The GIANTS will have to fight their way into the VFL finals series via the cutthroat Wildcard Round next week after going down to the Suns by 30 points at People First Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Played following the GIANTS’ big win in the AFL clash between the sides, the VFL edition of the Expansion Cup saw an inexperienced GIANTS side put up a brave fight for three quarters before the Suns flexed their muscles to run out 14.10 (94) to 9.10 (64) winners at home.
Fielding their most inexperienced side of the season – featuring just eight AFL-listed players - the GIANTS were gutsy throughout the contest and held a one-goal lead at the final break but ran out of steam as the Suns got hot with a sizzling six goal to none final term to notch their seventh win of the season.
While a win for the GIANTS on Saturday could have almost guaranteed them a finals spot inside the top six, the loss means they’ll now feature in next week’s Wildcard Round which will see 7th play 10th and 8th play 9thin a pair of mini elimination finals to earn the last two finals spots.
The GIANTS’ opponent and venue for their do-or-die Wildcard Round clash will be determined following the completion of Sunday’s games involving Casey, Richmond, and Williamstown.
Despite the loss it was the GIANTS who landed the blows early on Saturday as they responded to a quick Suns goal in the opening minutes with four unanswered goals of their own to jump out to an early 18-point lead at the first break.
Logan Smith was the first GIANT on the scoreboard to kickstart the strong first quarter as James Lugsdin, captain Ryan Hebron, and James Leake all added majors of their own as the orange tsunami surged early on the Gold Coast.
The GIANTS continued where they left off early in the second as the skipper added another to push the lead to a game-high 24 points before the Suns began to heat up with a red-hot passage of their own.
Making the most of their ascendancy around the ball, the Suns kicked four unanswered goals to close out the second quarter, with Zeke Uwland’s major on the eve of half-time giving the home side a one-point lead heading into the main break.
The GIANTS fought back in a seesawing third term to outscore the Suns four goals to three to give themselves a slim six-point lead at the last break.
Hebron was one who continued to lead from the front in the third term, slotting his third major for the day before tough VFL-listed forward duo Izaac Hughes and James Lugsdin also hit the scoreboard as the GIANTS continued to press for an upset win.
While the Suns responded through another goal to Caleb Lewis it was matched moments later through Taine Moraschi late in the third term to give the brave GIANTS a one-goal buffer at the last change.
The lead was short-lived in the final term however as the GIANTS ran out of steam to fall short in a valiant effort on the road.
Despite the loss it was a brave performance from the GIANTS on Saturday, with draftee Harry Oliver a standout to lead the way with a career-high 34 disposals, seven marks, and four tackles off half back.
The ever-consistent James Leake (23 disposals, six marks, six tackles, six inside 50s, four clearances, and a goal) and emerging ruck Nick Madden (16 touches, 17 hit outs) were others who performed strongly to show they’re ready whenever the next opportunity at AFL level presents itself.
Dashing duo Billy McGee Galimberti (25 disposals, eight marks, four tackles) and Josh Fahey (22 touches) were also strong and continued to provide run and carry, while VFL skipper Ryan Hebron (13 disposals, eight marks, 3.4) led from the front all day as a beacon in attack.
Meanwhile Jacob Wehr – who was a late addition to the side after getting limited minutes as the sub in the AFL clash in the prior game – was also a strong contributor as he finished with 17 disposals and four clearances.
Exciting small forward Josaia Delana (14 touches, six tackles, four clearances) worked hard all day, while fellow draftee Logan Smith (seven disposals, five tackles, nine hit outs, one goal) continued his development and had some impressive moments as he shared ruck duties with Madden.
GIANTS Academy teenager Ethan Matthews (16 touches) continued his impressive rise, while Harper Montgomery was another to lead the way for the VFL-listed contingent, registering 18 touches and five marks in a strong outing in defence.
Small forward James Lugsdin played his role well with two majors on the day, as did fellow smalls Alex Swinnerton (13 touches, five marks) and Taine Moraschi (nine touches, one goal) who were lively ahead of the footy.
Sam McMeeken (14 touches, three tackles) also battled hard, as did Jesse Hart (eight touches, three tackles) in his VFL debut.
The GIANTS will now await the results of Sunday’s games to determine who they face in next week’s Wildcard Round.
VFL Round 21
Suns 1.4 5.8 8.9 14.10 (94)
GIANTS 4.4 5.7 9.9. 9.10 (64)
Goalkickers
Suns: Gulbin 4, Walter 3, Lombard, Coulson, Johnston, Lewis, Collins, Beikoff-Smart, Uwland
GIANTS: Hebron 3, Lugsdin 2, Smith, Leake, Hughes, Moraschi
