Davis ready to return for GWS

This article first appeared in the Canberra Times

By David Polkinghorne

Davis managed a half of football in the GWS reserves’ emphatic 122-point victory over Queanbeyan in the NEAFL at Queanbeyan on Sunday.

Davis has missed the last nine weeks since injuring his back against the Gold Coast and was solid in the GIANTS’ defence, despite limited opportunities.

He even pushed forward in the second quarter to kick a rare goal as the Giants took total control of the game.

Davis said it was up to coaches Kevin Sheedy and Leon Cameron whether he returns against the Bulldogs at Manuka Oval this Saturday.

”I think I’ll be able to play, but it’s not my call … I feel pretty good and I’ll see how I go on Wednesday,” Davis said. ”If I train all right, I think I’ll be a chance to play.”

The GIANTS extended their lead at every break, as their run and size tore an undermanned Tigers outfit apart.

It was not surprising, considering they had one of their strongest ever NEAFL sides, with Davis, Stephen Coniglio, Tomas Bugg (three goals) and Bret Thornton (four) in a team made up of 23 AFL-listed players.

It started with their young Giant ruckman Tom Downie, who controlled the stoppages, and then Coniglio, Dom Tyson and Kurt Aylett took over.

Nathan Wilson was lively up forward, but he had plenty of friends, and Davis felt it was a good sign for the GIANTS, with plenty of players pushing for senior selection.

The seniors received an 86-point flogging from North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday so there could be changes to the side playing in Canberra next weekend.

”A sign of a good club is when your reserves side plays a good standard of footy and I think the boys have played a really good game,” Davis said.

The Tigers dropped out of the top five and their injury woes deepened with Mulrooney medallist Mitch Daniher carried from the field with a knee injury.

They had nine first-team players out already, but are hopeful up to five of them could return after their bye this week.

It meant they had one of their youngest ever sides.

”It’s a big learning experience for the boys … I know GWS are young, but they’re listed players and they’re in a full-time environment,” coach Kade Klemke said.

”Compared to these guys who are still in school, working. The more game time we can get into these guys [the better].”