GIANT challenge for Miles

The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS will make history this Saturday when they run out onto the SCG for the first time against the Sydney Swans Reserves.

Coming off a hard fought 37-point win over the Brisbane Lions, followed by a bye, the GIANTS are well rested and looking forward to another opportunity to battle it out against the top of the table Swans.

The GIANTS have played some strong contested footy against the more experienced Swans this season but the scoreboard hasn’t been so forgiving. 

Reporter, Jessica Sheedy caught up with GIANT #10 Anthony Miles to discuss how the GIANTS felt after their recent win against the Lions and what the boys have to do to defeat the Swans this week. 

So Milesy, how are you feeling ahead of this week’s clash against the Swans?

Yeah it’s really exciting we’ve got another chance against an AFL seconds side. We beat Brisbane in our last match so hopefully we can have a win against the Swans. We’ve played them a couple of times this year and they’ve got the better of us so its another big opportunity for us this week.

What was the feeling amongst the playing group after the win against the Brisbane Lions last match?

We have set ourselves a challenge to play well against AFL reserves sides. All the boys were excited for a win and we’re really looking forward to this week.

What do you think you can improve on against the Sydney Swans this week?

It’s more about our game style against Sydney. We have still got a few things to work on. Sometimes we change the way we play a little bit against them, so adapting to that will probably be the biggest thing this week.

What did the boys learn after reviewing the replay from your previous match against the Swans?

We will have a closer look at that this week leading up to the match. I think this week in our training and our meetings that will be a massive concentration for us.

You have been beaten by the Swans twice this season and earlier in the year in a practice match, what do you need to change in order to alter the result? 

I think the biggest thing for us is to get inside 50 marks and restrict their marks inside 50. Last time that was a massive stat for us, I think we had four marks inside 50 so hopefully we can increase that number this week.

The last two times the GIANTS have played the Swans you have had a more experienced and senior player in Steve Clifton in the side. With Cliffo out injured, how will the team go without him this time around?

Yeah Cliffo is a big loss for us. He is a bit more of a seasoned body so that helps us in the middle of the ground. Other guys have been stepping up in the last few weeks. So that’s just another challenge for us and a good opportunity for blokes like myself, Dylan Shiel, Alex Carey and Jacob Townsend to fill the roll that Steve’s been playing.

It’s the GIANTS’ first time playing at the SCG this week, how are the boys feeling about that?

Blacktown’s a great venue to play on but it will certainly be good to play on the SCG this weekend. I’m excited to run out there for the first time.  

Sydney Swans vs. GWS GIANTS
Saturday July 23rd
Blacktown International Sportspark
10am

Sydney Swans vs. Western Bulldogs
AFL main game: 2.10pm
Sydney Cricket Ground
Tickets are $24 for an adult or $60 for a family of four.
For more information, click here.