A five-goal haul from Wade Derksen has lifted the GIANTS to their second consecutive win of the VFL season, defeating Coburg by 46 points at Piranha Park.
Derksen was the stand-out performer for the GIANTS, who held on against a spirited Coburg side to claim a 9.13 (67) to 17.11 (113) win.
James Peatling responded well after being omitted from the senior side, registering 16 disposals and a goal, with Kieren Briggs (27 hit-outs, 24 disposals and 16 clearances) also pushing for senior selection after yet another strong display in the ruck.
Josh Fahey (33 disposals, 8 marks) continued his impressive early-season form, with Xavier O’Halloran also stood tall in his return from injury,collecting 22 disposals, 10 clearances and a goal to re-stake his claim for a spot in the GIANTS’ AFL midfield.
GIANTS VFL coach Wayne Cripps credited the win to his side’s dominant opening half.
"We set the game up in that first half," Cripps said.
"Our pressure was fantastic, and we were really effective with our skills up forward.”
AFL Listed Players:
- Phil Davis
He started really well but unfortunately went down in the opening half and couldn’t play on.
- Ryan Angwin
14 disposals, 4 tackles
Another solid game on the wing from Ryan. His ability to cover the ground all day was excellent. His impact defensively was great and he was a great driver of the ball offensively for us out of the back half.
- James Peatling
16 disposals, 1 goal
Had some really good moments around the contest. He put on some great pressure in the forward half and was rewarded on the scoreboard.
- Lachlan Keeffe
10 disposals, 4 marks
Was really strong defensively and set us up well behind the ball.
- Cameron Fleeton
16 disposals, 1 goal
He took another step forward on the weekend. He’s really starting to round out his game and be assertive with his positioning. He was efficient with the ball in hand and is becoming a real dual threat down back.
- Toby McMullin
11 disposals
Toby went into the midfield in the second half and he had a real impact for us, finishing with 5 clearances.
- Kieren Briggs
24 disposals, 27 hit-outs
Another super game in the ruck. His willingness to compete on the ground and in the air was excellent. He showed his craft and his experience at the stoppages, was really composed with the ball in hand, and it was another really consistent performance from him.
- Xavier O’Halloran
22 disposals, 1 goal
It was good to have him back. His experience was invaluable, and he got our offense going through the midfield.
- Josh Fahey
33 disposals, 8 marks
We all saw what he’s capable of with the ball in hand. He made great decisions with the ball in hand and gives us great drive out of the back half.
- Max Gruzewski
2 goals, 3 marks
It was a tough day for him, but he competed hard and found himself outnumbered a lot. He brought the ball to ground and got rewarded for his efforts by hitting the scoreboard.
- Jason Gillbee
21 disposals, 1 goal
Another solid day on the wing for Jason. He moved to half back in the second half and really impressed us with his drive and composure with the ball in hand.
- Wade Derksen
5 goals, 14 disposals
Wade showed his athleticism. He was great in the air and gave us a different look in the ruck. He’s developing into a really dynamic player for us and it was great to see him rewarded on the scoreboard.
- Callum Brown
23 disposals, 11 marks
His impacted in the air was fantastic and he gave us great drive out of the back half when he had the ball. His intercept marking was fantastic and he’s starting to read the play really well.
VFL Listed Players Stats:
Coaches Call Out: Ryan Hebron
With Aaron Cadman a late out, Ryan had to step in as a key forward. He competed hard and took some great marks in front of goal. His leadership and work rate around the ground was brilliant.
- Ryan Hebron (c)
16 disposals, 6 marks
- Jaelen Pavlidis
8 disposals, 4 marks
- Darcy Edmends
15 disposals, 1 goal
- Barry O’Connor
22 disposals, 3 marks
- Tom McCaffrey
18 disposals, 3 goals
- James Creighton
4 disposals, 1 goal
- Will Shaw
15 disposals
- Billy Clark
9 disposals, 2 marks
- Mitchell Conn
13 disposals
- Ronald Fejo
5 disposals, 1 goal
