Downie stars for UWS GIANTS

This article first appeared on gwsgiants.com.au

The UWS GIANTS ran out  comprehensive 186-point winners against the under-strength Hawks to consolidate their position in the top five.

The GIANTS had 16 individual goal kickers including four to Bret Thornton and three to captain Joe Redfern.

UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand said he was pleased with the team’s four quarter performance.

“I was really happy with how we played out the match. We stuck to our structures and played really unselfish footy,” said Hand.

“The boys ran hard and the work rate was there and we got some reward for our tackling and forward line pressure.”

“It was a frustrating first half in front of goal with some players not adjusting to the wind and us missing a lot of set shots so that’s an area we need to work on,” he said.

Twenty year-old Tom Downie is yet to make his AFL debut, but Hand believes the 203cm ruckman is on the right path.

“He’s improved dramatically in the last 12 months while working with (ruck coach) Dean Brogan. It’s not only his ruck work but his running to position that has stepped up,” said Hand.

“He moved to dangerous spots well, taking a couple of marks and is giving our midfielders first use of the ball.”

Dom Tyson continued his comeback from a knee injury with an impressive performance while Mark Whiley, Tomas Bugg and Shaun Edwards were amongst the GIANTS best.

Toby Greene worked hard in the midfield winning a lot of contested possessions, while GIANTS co-captain Phil Davis impressed in his second game back from injury.

“Phil played a really solid game down back. His leadership was good, he moved well, he positioned himself to cut off a lot of intercept marks and when he got up the ground he had the chance to kick a couple of goals.”

The GIANTS take on cross-town rivals the Sydney Swans at the SCG on Sunday, with the NEAFL match starting at 9.30am.