The UWS GIANTS have finalised their preparations for the NEAFL season with a win over the Swans reserves in a practice match at Tom Wills Oval.

The GIANTS defeated the Swans by 13 points, 7.6 (48) to 5.5 (35), in the match played in driving rain at GIANTS HQ.

“We were really happy with the hit out,” said NEAFL coach Brett Hand.

“It was just a really good, contested game in terrible conditions obviously but the ground held up pretty well considering the rain.

“We were really pleased with our contested ball and just our ability to scrap and match it with similar sized bodies but also some more mature bodies as well.

“It’s always good to play against other AFL players that are probably vying for the same spots as what our guys are so it gives them a good indication of where they are compared to other clubs.”

With competition for spots tight in the AFL side for round one, Hand was impressed with the form of those on the fringes of senior selection.

“I thought Nathan Wilson continued on his good form, he was really good in his one-on-ones,” he said.

“He provided a lot of momentum for us and a lot of good ball use from the back.

“Dylan Addison was really good in the conditions up forward and then later on-ball. He led by example and his experience helped out the younger guys.

“Adam Kennedy and Zac Williams continued on with some good form.

“It just shows that if you can still have the right mental attitude you can still perform and the guys that missed out generally played pretty well on the weekend and that just puts good pressure on the 22 playing above.”

Defender Tim Mohr played the entire match in his first game since round 18 last year when he tore his ACL.

Draftee Caleb Marchbank also played his first football of 2015, coming on for the second half after an injury-interrupted pre-season.

Minor premiers last year, the UWS GIANTS open their NEAFL season against the Gold Coast Suns reserves at Blacktown International Sportspark next Saturday.

“They’ll certainly be stronger than what they were last year,” Hand said.

“They’ve got a lot more depth so we’re expecting a good hit out.

“We enjoy playing against the Suns, they’re a young team and they’re exciting, like us, so we look forward to playing against them.”

UWS GIANTS 7.6 (48) def. Swans reserves 5.5 (35)

Goals: Pickett 2, Lamb 2, Addison, Reid, Williams