Harry Cunningham presented a strong case for a senior recall with a standout performance in Saturday’s NEAFL clash with UWS Giants.
Cunningham, who was omitted ahead of last weekend’s clash with the Demons, was considered among the Swans’ best after collecting 25 disposals and five tackles in the Swans’ narrow loss at Spotless Stadium.
Fellow midfielder Dan Robinson (19 disposals and eight tackles) believed Cunningham’s spread was one of the major positives to emerge from the 12.16 (88) to 12.9 (81) defeat.
“I though he played a solid game, his spread and work-rate in and around the stoppages was really good,” Robinson said.
“And obviously his voice coming back from the seniors was a massive help to the younger guys.”
It was the second time in less than a month the cross-town rivalry was ignited this season with the Giants coming away with a hefty 63-point win at Tramway Oval back in Round 2.
Closing the gap was a big focus going into the game according to Robinson and the Swans were on track after leading by seven points at half-time, but a five-goal-to-two third term by the Giants forced the visitors onto the backfoot and unable to peg the deficit back.
Alongside Cunningham and Robinson, George Hewett had a solid afternoon compiling 24 possessions while Dean Towers was also good with 15 touches and two goals.
Jack Hiscox topped the goal-kicking tally with three majors while Sam Naismith, Brandon Jack and James Rose also chipped with two goals apiece.
Robinson said result aside better intent in comparison to last time made for an improved performance against the ladder leaders.
“I think as a group it was a massive improvement,” Robinson said.
“They gave us a lesson last time we played them so we did bridge the gap somewhat, but saying that there are still a lot of things we can work on for next time.”
The Swans were blessed by height with Naismith, Tom Derickx and Toby Nankervis sharing the ruck duties while in defence the visitors welcomed back key defenders Aliir Aliir and Lewis Melican back from injury.
Aliir and Melican joined a defensive half featuring standouts Harry Marsh, Abaina Davis and Zac Jones.
Both inclusions played about 80 minutes, managed game time which will increase as the duo fully recover from respective injuries.
The Swans meet Southport in Round 6 on Saturday in a scheduled curtain-raiser to the Swans’ AFL clash with Geelong.
Summary
Giants 3.2 4.10 9.14 12.16 (88)
Swans 3.4 6.5 8.8 12.9 (81)
Swans Goals: J Hiscox 3, J Rose, D Towers, B Jack, S Naismith 2, T Nankervis
Swans Best: H Marsh, J Hiscox, A Davis, S Naismith, T Nankervis, Z Jones
