THE GREATER Western Sydney (GWS) Giants Academy has been comfortably beaten in its opening Summer Series outing, going down to the AFL Sydney Under 22s by 61 points. After a goalless opening quarter, the victors kicked away with 10 majors to one across the second and third terms.

Inaccuracy cost the Giants a kinder scoreline, booting 2.10 (22) for the match despite terrific conditions at Patches Asphalt Park in Queanbeyan. Meanwhile, AFL Sydney turned its 0.6 start into 12.11 (83) come full time, as skipper William Gibbs (four goals) and Jaden Gilheany (three) did the damage.

GWS will continue its Summer Series on Saturday with a clash against the AFL Canberra Under 22s at Alan Ray Oval. The Sydney Swans Academy fared better in their first appearance, accounting for the tricolours in a 38-point victory. The two academies will meet at Blacktown ISP in Round 3 (March 15).

GIANTS ACADEMY U18 0.3 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 2.10 (22)
AFL SYDNEY U22 0.4 | 5.8 | 10.9 | 12.11 (83)

GOALS:
Giants Academy U18: J. Fairman, J. Jovanovic
AFL Sydney U22: W. Gibbs 4, J. Gilheany 3, H. Pickett, B. Longmire, A. Edwards, J. Jones, N. Dunshea

>> Scouting Notes: Swans make winning start to Summer Series

SCOUTING NOTES

#2 Isaac Baldwin
Midfielder | 177cm | 18/08/2006

An extremely athletic small with lightning speed, Baldwin looked to showcase it at every opportunity on Saturday. The over-ager started in midfield but had a early good moment inside attacking 50, hitting a front-and-centre ball at pace before putting his shot wide. Baldwin went on to utilise his turn of foot in a foray out of defensive 50 during term two, only to lose a handle on the ball. His energy and strength over the ball were useful at the contest.

#5 Ethan Matthews
Defender | 185cm | 04/09/2008

One of just two bottom-agers afield for the Giants, Matthews caught the eye early with an incredibly courageous intercept mark on the wing. The smooth moving left-footer showcased good length on his kicks and looked sharp by hand, absorbing contact when necessary to give his teammates more time on the release. Despite looking relatively light, Matthews competed well and generally held his own against far more mature opposition.

#20 Bailey-Dean Latanis
Wing/Forward | 183cm | 07/12/2007

Arguably the Giants’ most well known prospect in 2025, Latanis was the only GWS Academy representative selected for last year’s National Futures match. He started out on the wing and tended to work into good spaces to mark uncontested. Latanis looked to drive the ball forward with intent and was most effective in the front half, though his ball use and decision making tended to waver. He had a set shot opportunity after the third term drinks break but wobbled his attempt into the post.

#27 Coby Hilton
Midfielder | 185cm | 28/06/2006

Hilton has some genuine traits and showed glimpses of his explosiveness. He broke out the front of the opening centre bounce and hit up Jack Jovanovic on the lead, going on to do the same at later stoppages. Hilton also used his speed to shut down opposition ball winners at the contest and arguably looked more dangerous with ball in hand than any other Giant. His running foray through the corridor in term four to once again find Jovanovic proved that.

OTHERS:

The Giants were bereft of reliable scoring avenues but Jack Jovanovic was the best of the lot. He booted his side’s second of two goals and produced a few more opportunities in the final quarter. Small forward/wingman Jake Fairman slotted the first with a nice finish on the run in term two.

Jovanovic, who measures up at 190cm, complimented the main marking target of Tallis McMillan inside 50. Ruck Jim Houston was another tall to showcase his aerial ability with a strong set of hands, while key defender Taj Malmborg was kept busy as the last line of defence.

Elsewhere, Oliver Withers made a bright start in the attacking half before shifting into the midfield rotation. Kohan Prenter also featured at the centre bounces and had little trouble getting his hands on the ball throughout the day. Both are in the over-age (2006-born) category.

SUMMER SERIES FIXTURES

ROUND 1:

AFL Canberra U22 3.7 (25) def. by Swans U18 Academy 9.9 (63)
Giants Academy U18 2.10 (22) def. by AFL Sydney U22 12.11 (83)

ROUND 2:

AFL Canberra U22 vs. Giants Academy U18
Saturday March 8, 12:40pm @ Alan Ray Oval

AFL Sydney U22 vs. Swans Academy U18
Saturday March 8, 1:40pm @ Blacktown ISP

ROUND 3:

Giants Academy U18 vs. Swans Academy U18
Saturday March 15, 4:00pm @ Blacktown ISP