The WSU GIANTS’ four game winning streak in the NEAFL has come to an end with a 13 point loss to the Brisbane Lions’ reserves in Coorparoo on Sunday.

The GIANTS trailed at every change but drew to within a point of the Lions during the final term, before the home side kicked the last two goals of the game to run out winners, 9.14 (68) to 7.13 (55).

WSU GIANTS coach Brad Miller said it was a disappointing way to end a strong run of form.

“From the very start of the game they were up and about, they seemed to outnumber us at every contest and we were really sluggish,” he said.

The GIANTS’ efforts were hampered by injury with Rhys Palmer sustaining a calf injury during the pre-game warm up and Caleb Marchbank, Tom Downie and Daniel Lloyd all suffering injuries during the match.

“It does make it tough, but we’ve had to do that in different stages throughout the year,” Miller said.

“It still doesn’t give us a reason as to why some of the guys started so sluggishly.”

There were standouts with GIANTS Academy product Matthew Flynn kicking four goals.

Miller said the development of the 199cm GIANT is coming along strongly, be it in the ruck, forward line or down back.

“In his last four or five games he’s really found some form,’ he said.

“His work forward is starting to develop and he’s taking some really strong contested marks.”

Jake Barrett was near best on ground with a performance that could see him push for AFL selection and add to his solitary appearance for the senior side.

The 20-year-old collected 34 disposals and kicked a goal as he showed why he was named in the NEAFL’s 2015 team of the season.

“His ability to find the ball has never been in question,” Miller said.

“He’s always racked up thirty touches and had an impact.

“Jake’s been spoken about at various stages by the senior coaching staff and if he continues putting up performances like he has for the last month, he might get his chance.”

Matt Kennedy also found plenty of the football, collecting 33 disposals and laying ten tackles.

Miller said Kennedy’s pressure in the contest was a standout.

“When he plays his role, in terms of his body work at the stoppage, he’s often in the contest to make tackles,” he said.

“If he continues to apply that sort of pressure around the contest I’m sure he’ll get his chance as well.”

The WSU GIANTS’ chances of getting back on the winners list won’t be easy as they face the Sydney Swans Reserves.

Sydney’s only defeat of the year came when they lost to the WSU GIANTS by a point in Round 11.

“No doubt it’ll be a challenge like last time, they beat Gold Coast on the weekend,” Miller said.

“They can score quickly so our job will be to slow it down a bit and force them into a contest like we did last time.

“We’ll see the inclusion of hopefully a couple of senior players, Will Hoskin-Elliot will probably play, Tim Mohr is a strong chance to and we might even get Matt Buntine back.”

The WSU GIANTS play the Sydney Swans reserves at the SCG on Saturday, July 23 at 10.05am.

The GIANTS will provide a full injury update on Tuesday.