Standout performances from Matt de Boer, Jeremy Finlayson and Daniel Lloyd weren’t enough to help the GIANTS’ Reserves to their second NEAFL win of the season.
A slow start was costly for the GIANTS side that featured just 11 AFL listed players with Gold Coast’s reserves running away with a 51-point win at Metricon Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“We were really disappointed with the way we started the game, I think we were 41 points to zero before we started scoring,” GIANTS NEAFL coach Brad Miller said.
“From that point we responded really well and our third quarter was a real highlight.”
Former Fremantle on-baller Matt de Boer starred in his third NEAFL game of the year, collecting 37 disposals and laying five tackles.
Miller said de Boer was the side’s most consistent performer throughout the game.
“He obviously didn’t have the greatest preparation going into the game as he had to travel to Melbourne as an AFL emergency, but he just fronted up on game day ready to compete.”
“It’s a credit to his maturity and professionalism that he can come and do that, and he offers so much from a character and leadership point of view.”
2016 GIANTS NEAFL player of the year Jeremy Finlayson was also impressive, kicking three goals and racking up 34 touches.
Miller believes Finlayson has improved on his 2016 season, but the 21-year-old will need to continue his good form to really push his case for an AFL debut.
“Time will tell over the next four to six weeks if he can string it together consistently but his first two weeks (following suspension) have been at a really high standard,” he said.
“We used him in the midfielder on the weekend and I thought he really got the game going our way offensively.
“There are a few things we need to tidy up defensively but that just comes from playing in the midfield and getting used to that position.”
Lloyd was again impressive kicking two goals and finding the football 32 times.
With a number of injuries to the AFL side, Miller believes Lloyd isn’t far off an AFL debut.
“He’s in great form, he was a little slow to get started over the weekend but you can’t fault his attitude or commitment to trying to work on his deficiencies,” He said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he got his look in very soon.”
Meanwhile, young defender Harry Perryman has again pushed his case for an AFL debut, collecting 18 disposals and taking six marks.
“He led our defensive acts for the week, his ability to compete was outstanding for a young player so no doubt he’ll put his hand up this week.”
GOLD COAST 6.5 12.10 13.12 18.14 (122)
GIANTS 2.4 5.6 7.9 10.11 (71)
GOALS - J Finlayson 3; D. Lloyd 2; T. McInnes, D. Addison, Z. Sproule, M. Flynn.
