NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 16 wrap
Sydney Swans 24.27 (171) def. GWS GIANTS 5.12 (42)
The Giants kicked the first of the match through Jeremy Cameron and held the lead until the 20 minute mark of the first quarter.
But that was partly due to inaccuracy from the Swans, who opened the game with seven behinds, and after the floodgates opened it was all red and white.
The lead was 17 points at quarter time, 45 at half time then 82 at three quarter time.
Nick Malceski claimed the Brett Kirk Medal with his performance off half back. He had 30 disposals, 10 rebound 50s, five inside 50s and a goal.
Jarrad McVeigh would have been in contention for the award too, with 35 disposals, 11 marks and six inside 50s. Dan Hannebery generated 10 inside 50s among his 34 disposals.
The lead goal kickers were Kurt Tippett, Tom Mitchell, Jesse White and Mike Pyke, who had three each.
The Giants did not go without a standout performance or two. Cameron kicked 3.1 for the afternoon, not a bad effort considering a supply of just 31 inside 50s.
Callan Ward had nine clearances and eight tackles, clearly his side’s best in both categories. Jonathan Giles won the most hitouts in the game – rare for an opponent of Sydney’s – with 36. (Pike and Shane Mumford had 36 combined.)
In all, though, it was a dominant Swans display against a young Giants side.
They had more disposals (418-294), were more efficient with those disposals (76 per cent versus 63), took more marks (110-66) and had more inside 50s (76-31).
Swans coach John Longmire was pleased his side had kept the foot down after half time, a contrast to the first derby this year and last week’s Melbourne match.
Giants coach Kevin Sheedy said it was tough for his midfielders to be able to match those of the experienced Swans. (The Giants did, at least, go close to drawing level in the clearances, 35-32).
NSW/ACT Notes
Isaac Smith (Temora) put in a monster performance as Hawthorn beat Port Adelaide. He had three goals, 26 disposals, eight marks and nine tackles.
In the same game, Luke Breust (Temora) had seven marks and six inside 50s. Taylor Duryea (Wahgunyah) had 18 disposals.
Lenny Hayes (Pennant Hills) finally returned to the St Kilda line-up in the loss to Carlton and he immediately impressed. He had 28 disposals, nine clearances and six inside 50s.
For the Blues, Sam Rowe (North Albury) also returned and starred. He kicked three goals and took six marks.
Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) had a big afternoon against the Giants in his 100 game milestone match. He had 28 disposals, seven marks and seven inside 50s. Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) kicked two goals. Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) was one of the best on ground.
Jarrod Witts (St Ives) was lively for Collingwood in the win over Adelaide, finishing with a goal and seven marks.
Jason Tutt (Ainslie) kicked 1.1 and had six inside 50s for the Western Bulldogs in their loss to Essendon.
Tom Hawkins (Finley) had two goals in Geelong’s win over Melbourne.
Brent Staker (West Broken Hill) was solid in Brisbane’s narrow win over North Melbourne. Aside from being clean with the ball, he took six marks.
NEAFL (Round 17)
Sydney Uni 22.16 (148) def. Tuggeranong 8.9 (57)
Eastlake 15.12 (102) def. Hills Eagles 11.10 (76)
Sydney Swans 12.7 (79) def. by UWS GIANTS 21.16 (142)
Queanbeyan 11.6 (72) def. by Belconnen 20.16 (136)
Ainslie – bye