Five goals from Setanta O’hAilpin has helped the UWS GIANTS win their first match of the season, defeating Ainslie by 77 points in their NEAFL match at Wagga Wagga.
 
O’hailpin’s bag of goals is his biggest return since injuring his knee in round six last season, while young forward Kristian Jaksch added four goals of his own.
 
The GIANTS jumped out to a handy lead early in the match, kicking 5.4 in the opening quarter to Ainslie’s one behind.
 
Ainslie hit back to win the second term and had all the momentum for a period of the third quarter, before the GIANTS hit back with 10 goals in the last term.
 
UWS GIANTS coach Brett Hand says it was pleasing to finish the match so strongly.
 
“Our fitness and ability to run out the match and kick away in the last quarter was a real positive,” said Hand.
 
“The ground was very wide, and we moved the ball well and I was happy with how the players spread.”
 
“Jono O’Rourke, Jacob Townsend and Anthony Miles were very good in the midfield. Their ability to win first possession and their work at the stoppages was pleasing.”
 
Hand was also impressed with O’hAilpin who continues to push for a return to the senior team to add to his 81 career games.
 
“Setanta (O’hAilpin) has had a long time off the field, but he stayed in the match for longer this week,” said Hand.
 
“He took some good contested marks which was pleasing but he still needs to work hard on the defensive side of his game.”
 
The GIANTS now turn their attention to Belconnen, who they meet on Sunday April 21 at Kippax Oval, Canberra. The match gets underway at 11.45am.

GIANTS 22.9.141          Ainslie 9.10.64

GOALS: O'hAilpin 5, Jaksch 4, Williams 3, Wilson 2, Golds 2, Tomlinson, Whiley, Edwards, Miles, Harrington

BESTS: Miles, Tomlinson, Haynes, Townsend, Williams, Jaksch