NARRANDERA teenager Harry Grintell did his AFL prospects no harm with a standout performance in a thrilling Giants Academy victory on the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Grintell stood tall with three final term goals to help guide the Giants to a one-point come-from-behind win over Geelong Falcons in the boys' NAB League, 11.6 (72) to 10.11 (71) at Werribee.
Not only did Grintell kick three but he also laid 10 tackles in the win.
GWS Giants Academy's Riverina coach Tim Sullivan was full of praise for Grintell's effort in the win.
"Harry's rotation was probably 90 per cent forward and 10 per cent on-ball and he laid 10 tackles and kicked 3.1," Sullivan said.
"He was massive. When it counted, he really stood up and caught the eye."
Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong's Matt Hamblin, who won last year's AFL Riverina Championship best and fairest, also did his prospects no harm with a strong game.
"Matt Hamblin was good on-ball," he said.
"He accumulated and had good foot skills."
Nick Madden made his NAB League debut and impressed with 15 hit-outs and six clearances, while fellow under 17 player, Griffith's Taine Moraschi, also did well.
"We're trying to expose a few of the 17-year-olds," Sullivan said.
"From this area in the Giants Academy, we've probably got seven of the top 10 17-year-olds."
Leeton's Jason Burke was strong in his role as a key defender, while Kai Watts started well before succumbing to an ankle injury.
MORE SPORT NEWS
The Giants take on Murray Bushrangers at Albury this Saturday, before their final hit-out a week later against Oakleigh Chargers.
That will conclude the Giants' Academy's campaign before an Allies team is selected for the national championships.
"The really pleasing thing is that in the three games we've played, every single one of our under 18-19 boys have played a game already," Sullivan said.
"They're going well."
The Giants won one out of their two games against the Sydney Swans Academy leading into their brief NAB League appearance.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark dailyadvertiser.com.au
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters