THE GWS Giants Academy notched up their first win of the 2023 AFL Under 16 National Championships on Monday, thumping the Northern Territory by 101 points at Heritage Bank Stadium.

It was all but over at half time as the Giants led by a tick under 10 goals, which was only built upon thereafter in the 21.13 (139) to 5.8 (38) victory. We noted some of the top performers from either side.

GIANTS ACADEMY 5.4 | 11.6 | 15.10 | 21.13 (139)
NORTHERN TERRITORY 1.3 | 1.7 | 3.8 | 5.8 (38)

GOALS:

Giants Academy: H. McMaster 4, H. Bromson 4, L. Hetherton 3, R. Corrigan 2, L. Gronow 2, R. Hansen 2, J. Allen, H. Higgins, J. Warden, T. Shepherd
Northern Territory: R. Mentha 2, O. Poulson, H. Collins, Y. Stefanidakis

RMC BEST:

Giants Academy: R. Corrigan, R. Hansen, H. Wilson, L. Gronow, C. Gardiner, H. Bromson
Northern Territory: C. Peris-Chong, T. Murray, R. Mentha, J. Fairchild, B. Ross, O. Poulson

GIANTS ACADEMY:

#3 Liam Gronow
Small Forward | 167cm | 22/06/2007

A crafty small who caused constant headaches inside 50, Gronow’s ground level game helped the generate GWS’ giant score.  He swooped on loose balls and often swung around onto his preferred foot, with 16 of his 22 disposals being kicks. Gronow moved into all the right spots and while his radar was not always on target, he snared a couple of goal in the second half.

#18 Cody Gardiner
Midfielder | 178cm | 12/01/2007

The game’s top disposal winner with 27 touches, Gardiner was a busy member of the Giants’ midfield. He got stuck in with seven tackles and four clearances, often linking the play in transition and driving forward for nine inside 50s. Gardiner complimented his side’s other onballers with a blend of grunt work and outside run.

#32 Ryder Corrigan
Midfielder | 185cm | 14/03/2007

Potentially the best prospect afield, Corrigan returned another strong performance with 25 disposals, six marks, seven inside 50s and two goals. The big bodied midfielder-forward was hard to lay a glove on, using his size to break to the outside and covering the ground beautifully. He was clean at the contest and when clunking marks, proving a level above the opposition with his range and well-rounded game.

#33 Harrison Wilson
Defender/Midfielder | 185cm | 03/02/2007

A smooth moving defender who also pinch-hit in midfield, Wilson was the player GWS wanted bringing the ball out of the back line. He took on the kick-in duties and went by foot with 17 of his 23 disposals, posting seven rebound 50s in the process. He’s a lean and mobile type who sets up play nicely down back, but has nice upside in the way of versatility.

#36 Riley Hansen
Forward | 189cm | 06/03/2007

One of the Giants’ six multiple goal kickers, Hansen snared 2.2 but looked an imposing force up forward. GWS had many a mismatch with their tall attackers and Hansen took toll, presenting strongly on the lead with full-chested authority. His presence was felt at centre half forward, particularly in the first half, en route to 21 touches and five marks.

#38 Harper Bromson
Forward | 190cm | 26/03/2007

Bromson put up some extraordinary numbers on Monday, registering eight scoring shots (4.4) from 11 disposals and seven marks, while booting a goal in all four quarters. He took advantage of size mismatches and a wealth of opportunities, proving too big and strong in marking duels and translating that to the scoreboard.

#43 Liam Hetherton
Ruck/Forward | 194cm | 02/05/2007

A tall who displayed great dexterity at 194cm, Hetherton started in the ruck but also made an impact in his time up forward. He was one of the Giants’ many marking threats and would likely have succeeded regardless of any mismatch, given his mobility. Two of Hetherton’s three goals came in open play, scoring through a classy snap and dribbler. He finished with 14 disposals, five marks, and 10 hitouts.

NORTHERN TERRITORY:

#12 Calvin Peris-Chong
Midfielder/Forward | 176cm | 20/06/2007

The NT’s skipper, Peris-Chong tried everything to give his side some fluency in attacking phases. He started forward with stints in midfield, working high up the ground and looking to run the ball towards goal with chains of possessions. His teammates weren’t always on the same page, but Peris-Chong’s attempts to create connectivity were noticeable. The brother of Geelong’s Brandan Parfitt finished with 21 disposals and 11 tackles.

#22 Ricky Mentha
Defender/Forward | 179cm | 04/09/2006

Mentha was utilised at both ends of the ground but arguably had his best moments up forward, booting two of the NT’s five goals. Things were a little tougher in defence where the pressure was high and the ball kept pinging back his way, but Mentha showed his quality with two classy finishes to score at the end of term three, and start of term four. An over-ager in this category, he is linked to Victorian Talent League region, Gippsland Power.

#33 Taj Murray
Ruck | 199cm | 05/02/2007

While GWS dominated the airways with its wealth of tall options, Murray was the NT’s answer at 199cm. He fared well with 22 hitouts in the ruck, accompanying 15 disposals and four marks nicely on the stats sheet. Murray fed his midfielders a few times at the centre bounces and had his moments, including a big grab in the final quarter.