General News
13 July, 2023
Giants bring the heat to Burras
The highly anticipated clash between the Southern Mallee Giants and Minyip-Murtoa in round 12 of Wimmera Football Netball League resulted in an ending outside the expectations of most, as the Giants prevailed by 46 points. The Beulah ground held up...
The highly anticipated clash between the Southern Mallee Giants and Minyip-Murtoa in round 12 of Wimmera Football Netball League resulted in an ending outside the expectations of most, as the Giants prevailed by 46 points.
The Beulah ground held up well underfoot considering the consistent drops of rain being welcomed by Southern Mallee farmers, however the ceaseless wind caused plenty of headaches for players and spectators alike.
Despite kicking into the wind in the first term, the Burras made quick work of propelling the footy into their forward 50, but were repelled by the dogged Giants defence, only to re-enter again and meet the same fate.
Giant Mickitja Rotumah-Onus was finding plenty of the footy early, repelling the Burras forays forward with a couple of perfectly executed intercepts, and working in well with a switched on Giants defense.
Adding the wind factor to the usual Giants vs Burras brand of tough stoppage footy, onlookers may have expected plenty of floating kicks and spilled possessions, but the Giants in particular continued to dish up play after play of silky linking disposals.
With Giant Kieran Delahunty coaching from the sideline following recent hand surgery, and fellow ruckman Jake Garvey also unavailable, it was left to Angus McSweyn to add another string to his bow, stepping into ruck duties against the formidable Jordan Delahunty.
In the post-match address Kieran was full of praise for McSweyn, and quipped his own spot in the side may be in jeopardy when he looks to return in the run to finals.
A 25 point quarter time Giants lead was reduced to 17 points at half time by the Burras, the home side never fully relinquishing their hold on what was an important match for their finals standings.
The wind remained relentless in the third quarter, the Beulah-Hopetoun combine taking full advantage and booting a further four goals while keeping the Burras to a solitary point for the term. In what has become a trademark of Giants v Burras clashes over the past handful of years, the brand of footy was tough, relentless and respectful, never falling into the trap of uncontrollable fracases as is the mark of many others.
The Giants held onto a slight edge in the final term as the wind began to slowly subside, to run out 46 point winners and firm their third place standing on the ladder, now sitting two games clear of Dimboola who upset the combine earlier in the season.
Having been named best on against the Giants earlier in the season, Nic Ballagh earned his second in Beulah, while Tanner Smith, Jae McGrath and Jordan Delahunty all proved to be somewhat of a handful.
Billy Lloyd was formidable in the middle for the Giants, a runaway best on ground nomination amongst a plethora of Giants stand outs. Alongside McSweyn, Coleman Schache, a returning Tyler Lehmann, Heath Smith and Lou White were best on ground.
The Giants head to Coughlin Park this week in what will be one of their biggest tests of the season against the Horsham Saints. The Saints have proven to be somewhat of a bogey side for the Giants, regardless of the season, so a win will go a long way in cementing the premiership hopes of the supporters.
Final score, Giants - 13.8 (86) def. Burras - 5.10 (40)
Best, Giants - Billy Lloyd, Angus McSweyn, Coleman Schache, Tyler Lehmann, Heath Smith, Lou White
Burras - Nic Ballagh, Tanner Smith, Jae McGrath, Jordan Delahunty, John Delahunty, Will Holmes.
Player promotions to the seniors, mid season overseas vacations and an inopportune muddy adventure by someone trying to avoid a few roadworks saw the Giants reserves run out onto the Beulah footy oval with a substantial handicap in Beulah on Saturday.
Having enjoyed a full list of available players in their first meeting earlier in the season, where the Giants snuck over the line with a four point victory, the coaches were just happy this time around to get a team on the park.
Following a scoreless first term that saw them a couple of goals down at quarter time, the Giants were able to find goal in the second and third terms through Kaden Petschel and Dan Garner, while the Burras consistently added to their tally for the entirety of the match.
A couple of inclusions back into the seniors meant that Dylan Marshman was available for the reserves, his quick feet off the line giving the Giants every chance to propel forward, however they simply lacked the strong bodies around the contest.
Daniel Schache was best aground for the travelling side, alongside Jake and Zac Leith, while young Giants brigade Marshman, Cody Frankel and Kaden Petschel stood tall.
Final score, Burras - 10.12 (72) def. Giants - 2.1 (13)
Best, Burras - Daniel Schache, Jake Leith, Zac Leith, Nicholas Hudson, Seth Talbot, Finn Rohde
Giants - Dylan Marshman, Cody Frankel, Kaden Petschel, Hudson McCredden, Tristan Glare, Luke Torpey.
The Under 14s came out of the blocks hard and fast, kicking four unanswered goals in the first term to stamp their authority on the game. The Giants took advantage of a bye for Wycheproof Narrapoort to again utilise the services of Dylan Cook who was prominent for the homeside, kicking four majors.
Spencer Williams continues to lead from the front and played one of his best for the year as the mercy rule was invoked in the third term, the younger Burras side simply unable to match the Giants.
Final score, Giants - 9.7 (61) def. Burras - 0.0 (0)
Best, Giants - Spencer Williams, Jackson Moore, Dylan Cook, Finn Shannon, Axel Decker, Oliver Wood
Burras - Charlie Maher, Barney Baker, Ethan Maher, Jake McKenzie, Ryder Hudson, Thomas Hotker.
Those who were able to get along to Beulah early for the Auskickers on Saturday were rewarded with plenty of big kicks, big smiles (both on and off the field) and a bunch of kids who love nothing more than pulling on their footy jumpers on the weekends.
Coach Mark Williams continues to corral his troops week in, week out, assisted by Dad, Ross, and a box full of lollies to keep the energy high and the kids close at huddle time.
Jakob Ryan was the first star for the Giants, alongside Arthur Roberts, Benji Chivell and Ryan Williams.
