An undermanned UWS GIANTS have bowed out of the NEAFL finals following a 64-point loss to Ainslie in the first semi final in Canberra.
Due to an extensive injury list, the GIANTS had only 12 AFL listed players take to the field and were forced to play the match with only 20 players.
UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand says despite the loss, he was impressed with the character the players showed.
“I was really pleased with how our guys stuck at it all day and fought it out,” said Hand.
“With only two players on the bench, our rotations really suffered but I couldn’t have asked any more of the players we had available.
“The eight players we brought up from the Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy gave it everything and are looking promising for the future,” he said.
Midfielder Tim Golds finished the season on a strong note, playing his best match of the season while Sam Schultz and Lachie Plowman continued their good form in the midfield.
Sam Darley provided plenty of run from defence while Sam Frost also played well in the backline.
The loss sees the GIANTS finish the NEAFL season fourth on the ladder, and Hand says there are plenty of positives to take out of the season.
“A loss like that does leave a bit of a sour taste in your mouth but the boys were competitive right until the end, and have come a long way this season,” said Hand.
“The finals experience they’ve got in the last two weeks will help them in years to come as they continue to grow with the GIANTS.”
AINSLIE 15.15.105
UWS GIANTS 5.11.41
Goal Kickers: G. Ugle , M. Mattingly , T. Bugg , S. O''hAilpin , J. Finlayson
Best Players: T. Golds, S. Schulz, L. Plowman, S. Darley, S. Frost, M. Mattingly
