Sport
16 May, 2023
Giant upset by the Roos
In what most would consider an upset, the Southern Mallee Giants suffered their first loss of 2023 on Saturday, defeated by a Dimboola Roos outfit that simply outperformed the visiting combine. The Giants had previously been on an upward trajectory...
In what most would consider an upset, the Southern Mallee Giants suffered their first loss of 2023 on Saturday, defeated by a Dimboola Roos outfit that simply outperformed the visiting combine. The Giants had previously been on an upward trajectory, easily accounting for their usual bogey side the Horsham Saints last week, and 2022 premiers Minyip Murtoa the week prior.
It took almost half a quarter before either side was able to impact the scoreboard, the Giants finally winning the initial tussle and finding goal through the boot of ever consistent Josh Webster. Webster booted another two goals before the home side were finally able to retaliate with two goals of their own, entering the first break just a solitary kick behind the Giants.
The tussle continued into the second quarter, with Dimboola continuing to chip away at the Giants, capitalizing on their accuracy by foot to penetrate the gaps of the Giants defensive setup. With a three point buffer at half time the Giants needed to ensure they ran out the match, as has become their trademark in 2023, or suffer their first loss at the hands of the seemingly relentless Roos. Webster, somewhat of a barometer for Giants performance’s of late, left the field well behind his teammates at the major break, an ominous sign for Giants supporters on the sidelines.
The Roos finally managed to kick away somewhat late in the third term, booting a few unanswered goals before an ambitious over the head and around the body snap by Giant Liam Price provided some hope for Giants spectators, and kept them in touch of victory, with just a two point deficit to deal with come the beginning of the final quarter.
Giants Coach Kieran Delahunty urged his charges to ‘stop guarding grass’, to man up and to make their direct opponents work harder for their possessions in the final quarter, however the message was heeded by few in the orange strip. The Roos were close to pristine by foot, working their way through the zone type defense that most of the Giants seemed to be applying, and were accurate in front of goal in the moments that mattered most. By halfway through the final quarter it was all but over, the Giants operating without fresh legs on the bench following the loss of Josh Webster, Kieran Delahunty and Luke Mahony to injury during the game, the Roos winning by 16 points, and just as importantly receiving a massive boost in confidence as to their premiership chances in 2023.
Ex-Horsham midfielder Billy Lloyd was the best for the Giants, while Rupert Sangster provided spark in moments where the Giants were lacking. Jacko Fisher rebounded of half back, as Liam Price showed his worth in the first XVIII.
For the Roos, Matthew Rosier was impeccable, with Sam Godden and Michael Graham causing plenty of headaches in front of goal, kicking three and four goals respectively.
The Giants face an uphill battle when they meet premiership fancies Ararat at Beulah next week, with a number of players unavailable due to injury., while Dimboola will look to continue their run against Minyip Murtoa on the road.
Final score, Dimboola - 14.9 (83) defeated Giants - 11.11 (77)
Best, Dimboola - Matthew Rosier, Sam Godden, Michael Graham, Ben Miller, Will Griffiths, Dustin Inglis
Giants - Billy Lloyd, Rupert Sangster, Jackson Fisher, Liam Price, Sam White, Leigh Stewart
Despite a strong first three quarters the Giants were unable to hold on for victory against the Roos in the Reserves, with the home side turning an eight point three quarter time deficit into a 29 point victory by the end of the match.
Both sides struggled to kick away in the first term, two points separating them at quarter time. The Giants steadied in the second quarter, adding three more goals to the scoreboard while keeping the Roos quiet in front of goal. Jonty Bellinger was busy in front of goal, and would have four goals to his name by the final siren, but it wasn’t enough to drag the Giants over the line.
The Roos put the foot down in the second half, chipping away at the Giants, before getting a run on in the final term that the Giants were unable to stem.
Bellinger was named best afield for his efforts in the forward line for the Giants, as Tim Sanford and Dylan Marshman also battled hard all day.
Roo Lachlan Watts was important and received the nod from those on the sideline for being his side’s best, alongside Luke Hutchinson, Christopper Miller and Zane Thomson.
Final score, Dimboola - 11.10 (76) defeated Giants - 7.5 (47)
Best, Dimboola - Lachlan Watts, Luke Hutchinson, Christopper Miller, Zane Thomson, Harper Harradine, Ashton Stott
Giants - Jonty Bellinger, Timothy Sanford, Dylan Marshman, Cooper Morris, Matt Bellinger, Kaden Petschel
The Under 14s enjoyed their second win of the season at Dimboola on Saturday, registering a 19 point victory in fine fashion over Dimboola.
The Giants looked likely from the outset, with their accuracy in front of goal, and skill with the footy a sign of plenty of good things to come for the youngest boys in orange. Oliver Wood kicked three goals in his best outing in front of goal for the Giants.
Jackson Moore, Spencer Williams and Leith Horman were the top three players for the Giants, while Dane Paech, Reef Ward and Cody Hoy were all strong for the Roos.
Final score, Giants - 6.5 (41) defeated Dimboola - 3.4 (22)
Best, Giants - Jackson Moore, Spencer Williams, Leith Horman, Parker Hallam, Charlie Williams, Axel Decker
Roos - Dane Paech, Reef Ward, Cody Hoy, Lenny Eldridge, Jaxon Bourke-Finn, Tanner Eldridge