6.6.42

SWANS BEST – E. Gulden, L. Parks, K. McKellar, J. Dol, M. Geddes, B. Campbell

SWANS GOALS – E. Gulden (2), M. Sheather (2), H. Parker, S. Thorne, C. Nash

GIANTS ACADEMY VS. BRISBANE LIONS ACADEMY

GIANTS  – 10.10.70

LIONS – 14.12.96

GIANTS BEST – L. Delahunty, N. Murray, J. Lucas, T. Green, J. Peatling, M. McGrory

GIANTS GOALS – L. Delahunty (3), C. Edwards (2), J. Moen, J. Peatling, M. Hamblin, L. Conlan, J. Lucas

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