After a disappointing game against the kangaroos the previous week, the young giants came up against what was expected to be a strong Mansfield side at the Showgrounds on Saturday.
All week at training the boys had been working hard on getting 1st to the ball and taking our time when we got control of the ball.
When the siren went to start the match, it was very clear to see that the training had paid off, our boys were committed to getting 1st to the ball, which in turn gave us time with the footy, Charlie McCarthy was dominant, leading from the front with a fantastic attack at the footy, his efforts inspired the whole team, and at quarter time we had kept Mansfield goalless while we kicked 1 goal ourself.
The 2nd quarter continued the same as the 1st with the Giants ability to get 1st to the footy proving to be critical, a special goal from the boundary line from Jasper Defazio and the giants were gaining in confidence, but with 5 minutes to go in the quarter Mansfield hit back with 3 quick goals to take a 7 point half time lead, Angus Burston and Kane Clark both playing great games in the backline.
The 3rd quarter started badly for the young giants with Jasper Defazio (concussion) and Harry Dewinne (hand) both injured early, and with Mansfield lifting their game the giants struggled to get the ball forward, Colby Mathieson, Ed Miechel and 1st game ruckman Matt Johnston all giving everything for their team.
The final quater saw Mansfield dominate, but the young giants just wouldn’t drop off in their effort and while having most of the footy Mansfield could only manage 2 goals for the quarter, Charlie Dewinne, Ben Milner and Ace Manger all holding firm.
I was so proud of every player for the effort they put in on Saturday, it goes to show if we continue to play that way we will be competitive against all sides for the rest of the season.

FINAL SCORES – GIANTS 2 – 4 – 16, MANSFIELD 7 – 12 – 54
GOALKICKERS – J.Defazio 2
BEST – C.McCarthy, A.Burston, C.Mathieson, K.Clark, C.Dewinne, A.Manger, T.Clark