Sport
2 May, 2023
Giants stamp authority on reigning premier
The spectators came in droves to watch the highly anticipated clash between the fancied Southern Mallee Giants and the reigning premiers, Minyip Murtoa, in round three of Wimmera Football League action at Murtoa on Saturday. The Giants, led by ex...
The spectators came in droves to watch the highly anticipated clash between the fancied Southern Mallee Giants and the reigning premiers, Minyip Murtoa, in round three of Wimmera Football League action at Murtoa on Saturday.
The Giants, led by ex Minyip Murtoa Toohey Medallist Kieran Delahunty, in his first outing against his former club, were abundant in listed talent prior to Saturday’s clash, with plenty keen to see how the team matched up against some of the league’s best once the ball was bounced.
Neither side managed to trouble the scoreboard attendant too much in the first term, as both teams struggled to penetrate their forward 50. As is typical in all previous Giants-Burras clashes, skills were clean, and the hits were hard, but fair.
An eight-point lead at the first break soon blew out to 22 by the half time siren, the Giants taking hold of the game and finding avenue to goal through various players. Josh Webster found fantastic form on arguably one of the most important weekends of the home and away season, and would go on to kick five majors by the end of the day’s play, the beneficiary of some excellent forward 50 entries from a highly credentialed Giants midfield.
In true Burras fashion they showed plenty of grit in the third term, continuing to apply pressure to every Giants disposal, and working their way to within six points of the Giants midway through the quarter. The Giants spectators were soon relieved of their mid-term breath holding as the combine laid on a few goals in answer, entering the final break with a, not entirely comfortable, 18 point lead.
The Giants rallied once again in the final quarter, following a rousing address from coach Delahunty, who urged his charges to get themselves over the line. The team delivered in spades, adding another three goals and controlling the majority of the play, and restricting the Burras to a solitary goal to finish off the day 34 points in front.
Best on ground Sam Weddell is in career best form, and will be missed when he heads overseas for the remainder of the season as of June. Josh Webster booted five, while Jackson Fisher and Ruper Sangster were their reliable selves through the middle. Zac Robins rebounded well from full back, and the Giants benefited from the inclusion of highly touted midfielder Mickitja Rotumah-Onus.
For the Burras, Tanner Smith was named best, alongside Nic Ballagh and veteran Luke Fisher. The Giants will host the Horsham Saints at Hopetoun this week, a match this is always tough, regardless of ladder positions.
Final score, Giants - 13.13 (91) defeated Burras - 9.3 (57)
Best, Giants - Sam Weddell, Josh Webster, Jackson Fisher, Rupert Sangster, Zac Robins, Mickitja Rotumah-Onus
Burras - Tanner Smith, Nic Ballagh, Luke Fisher, Lachlan Johns, Corey Morgan, Brylie Cameron
Six years into their WFNL career, the Southern Mallee Giants reserves finally managed to crack the Burras, winning by a thrilling 4 points on a perfect Autumn day.
In contrast to 2022 when the Giants experienced a drastically high amount of injuries and unavailability early in the season, this week the team benefited from an abundance of available players, welcoming a number of players to the side with pretty handy footy resumes.
Liam Price worked well through the midfield, alongside ruckman Tim McCormick, with both being named best afield. Vice Captain Dan Garner found plenty of the footy in the backline, as Matt Bellinger, Dylan Marshman and Cooper Morris all filled their roles well.
McCormick and super-veteran Mick Saunders both booted two goals apiece, while a spectacular one handed mark by Jonty Bellinger was more impressive than the goal from his boot.
Jordan Weyburg, Connor Marsh and Wilson Mitchell were named best on ground for the Burras.
Final score, Giants - 6.8 (44) defeated Burras - 6.4 (40)
Best, Giants - Liam Price, Timothy McCormick, Daniel Garner, Matt Bellinger, Dylan Marshman, Cooper Morris
Burras - Jordan Weyburg, Connor Marsh, Wilson Mitchell, Brad Uwland, Thomas Vearing, Daniel Schache
The Under 14s were the start of a perfect trifecta day on the footy field, managing to overrun the Burras from the outset.
Oliver Credlin is following the coaches instructions to perfection, being named best afield by onlookers, with Max Roberts and Harrison Williams among the other top performers.
The Giants song could be heard reverberating around Murtoa at the conclusion of the match, the perfect start to a great day out.
Final score, Giants - 8.1 2 (60) defeated Burras - 0.0 (0) mercy rule applied
Best, Giants - Oliver Credlin, Max Roberts, Harrison Williams, Kobe Hallam, Finn Shannon, Leith Horman
Burras - Ryder Hudson, Ryder Smith, Jobe Van Zeist, Harry Noonan, Jake McKenzie, Coen Winch