A host of GIANTS AFL talent - headlined by three draftees - pressed their cases for AFL selection with strong outings in Saturday’s VFL practice match win against the Swans.
Played at Tramway Oval in front of many members of the club’s AFL squad ahead of Sunday’s Opening Round clash with Collingwood, several of the GIANTS’ emerging youngsters impressed in the clinical 17.10 (112) - 6.11 (47) win over the Swans.
Their first of two VFL practice matches against the Swans, the GIANTS led from the get-go in Saturday’s hit-out and were in complete control throughout en route to a 65-point win.
With nine AFL-listed GIANTS on display, it was draftees Joey Delana, Cody Angove and Harry Oliver who stood out most in Saturday’s VFL practice match.
Picked up as a Category B Rookie in November’s draft, Delana was electric across half forward against the Swans to finish with two goals while being involved in a handful of others in yet another impressive display from the teenager.
Delana’s speed and agility was on full show with and without the ball against the Swans as he zigged and zagged around opponents while also earning multiple free kicks for brilliant tackles in another great all-around game as the small forward continues to press his claims for an AFL debut this season.
Fellow draftees Angove and Oliver were also strong against the Swans, with Angove’s run and carry up and down the wing again a highlight, while Oliver’s clean hands, toughness, and dash off half back stood out in an impressive showing from last year’s Under-18 All Australian.
Tough midfielder Harry Rowston and athletic defender Leek Aleer were the most prominent of those with AFL experience, with Rowston working hard in the middle all day as he looks to add to his seven games of AFL experience this year, while Aleer - who is an emergency for Sunday’s AFL game - was strong in the air while also kick-starting numerous attacking chains with his run out of defence.
Emerging ruck Nick Madden and intercept defender Wade Derksen were also strong against the Swans as they press their claims for AFL debuts.
Dominating last year before being struck down with a foot injury, Madden’s big summer on the track continues to pay dividends as he moved across the ground well and racked up disposals at will in a great battle with Swans ruckman Peter Ladhams.
Madden also took two strong marks while resting forward in the opening term and converted truly to add two goals to kick-start his strong performance.
Meanwhile Derksen had another impressive showing down back as he helped control the airways alongside Aleer with several highflying spoils and intercept marks as well as his customary good ball use out of defence.
Exciting medium forward Nathan Wardius also had some eye-catching moments against the Swans, with the country boy kicking a classy goal in the opening term and providing a spark across half forward with his run and creativity.
Plenty of VFL-listed GIANTS also shone in the big win over the Swans, with skipper Ryan Hebron, tough midfielder Marc Sheather, and small forward Matt Harms (two goals) all impressing.
Hebron in particular led the way for the VFL side to be the most impactful deep forward on the ground as he marked well and continued to present strongly to finish with four goals and playing a hand in several others.
Sheather was also one of the GIANTS’ best, with his toughness and his willingness to apply physical pressure on the Swans both standouts.
The GIANTS’ VFL side will return hosting rights next Saturday when they welcome the Swans to Tom Wills Oval at the GIANTS Community Centre as they continue to ramp things up ahead of their season opener on Saturday, March 29 against Williamstown in Blacktown after having the bye in round one.
VFL Practice Match Final Score
GIANTS VFL 17.10. (112)
Swans VFL 6.11.(47)
