UWS GIANTS win reserve-grade Derby

While the Sydney Swans may have been emphatic in their demolition of the GWS GIANTS on Sunday afternoon at the SCG, it was the UWS GIANTS who were well on top in the battle of the two Sydney reserves sides.

The GIANTS got the jump early on their cross-town rivals with free-flowing movement through the midfield and relentless pressure in defence, winning 21.16 (142) to 12.7 (79).

The GIANTS lost twice to the Swans earlier in the year, but have put in three dominating performances in recent weeks, and have consolidated their spot in the top five.

The GIANTS ran away with the game from the get go, kicking nine goals to three in the first term, and a  had a 37 point lead into the first break.

The Swans were able to restrict the GIANTS to three goals in the second quarter, but only managed to kick one themselves, as the Giants extended their lead to 51 points at half time.

Both sides were able to let the goals flow after the major break, as the Swans aimed for a fight back, and both sides kicked six majors.

The GIANTS held out though, and extended their lead to close out the match as 62 point victors.

Nathan Wilson kicked three goals for a Giants side that featured twelve goal scorers, as Matthew Buntine proved strong in their defence, and Zac Williams provided plenty in attack for the Giants.

Dean Towers top scored for the Swans, also kicking three goals, as Daniel Robinson and Lloyd Perris stood out in the Swans midfield.

UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand said it was pleasing to see a host of players share the work load. 

“It was a really good to have a spread of contributors including the guys that came back from the seniors who certainly didn’t drop their heads,” said Hand.

“Tomlinson and Kennedy came into the side and played different roles through the midfield which worked really well and Townsend got a number of possessions and was strong over the ball.

“I thought we were really impressive in the first quarter because we were able to stick to our structures under pressure and move the ball well from stoppages.

“Sydney changed their game in the second quarter and played more of a man-on-man style which took us a bit of time to adjust to but we were able to wrestle the game back which was pleasing.”

The game also marked the return of young Swan Gary Rohan, 499 days after a sickening clash saw the speedy half-forward’s leg broken in Round 5 last year.

Used in eight-minute bursts off the bench, the popular redhead finished with 10 possessions, three marks and two goals, showing plenty of willingness to get involved in the physical play.

There are no plans for Rohan to play senior football this year and his coach John Longmire only hopes the youngster pulls up well.

But a beaming Rohan was talking up his hopes of getting back into the reigning premiers’ side before the year is out.

“I reckon I could yeah,” he said.

“I’ll try to get the game fitness in the reserves and I’m sure I could play seniors.

“I pulled up well.”