GWS GIANTS Academy shook off a late second term comeback from the AFL Sydney Under 22s to kick four unanswered goals in the second half to win their Round 1 NSW/ACT Summer Series match. Both sides were level at 3.3 (21) apiece by the main break, but a second half of 4.5 (29) to 0.3 (3) in favour of the orange team saw the Giants salute, 7.8 (50) to 3.6 (24).

Giants Academy 1.1 | 3.3 | 5.4 | 7.8 (50)
AFL Sydney U22s 1.3 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.6 (24)

It was a scrappy and contested contest from start until finish, with the Giants Academy’s run and carry for the full four quarters ultimately the key difference between the sides. AFL Sydney showed it had class with former AFLW-listed Giant and Dee Georgie Fowler kicking two first half goals, including the leveller with the last kick of the second term.

However despite having their lead pegged back, the Giants were able to go on with it in the second half to kick four goals to nil, as Georgia Patterson (three goals) was the star inside 50, while Annabelle McHale made her chances count with a couple of majors in the second half. There were a couple of clear standouts for the Giants, but an even contribution after that, while Fowler and dangerous left-footer Sophie Kavanagh – another one with experience on an AFLW list – looked the most lively.

Moyston Medallist Hannah Woolfe and Lauren Bourgeois worked hard for four quarters for AFL Sydney Under 22s, while the work of Lily Sullivan and Saskia Johnson was also strong. For the Giants, we note down a few of the stars in detail below, though bottom-agers Morgan Stevens and Mia Cooper.

GIANTS Academy:

#3 Lily Quigley
Forward | 26/11/2007

One of the most productive top-agers from the Giants, Quigley looked to create her own space inside 50 be it on the lead or at ground level. Her quick hands were a feature in getting the ball to teammates across the forward half, she was rewarded for effort late in the game with a nice dribble kick after running onto a loose ball goalside. Provided pressure close to goal and work rate was high.

#9 Georgia Patterson
Forward | 26/12/2008

A classy finisher who was one of a number of bottom-agers that put their hand up to suggest next year’s crop is an exciting one for the Giants, Patterson made the most of her opportunities. She kicked a clean snap goal in the opening minute, then dribbled one home from long range and was quick to get boot to ball with her third in the premiership quarter. Though mostly just that finisher in the game, Patterson has that forward half class that stands out.

#22 Darcie Prosser-Shaw
Defender | 02/06/2008

Was best on in the first half with her brilliant intercept work and running off half-back with great speed. Aside from one turnover at centre half-back which resulted in a Fowler goal, the rest of Prosser-Shaw’s work usually turned to gold. She positioned herself well, got back to be the deepest defender at times, then had the licence to push up and mark at half-back. Did not have as much to do in the second half with the ball up the other end.

#24 Mia Cooper
Forward | 10/03/2008

Working hard throughout the match, Cooper was another bottom-ager who seemed to link up well between midfield and attack. She was strong overhead and played that high role well, often dishing off to others and setting them up. While still having areas to improve, she has been touted as one to watch out of the nation’s capital and has some nice athletic traits to go with her aerial ability.

#29 Amelie Prosser-Shaw
Midfielder/Defender | 14/11/2006

While her younger sister was best on in the first half, but the end of the match, it was the older of the Prosser-Shaw siblings who took the best on ground honours. She provided fantastic speed across the ground, bursting away, often taking a bounce or two, sidestepping an opponent and kicking long inside 50. She seemed to get better through the middle two quarters and her production on the day was huge, suggesting a big over-age season is coming.

#36 Isla Wiencke
Midfielder | 30/03/2007

The top Giants Academy draft prospect for the year was solid throughout the match without being at her absolute best. She showed the signs of why she is such a great player with her strength and power at the coalface, and ability to thump the ball long and put pressure on the opposition defence. Wiencke had a couple of chances on goal that went begging including one that bounced into the post with help from the opposition defender. In the end was still among the Giants best for her moments, particularly in the first and fourth quarters.