Rose stars as Sydney grinds out victory against GIANTS

The Sydney Swans have started their 2019 NEAFL premiership campaign with a 29-point victory over the GWS GIANTS in a quality contest at Sydney Showground on Saturday.

Returning to the field with some unfinished business after losing the 2018 NEAFL Grand Final to the Southport Sharks, the Swans hit the ground running after half-time to win 15.19 (109) to 12.8 (80).

James Rose was absolutely dominant in a best-on-ground display, finishing with 39 disposals, 11 inside 50s, 10 clearances and four goals.

Although the GIANTS dominated the second quarter, Sydney Swans NEAFL coach Jeremy Laider said  he was pleased with the performance of his side to come away with the four points.

“It was a really good win. I thought that we played really well for three quarters of the game… and in the second quarter they got on top of us a fair bit so at half-time we addressed a few things,” he told neafl.com.au.

“At half-time we spoke about our attitude and hardness – getting back in their face. We were only using the ball by hand so once we got the ball forward and on the boot we were able to score from it.

“Everyone played their part which was pleasing and that is all I can ask for as a coach. The GIANTS’ were a quality side today. Their pressure was really good.”

With both sides naming a strong line-up including 16 AFL-listed players, it was anyone’s game so starting well was important.

The Swans started famously with Cooper Kilpatrick kicking two goals in the opening five minutes to give them an early lead.

However, the GIANTS hit back in the second quarter scoring six goals to one, reducing the margin to less than a goal at half-time.

But it was the likes of Sydney’s Rose and Sam Wicks who secured the win with two goals each and high possession in the second half.

James Rowbottom was also impressive in his NEAFL debut, recording 31 disposals.

For the GIANTS, Jackson Hately was impressive and Aiden Bonar led the disposal count with 30, plus eight clearances and a goal.

Looking to Round 2, the GIANTS will take on Brisbane at Burpengary at 12pm next Saturday whilst the Swans will take on Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium at 10:45am next Sunday.

NEAFL Round 1

GWS GIANTS v Sydney Swans at GIANTS Stadium

SYDNEY 4.7 7.9 10.12 15.19 (109)

GIANTS 2.1 7.4 8.7 12.8 (80)

GOALS – Sydney: J Rose 4 K Jack Z Foot 2 J McInerney S Wicks 2 C Kirkpatrick 3 C Wilson M Rossman. GIANTS: A Bonar N Shipley Z Sproule 3 D Buckley 2 E Perryman J Moen K Briggs 2 C Brown.

BEST – Sydney: J. Rose, R. Clarke, J. Rowbottom, C. O”Riordan, L. Melican, C. Kilpatrick. GIANTS: J. Hately, A. Bonar, I. Cumming, C. Idun, Z. Sproule, N. Shipley.