NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 17 wrap

By Michael DiFabrizio

GWS GIANTS 11.11 (77) def. by Essendon 18.8 (116)

The GIANTS continued their run of good form against Essendon but were eventually overrun, losing by 39 points.

After the opening term, the home side led by three points.

In the second quarter the Bombers ramped up their attack, earning 21 inside 50s, but the young GIANTS showed inspired defence to make it only a three goals to one quarter.

Jeremy Cameron kicked three first half goals and added a fourth later. Nick Haynes had 12 kicks and five marks at the main break. Adam Tomlinson was also impressive.

In the third quarter, momentum swung before the Bombers finally got a decent run going. The margin was 32 points at the final break.

Jake Melksham, David Myers and Brent Stanton each had 23 disposals and at least one goal, while Michael Hibberd led the Dons with 28 disposals.

For the GIANTS, joining Cameron in the best was Jon Giles (27 hitouts, four goals), Tomlinson (nine marks, 23 disposals) and the trio of Taylor Adams, Toby Greene and Dylan Shiel (28 disposals each).

Mark Whiley equalled the round-high return for tackles with 12.

West Coast Eagles 11.13 (79) def. by Sydney Swans 17.11 (113)

The Swans travelled to Perth and executed an impressive 34-point win over West Coast.

With Fremantle losing, the win puts the Swans clear in fourth position on the ladder.

West Coast started strong with the opening two goals but Sydney got going and were a goal up at the first break.

Sydney set up the win in the second quarter, kicking six goals to two. The game was only briefly in doubt thereafter, with the Eagles getting within 22 in the final term.

Dan Hannebery was absolutely on fire, racking up 40 touches at 80 per cent efficiency and kicking two goals. He also had seven clearances and five inside 50s.

Kieren Jack (30 disposals, two goals) and Josh Kennedy (29 disposals, one goal) also led from the middle.

West Coast’s Josh Kennedy managed four goals but Swans Ted Richards and Heath Grundy patrolled the back line, combining for 17 one-percenters. Kennedy was the Eagles’ only multiple goal kicker.

For the Swans, Kurt Tippett had three, while Mike Pyke and Jed Lamb had two each.

NSW/ACT Notes

Brent Staker (West Broken Hill) was huge for the Brisbane Lions in their win over Melbourne. He had three goals, 21 disposals and four inside 50s.

Isaac Smith (Temora) had 27 disposals and eight marks, making him one of Hawthorn’s best in the win over the Western Bulldogs.

Mark Whiley (Finley) may have been playing just his second game for the year for GWS on the weekend, but you wouldn’t pick it. He held opponent Dyson Heppell to 56 per cent disposal efficiency and accumulated 12 tackles (an equal high for the round).

It was a round for career-highs. At GWS, Zac Williams (Narrandera) had a personal best 18 disposals. Jarrod Witts (St Ives) had a career-high 19 hitouts in Collingwood’s surprise loss to the Gold Coast Suns.

At St Kilda, Lenny Hayes (Pennant Hills) was again impressive with 19 disposals, seven tackles and a goal in the loss to Port Adelaide.

Kieren Jack　(Pennant Hills) was one of the Swans’ best.　Jarrad McVeigh　(Pennant Hills) was not far behind with 26 disposals and four inside 50s.　Craig Bird　(Nelson Bay) had 22 disposals and four clearances.

Harry Cunningham　(Turvey Park) made his first Sydney Swans appearance for the year, starting as the sub and setting up a Kurt Tippett goal.

In the Hawks game, Will Langford (East Sydney) made his Hawks debut, Taylor Duryea (Wahgunyah) had 13 disposals and Luke Breust (Temora) kicked 1.1.

For the Dogs, Jason Tutt (Ainslie) had five inside 50s and 14 disposals.

Tom Hawkins (Finley) took eight marks and kicked 2.1 in Geelong’s loss to Adelaide.

Josh Bruce (Eastlake) was another to make the most of a senior call-up, having 10 one-percenters and five rebound 50s.

Dean Terlich (Osborne) had five tackles and four clearances to be among Melbourne’s best. Teammate Mitch Clisby (West Broken Hill) had five rebound 50s.

Sam Rowe (North Albury) took four marks and had 10 hitouts for Carlton in their win over North Melbourne.

NEAFL (Round 18)

Eastlake 8.14 (62) def. Belconnen 7.11 (53)
Hills Eagles 13.11 (89) def. by Queanbeyan 20.12 (132)
Gold Coast Suns 9.10 (64) def. by Sydney Swans 12.13 (85)
Ainslie 19.15 (129) def. Tuggeranong 3.3 (21)
Sydney Uni, UWS GIANTS – bye