GIANTS succumb to a super Power
By Tony Salerno
25,000 fans flocked to the game to pay tribute to the late John McCarthy, a rising star who was tragically killed on a post season holiday to Las Vegas.
The round two fixture was dedicated to McCarthy’s memory given he had a strong influence on the playing group, particularly Vice Captain Brett Ebert.
Ebert was one of the best on ground with the veteran booting the match-winner and repeatedly kissed his black armband in McCarthy’s honour.
But it was Justin Westhoff who took man of the match honours, kicking a game-high five goals to catapult the power to a nine-goal win.
The GIANTS lead at the first break kicking four of the six goals in the first term to lead by 11 points at quarter time.
Port Adelaide sparked into gear after the break, kicking six goals to two taking a 22-point advantage into the main break.
The third quarter saw number one draft pick Lachie Whitfield kick his first AFL goal and reduce the margin to 13 points.
The Power booted seven last-quarter goals, with a triple to Wingard and a double to Broadbent which blew out the score-line.
GIANTS young forward Jeremy Cameron was strong; booting three goals with Canberra junior Phil Davis was also solid down back.
But the GIANTS were outmatched by an emotionally-charged Port Adelaide side; 78-134.
NEAFL
The Junior GIANTS were valiant in their 38-point defeat against the Brisbane Lions Reserves in the third round of the NEAFL at Cooparoo on Saturday afternoon.
UWS GIANTS coach, Brett Hand, was pleased with his AFL hardened players as they were the catalysts for the side’s blistering start.
“Our forward structures were working really well, Miles’ work rate and clearances around the stoppages was excellent. Setanta (O’hAilpin) took a few great marks and kicked some early goals,” Hand said.
O’hAilpin kicked three goals with Albury product Anthony Miles voted his team’s best.
The Brisbane reserves weathered the early storm to runaway 99-61 winners.