NEAFL R17 Round Up – GIANTS cause upset

Image courtesy of GWS GIANTS Media.

 

Sydney University vs. GWS GIANTS

The GWS GIANTS have secured only their second win of the season, defeating premiership contenders Sydney University. The GIANTS, boosted by the inclusion of Stephen Coniglio and Brett Deledio, were surprise 13-point winners over the Students at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Both teams flew out of the blocks with nine goals in the first quarter. Sydney University kicked the first four goals of the game, taking an early lead. The GIANTS fought back and the Students went into the first break with only a one-goal lead.

GIANTS’ star, Stephen Coniglio was impressive in his first game back from injury. By half time, he had 20 disposals and helped the GIANTS win the second quarter. They kicked four goals to none to go into half time with a 20-point lead.

The tight contest continued into the second half, as the Students fought back to bring the GIANTS lead to just five points going into the final term. The sides traded goals in the final term, but the GIANTS held on to secure a famous victory.

The GIANTS second win of the season came off the back of some impressive work around the stoppages. Dawson Simpson continued his good form as he helped his side dominate at the ruck. The GIANTS doubled the Students total number of hit-outs and this helped their clearance work, especially coming out of defence.

Brett Deledio also had a strong run out in his debut for the GIANTS. Despite only playing the second half, he still managed to pick up 18 disposals.

Zac O’Brien was the best for the Students in a losing side, as he added three goals to go with his 36 disposals, 11 tackles and seven clearances. Tom Ayton was another stand out picking up 22 disposals and two goals.

The GIANTS will be full of confidence when they travel to the Gold Coast to take on the Suns next weekend. Sydney University still sit in third place, but will be hoping for a win at home against Aspley to sure up their finals position.

The GIANTS may be without Coniglio who will be hopeful of a call-up to the senior side after his 36 disposals. The former number two draft pick is a Multicultural Round Ambassador and will be eager to come back into the side ahead of their Multicultural Round match against the Fremantle Dockers this weekend.

Sydney University – 5.2 5.4 9.5 11.5 (71)

GWS GIANTS – 4.2 8.6 9.10 12.12 (84)

Sydney University Goals – Z O’Brien (3); T Ayton A Gillespie (2); M Wilson J Derickx J Hiscox J Loneragan (1)

GWS GIANTS Goals – M Walker (4); J Buckley L Tiziani (2); D Simpson H Himmelberg Z Sproule S Coniglio (1)

Sydney University Best – Z O’Brien, T Barton, X Richards, D Baron-Hay, T Young

GWS GIANTS Best – H Himmelberg, I Cumming, S Coniglio, J Buckley, D Lloyd, B Myers

 

Sydney Swans vs. NT Thunder

The Sydney Swans have continued their strong form with a dominant 146-point victory over an undermanned NT Thunder at the SCG. They have now opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the NEAFL ladder ahead of their bye this weekend.

The Swans started off strong, kicking the only four goals of the opening quarter to lead by 24 points. Despite being the stronger of the two sides, the Swans were unable to fully capitalise due to a determined Thunder defence.

The second quarter saw more of the same, as inaccuracy from the Swans meant they were not able to put the Thunder away, going into the break with a 45 lead.

The Swans turned on the style in the second half, kicking 17 goals to the Thunder’s two to help secure a resounding victory.

The Swans simply worked harder around the ball, nearly doubling the Thunder’s disposal count for the match. Their disposal efficiency was particularly impressive as they moved the ball well around the ground and constantly created scoring opportunities.

Will Hayward (six goals) and Kurt Tippett (five goals) were dangerous up front for the Swans, as they both push for a recall to the Swans AFL side in the coming weeks.

Jordan Dawson was best on ground for Sydney. He amassed 40 disposals, 14 marks, eight tackles, seven clearances and three goals in a statistician’s dream performance that equated to 196 Dreamteam points.

Jordan Foote and Harry Marsh impressed for the Swans as well, as they both picked up 29 disposals for the match. While defender Alex Johnson had his most promising performance in his return from injury with 16 disposals and four tackles.

After their bye this coming weekend, the Swans travel to Queensland to take on the Brisbane Lions in a top of the table clash. If they win that match they will have all but wrapped up top-spot ahead of what will be a hotly contested finals series.

Sydney Swans – 4.4 8.13 18.20 25.24 (174)

NT Thunder – 0.4 2.4 4.4 4.4 (28)

Swans Goals: W Hayward K Tippett (5); J Rose J Dawson (3); B Ronke T Pink H Marsh S Fisher T Leonardis (1)

Swans Best: J Dawson, J Foote, H Marsh, W Hayward, K Tippett, J Rose