Irish import Callum Brown has made a memorable debut for the GIANTS in their NEAFL loss to the Swans on Saturday at GIANTS Stadium.

The Gaelic Footballer played only half the game, but kicked a goal during the GIANTS’ 29 point defeat.

Brown took three marks, including one 35 metres out from goal in the third quarter. With one of his first kicks in Australian Rules Football, the 19-year-old kicked truly, sparking celebrations from his AFL-listed teammates on the sidelines. 

Meanwhile, Aiden Bonar, Nick Shipley and Jake Stein all pushed their cases for an AFL call-up with impressive performances in the 12.8 (80) to 15.19 (109) defeat.

Playing midfield roles, Bonar and Shipley both kicked a goal, while Stein battled strongly in defence for the GIANTS.

The GIANTS were on the backfoot early with the Swans bursting out of the blocks to establish a three-goal lead at quarter-time.

A five-goal second quarter from the GIANTS – including a burst of three in five minutes – brought them within five points at half-time.

The Swans would again extend their lead at three-quarter-time and despite some fight from the young GIANTS, including last-quarter goals to Bonar, Shipley and Zach Sproule the GIANTS couldn’t reel in the Swans.

GIANTS NEAFL coach Adam Schneider said it was a disappointing way for his side to start their year.

“It was disappointing they (the Swans) played really well, their midfielders got on top of ours and we couldn’t quite keep up,” he said.

“The scoreboard wasn’t probably a telling tale, they probably dominated more than what the scoreboard said.”

Draftee Jackson Hately racked up 27 disposals and laid six tackles in an impressive midfield display, while the GIANTS’ defensive stocks were boosted by the return of Aidan Corr.

The 24-year-old played the first half and made good progress, collecting 11 disposals in his return from a groin injury that had kept Corr sidelined since round 17 last year.

The GIANTS NEAFL side takes on Brisbane in Burpengary on Saturday, April 13 at 11am.

GIANTS NEAFL coach Adam Schneider on the GIANTS’ AFL-listed players

Aiden Bonar – 30 disposals, 4 marks, 3 tackles, 1 goal

“Aiden had one of his better games so far this year, it was very pleasing to see. His attack on the footy is always of a high standard, but on the day he was driving with his legs and his speed was great out of stoppage. With ball in hand he was exceptional as well.”

Jackson Hately – 27 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles

“He found plenty of footy in his second game, which is great. He was playing amongst some good players in Kieren Jack and James Rose, but he ran hard all day for us.” 

Nick Shipley – 27 disposals, 2 marks, 4 tackles, 1 goal

“Nick had an up-and-down day; he came in and out of the game. He was tireless all day and with Kieren Jack running alongside him we wanted Nick to learn some things off him. It was a good day for him to end up with 27 disposals.”

Isaac Cumming – 21 disposals, 4 marks, 2 tackles

“He started on the wing for us which gave us a bit of a different look; we wanted his ball skills around the footy. He did well to adapt and then later we put him down back to help our ball use from the backline. He was a little fumbly at times, but he was really handy for us and was solid one-on-one.”

Lachie Keeffe – 19 disposals, 7 marks, 3 tackles

“Lachie probably didn’t have a break for the entire game, he worked hard for us all day. He was very reliable down back again and his greatest strength for us is his leadership down there.”

Jake Stein – 18 disposals, 7 marks, 6 tackles

“He was a little bit down on where he had been in the last few weeks; he set the bar pretty high in the first few weeks. He didn’t get beaten by his man though but occasionally a few things slipped into his game that in the last few weeks wouldn’t have. Still a solid performance.” 

Xavier O’Halloran – 16 disposals, 1 mark, 6 tackles

“X was great. He finds the footy, attacks it hard and some of his tackling pressure was fantastic for us. He’s just a competitor that will work hard all day and do whatever he’s told. A good game from him, he’ll keep growing each week now.”

Zach Sproule – 13 disposals, 6 marks, 2 tackles, 3 goals

“A quieter day for Zach but he still kicked three goals. He’s dangerous when given an opportunity as he’s a very, very accurate goalkicker. It was an interesting role for him as he played a little on the wing and around the ball for us and then went up forward. He didn’t quite have the impact around the ball as he usually does." 

Dylan Buckley – 12 disposals, 2 marks, 1 tackle, 2 goals

“It was a better game from Dyl, it was great to see his speed. He’s so fast when he gets the opportunity to run and carry and break the lines. He’s a smart little player and it was good to see him get back into form. He really stood out and put in some big chases.”

Connor Idun – 12 disposals, 2 marks, 3 tackles

“Connor was fantastic for us, he’s played some good games already but one of his main focusses is some specific stuff down back and he ticked those off. That was great to see and every time the ball goes inside 50 into a one-on-one, no-one’s marked on him yet.”

Jack Buckley – 12 disposals, 4 marks, 1 tackle

“Jack dislocated a little finger early in the first quarter and while it didn’t look very good he managed to push through and stay out there which was great by him and he did really well. He didn’t have a huge day but his hunt around the footy was good to see.” 

Aidan Corr – 11 disposals, 4 marks

“He was great, a really good player for us to have. He only played 40 minutes which was scheduled due to his first game back in a long time. He didn’t get beaten down back at all, he was really solid, he looked fast and strong which is what we want to see. His ball use down in the backline was good to see.” 

Dawson Simpson – 11 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles

“Dawson dominated the tap work against Darcy Cameron. It was a good match up with the two really challenging each other and Dawson really smashed him in that area. I thought it was a pretty solid performance.” 

Kieren Briggs – 10 disposals, 3 marks, 4 tackles, 2 goals

“He can really break a game open and I think he’s going to have a huge future once he realises how good he can be. When he plays big and aggressive, he can tear a game apart, on the weekend there were a couple of instances where he really crashed the packs and when we chucked him in the ruck he was jumping higher than the other ruckman. We’ve just got to work on his consistency.” 

Matt Flynn – 8 disposals, 3 marks

“Flynn had an okay day, he didn’t have a huge impact on the stats sheet and probably played 35-40 per cent in the ruck. He managed to clunk a few more marks this week which is his greatest strength. He’s not quite where he was last year in the marking side of things.”

Callum Brown – 7 disposals, 3 marks, 1 goal

“It was great to see him come on at half-time. We didn’t know what to expect with him playing his first game of football ever. It was great, he did some really flashy things and his speed and agility was a standout. He stepped a couple of defenders and handballed it off, and then later he took a contested mark in a two on one situation then went back and kicked the goal. It was fantastic for him, all we wanted for him was to have some fun and see how he goes.”