NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 12 Review

GWS GIANTS 9.12 (66) def. by Essendon 11.15 (81)
 
The GIANTS gave Essendon a scare but fell short of an upset win, going down by 15 points at Spotless Stadium.
 
The Bombers converted a 10-point half time lead into 20-point advantage at the last change before the GIANTS mounted a late rally.
 
In a tense final term, the home side got within one point thanks to a run of goals from Adam Treloar, Rhys Palmer and Adam Tomlinson.
 
The Dons had a response, though, kicking three of their own to run out the game.
 
The GIANTS had a rare win in the inside 50 stat (57-54) but the Bombers got on top in contested possessions and clearances.
 
Treloar’s three goals, 27 disposals and eight clearances made him a standout.
 
Devon Smith (33 disposals), Heath Shaw (31) and Dylan Shiel (30) each played a part in history — it was the first time three GIANTS topped 30 disposals in a game.
 
For Essendon, David Zaharakis had 34 touches and booted two goals and Joe Daniher kicked three goals.
 
The GIANTS travel north next week to meet the Brisbane Lions.
 
Gold Coast Suns 10.14 (74) def. by Sydney Swans 17.7 (109)
 
The Swans have warded off a top four challenge by Gold Coast, beating the rising Suns by 35 points on the road.
 
The Sydney win streak has now extended to seven games.
 
Inaccuracy was an issue for the home team early, kicking 1.6 in the first term. The Swans capitalised by building a nine-point lead at the first break and a 25-point buffer at half time.
 
Though the Suns defenders did have a good day against star forwards Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett (marks inside 50 were even for both teams), Franklin still pulled through for three goals.
 
Others were also happy to step up — Harry Cunningham managed four goals and Sam Reid three.
 
In the midfield, Dan Hannebery had 30 disposals with four goal assists and Josh Kennedy with 28 touches with two goals. Both men had disposal efficiencies above 80 percent.
 
For the Suns, Gary Ablett had another quality game: 37 disposals, nine clearances, nine tackles, eight inside 50s and a goal.
 
The Swans next take on ladder-leaders Port Adelaide in what promises to be an SCG blockbuster.
 
NSW/ACT Notes
 
Tom Hawkins (Finley) kicked four goals, took 10 marks and had 17 disposals for Geelong in their win over Carlton. Hamish McIntosh (Lavington) had 26 hitouts and laid five tackles.
 
Sam Rowe (North Albury) had six marks, a goal and five tackles for the Blues.
 
Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) had 31 disposals and six inside 50s for the Swans. Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) saw 22 touches, seven clearances and nine tackles.
 
Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) had 26 disposals. Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park) kicked four goals.
 
Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) had 24 disposals. Dane Rampe (UNSW-ES Bulldogs) took seven marks and had five one-percenters.
 
Lenny Hayes had 26 disposals, seven tackles and a goal for St Kilda in their loss to Port Adelaide. Josh Bruce (Eastlake) took three marks.
 
Anthony Miles (North Albury) finally made his Richmond debut after crossing from GWS. He impressed with 19 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles in the loss to North Melbourne.
 
Isaac Smith (Temora) kicked 1.3 and had 24 disposals for Hawthorn in the win over West Coast. Matt Suckling (Wagga Tigers) had 21 disposals and a goal.
 
Taylor Duryea (Wahgunyah) had 19 disposals and five inside 50s. Luke Breust (Temora) had a goal and seven tackles.
 
Jason Tutt (Ainslie) kicked a goal and had 16 disposals for the Western Bulldogs in their loss to Brisbane.
 
Daniel Cross (North Albury) had 21 disposals and six marks for Melbourne in their loss to Collingwood.
 
Jarrod Witts (St Ives) had 11 hitouts and took three marks for the Pies.
 
Jacob Townsend (Leeton-Whitton) took seven marks and laid four tackles for the GIANTS.
 
NEAFL (Round 11)
 
Queanbeyan 10.16 (76) def. by Hills Eagles 11.19 (85)
Sydney University 16.12 (108) def. Belconnen 5.9 (39)
Eastlake 7.5 (47) def. by Ainslie 10.23 (83)
Brisbane Lions 11.10 (76) def. by Redland 16.11 (107)
Aspley 15.13 (103) def. Southport 7.12 (54)
UWS GIANTS 23.16 (154) def. NT Thunder 7.8 (50)
Gold Coast Suns 9.12 (66) def. by Sydney Swans 12.13 (85)