THE GREATER Western Sydney (GWS) Giants Academy went winless throughout this year’s Summer Series, but was not without some promising moments and prospects. A three-point thriller against AFL Canberra U22 was the highlight of a tough campaign. We recap the Giants’ three-game series.

RESULTS

RECORD: 0-3 | LLL | 53.1%

def. by AFL Sydney U22 2.10 (22) to 12.11 (83)
def. by AFL Canberra U22 9.6 (60) to 9.9 (63)
def. by Swans Academy U18 5.9 (39) to 12.10 (82)

HOW IT HAPPENED

A pair of heavy losses to quality Sydney-based opposition bookended the Giants’ three fixtures. The AFL Sydney Under 22s restricted them to an inaccurate 2.10 (22), dominating the second and third quarters with 10 goals to one.

After the 61-point loss in Queanbeyan, GWS showed marked improvement to push AFL Canberra all the way in a three-point defeat. Three unanswered goals in the third quarter proved the difference for the Under 22s after the Giants led at the first two breaks.

Finally, an Under 18 showdown against the Swans rounded out the series, as star prospect Max King booted a bag of six goals. The Swans led by seven goals to one at half time before running out 43-point victors in Blacktown.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Jim Houston
Ruck | 196cm | 10/02/2007

Houston would be our choice for the Giants’ Summer Series MVP having been arguably the best and most consistent performer across all three games. Plying his trade in the ruck, the top-ager had his strongest outing in game two and competed hard to not only get first hand to the footy, but also impact on the follow-up. He kicks off both feet and can take a strong mark, showing nice signs as a genuine tall.

MOST GOALS

Riley Hamilton: 4 (DNP, 2, 2)
Tall Forward | 189cm | 15/08/2006

Hamilton entered the fray in game two and bagged a pair of goals in either outing to top the Giants’ goalkicking charts. The over-ager proved a tough matchup; capable of taking strong contested marks at the top of his reach, or troubling his opponent with powerful movement. He applied strong tackling pressure to compliment his scoring, although could have had even more impact with better conversion.

TOP-AGE TALENT (2007)

The Giants have a relatively even top-age crop without any significant standouts. Bailey-Dean Latanis is likely the most well known prospect having been selected for last year’s National Futures match. He plied his trade on the wing and eventually on-ball, displaying a surge style with his speed and long kicking.

The likes of Lachlan Moresi and Hunter Higgins featured through midfield, while rotational pieces Joshua Allen and Oscar Perrot had their moments there. Lively small forward Jake Fairman also had a run on-ball, injecting pace and energy. Speaking of, Brody Kane provided plenty on the rebound from defence.

Houston was made to ruck as his side’s tallest player (196cm). He held his own with competitive showings. Fellow talls Taj Malmborg and Tallis McMillan played roles at either end of the ground, while Jack Jovanovic was a reliable scoring avenue in two of three games, booting three majors.

After a strong outing for last year’s NSW/ACT Futures side, perhaps the Giants would like to have seen more from usual spearhead Riley Hansen. Fellow tall forward Harper Bromson put some of his potential on display during game three, snapping a nice goal and hitting up at the ball with mobility.

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OVER-AGERS (2006)

A pair of over-agers in Hamilton and Coby Hilton trained with the Giants’ senior group during preseason and showed strong potential during the Summer Series. Hilton showcased his explosive speed through midfield in game one, but unfortunately appeared to injure himself early in the second fixture.

Hamilton was his side’s most viable marking target and scoring avenue across the last two games, ending up with a team-high four goals. Speedy small Isaac Baldwin also had his moments with his quick feet proving a standout trait. He also managed to hit the scoreboard and gained midfield exposure.

Elsewhere, Kohan Prenter looks to have been a handy find with his smooth movement off the wing. This time last year he turned out for AFL Sydney in the same series. Midfielder Oliver Withers was another reliable over-ager in the squad, using his frame and clean hands to impact at the source.

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BOTTOM-AGERS (2008)

The Giants didn’t utilise a whole lot of bottom-age talent throughout the series, starting out with just two in their game one squad – Ethan Matthews and Alexander Arthur. Both were utilised in defence, with Matthews going on to play all three games. He impressed with his courage, agility, and left-foot kicking.

Last year’s Under 16 MVP Charlie Harper also made an appearance in game two, finding his groove with sound reading of the play to complete intercept marks and spoils. Tom Wichman, Matthew MacDonald, and Ryan Shipard were the other bottom-agers to get a run for GWS.

COATES TALENT LEAGUE FIXTURE

Round 4 | vs. Murray Bushrangers
Saturday April 26, 1:10pm @ Lavington Sports Ground

Round 5 | vs. Sandringham Dragons
Sunday May 4, 10:30am @ Trevor Barker Beach Oval

Round 6 | vs. Tasmania Devils
Saturday May 10, TBC @ Kingston Twin Ovals

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