Under 16 Match Report
The Giants began their finals campaign this week up against old rivals Mansfield and based on their last encounter, it was going to be tough going. Played at the Wang Showgrounds the conditions were appalling for footy with extremely gusty winds.
The Giants struck the first blow with James Davies winning the toss and kicking with the wind. It was tough going as expected with every possession under pressure and extremely difficult for either team to hit their targets. It was Luke Dunne who struck first for the Giants in what was the first of three goals for the afternoon. Luke has really started to play some great footy in the last few weeks and what a great time to hit some form. With limited playing numbers for the Giants this week, Lachie Boyle also was able to play and he also hit the scoreboard in the first. At quarter time the Giants were up by 10 points but it probably wasn’t enough given the ferocity of the wind.
The second quarter saw the Giants under siege from a relentless Mansfield attack. The back six were doing everything they could to hold up the Eagles with Josh Milner, David Button and Bailey Davis spoiling several Eagle thrusts. At half time it was only inaccuracy keeping the Giants in the game as the Eagles lead the scoring shots 9 to 2 however the Giants only found themselves 2 points behind at the main break.
After half time the Giants were looking to make the most of their last opportunity with the wind. They also made the move of Rhys Goodley to half back which proved to be a very successful structural change for the Giants. Mitch Gander was having a real crack on the wing this week and his pressure and transition was outstanding. Ben Wheeler and Brady Purcell were both playing on dangerous Eagles players this week and not only were they doing the job they were proving to very damaging for the Giants on the counter attack as well. At the final break the Giants were back in front by 7 points but it was going to be hard to hang onto.
Both Adam Walsh and Rory Wapling had sensational last quarters for the Giants and when Adam hit up Josh Hyland 25m out straight in front the Giants began to believe they could hold on. The conversion wasn’t to be however the Giants were looking like they had more in the tank as they continued to press. The final siren went and confusion reigned with a scoreboard very difficult to read. With the Mansfield coach wondering why the Eagle weren’t singing the song in the rooms and the Giant’s coach wondering why the Giants were singing the song it was a light hearted way to finish a very intense game. The Giants had got the job done by two points to put them straight into the Grand Final.
What a fantastic team performance this week with very few if any weak links in the team. With illness and injury still plaguing the Giants, surely we can get a fully fit team for the Grand Final?
Giants 6-10-46 def. Mansfield 5-14-44
Goal Kickers: L. Dunne 3, L. Boyle, H. O’Halloran, J. Davies
Best Players: R. Wapling, B. Purcell, B. Wheeler, M. Gander, R. Goodley, A. Walsh