AFTER a long day of watching others, the local GWS Giants Academy players finally got to celebrate, defeating Northern Territory in the last game of an AFLW Under 16s Championships triple-header at Blacktown yesterday. It was a tight first half, but the Giants Academy just had that extra polish in front of goal along with some tall marking targets to kick seven goals to one after quarter time in a 9.6 (60) to 3.6 (24) triumph.

Northern Territory showed it was up for the fight early against the Giants Academy as both teams headed into quarter time level. While each side had its chances in the second term, the difference in the game was the Giants three goals from three scoring shots compared to the Territory’s four behinds from four shots. After half-time the orange team really got on top, kicking clear with four goals to one and securing a first-up victory.

Abbie Spokes was sensational for the Giants, while Jess Smith started the party with two first quarter majors and three all up. Indi Champion got her two majors in the last amongst four scoring shots, while Evana Butler was a constant both in the ruck and as a hybrid midfielder.

Peggy Rock already has All-Australians and an MVP under her belt at these national championships the past couple of years, and as an over-ager she again lead the way with an impressive outing. She was well supported by the likes of Grace Anstess and Kayla Ilett who caught the eye in multiple roles.

GIANTS ACADEMY 2.2 | 5.2 | 7.3 | 9.6 (60)
NORTHERN TERRITORY 2.2 | 2.6 | 3.6 | 3.6 (24)

GOALS:
Giants Academy: J. Smith 3, I. Champion 2, L. Frost 2, A. Spokes, P. Plum
Northern Territory: P. Rock, T. John-Forest, O. Gee

RMC BEST:
Giants Academy: A. Spokes, E. Butler, I. Champion, L. Martin, I. Champion
Northern Territory: P. Rock, G. Anstess, K. Ilett, L. May, M. Smith

GIANTS ACADEMY:

#1 Abbie Spokes (Lavington)
Wing | 160cm | 11/12/2010

Stats: 21 disposals, 7 marks, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

A constant in transition, Spokes looks a lively type with some slick skills, and coming from Lavington means she will likely team up with the Murray Bushrangers at some point. Her long-range classy finish during the third term was a highlight, but the way she reads the play and and get back to win the ball in defence and drive it forward with effective decision making skills was a big tick. Took a stack of marks too, with an aerial presence that is comfortably above her 160cm height.

#8 Lily Martin (Ainslie Tricolours)
Midfielder | 172cm | 22/01/2011

Stats: 21 disposals, 1 mark, 3 tackles, 4 clearances, 2 inside 50s

A clean operator out of the middle, Martin played her role throughout the day and continually brought teammates into the game, getting the ball forward. She delivered a nice kick into centre half-forward at one point, then pushed inside 50 to fly for a grab off another touch that just came off hands and she was unluckily pinged holding the ball. For the most part she went about her business unassumingly and looked to roam through the middle. Won her fair share of contested footy too.

#28 Jess Smith (Belconnen)
Forward/Midfielder | 172cm | 14/07/2011

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 3 goals, 1 behind

Set the stage for a big performance with two first quarter goals, and then finished with three for the day. Looks a clever tall forward who can compete in the air and then rotate on-ball, which she did. Only a bottom-ager at this year’s carnival like a lot of Giants, Smith has room to improve, but has a nice balance of offensive and defensive traits that will hold her in good stead.

#30 Indie Champion (Ainslie Tricolours)
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 16/06/2011

Stats: 20 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle, 1 hitout, 3 clearances, 1 inside 50, 2 goals, 2 behinds

Showed great versatility to rotate between midfield and up forward, where she kicked back-to-back goals in a swift couple of minutes to end any chance of a Northern Territory comeback. Funnily enough, Champion had another chance not long after from a set shot but was disappointed to miss that 20m kick from a tighter angle. Champion showed strength when under pressure and was able to get her hands free more often than not.

#34 Evana Butler (Pennant Hills)
Tall Utility | 178cm | 12/01/2010

Stats: 25 disposals, 1 mark, 6 tackles, 16 hitouts, 6 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 behind

The hybrid ruck-midfielder role has become a massive talking point in recent years, and Butler is another name to add to that list. Spending a lot of time at centre bounces where she sometimes went up for the ruck, and at others was just there to use her bigger body around the contest. Butler continually got her hands on the ball, and while her efficiency at times could be a little more polished, she throws herself at everything and racked up some massive contested ball numbers.

NORTHERN TERRITORY:

#9 Layla May (Sturt/Darwin Buffaloes)
Defender | 159cm | 14/05/2009

Stats: 14 disposals, 4 marks, 7 tackles, 1 inside 50, 5 rebound 50s

Returning as an over-ager to the Under 16s carnival like a number of the standouts, May contributed out of defence where she could show off her running and ability to clear the danger. She took a number of strong marks, but it was her fierce defensive pressure that rose to the top with the 159cm talent always bringing the heat against bigger bodies, while utilising her experience against younger opponents too.

#15 Grace Anstess (Sandringham Dragons/St Mary’s)
Utility | 175cm | 10/05/2010

Stats: 20 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 1 behind

The best of the top-agers, Anstess is a name to watch out for through the Talent League Girls program, with the Sandringham Dragons junior playing across all thirds of the ground. Anstess showed great strength around the ball to handball clear when in trouble, whilst also having a slick sidestep which she routinely fell back on to clear danger. Generally went in hard and racked up the ball, and while some final polish can be added, was one of the best for the NT.

#16 Kayla Ilett (Woodville-West Torrens/St Mary’s)
Defender | 174cm | 18/12/2009

Stats: 23 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 5 hitouts, 2 inside 50s, 7 rebound 50s, 1 behind

Had an early flying shot on goal that unfortunately bounced up and just missed, before settling into a key defensive role for the bulk of the game. She was able to win plenty of the footy out of the back half either through kickouts or being the next link in possession, though she equally forced turnovers through her pressure including a fantastic run-down tackle on the defensive side of the wing in the final term. Never gave up and gave the NT fans reason to cheer with her one percenters.

#27 Peggy Rock (GWV Rebels/Nightcliff)
Midfielder | 169cm | 20/07/2009

Stats: 29 disposals, 4 marks, 8 tackles, 7 clearances, 2 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s, 1 goal

The most decorated of the Northern Territory players coming into the carnival, Rock stuffed the stats sheet with a best-on for her side by being just about everywhere. She read the play well, got into ball-winning positions and kicked a ripping long-range goal in the third term to an open goalsquare. Her best work is always at the coalface with her ability to win the pill in tight and extract it out, which is reflected both in her clearance and tackle numbers. Going to get a taste for Talent League Girls football with the GWV Rebels this season, which will be great to test herself.