5 minutes can set the outcome of a game. Unfortunately for the Giants, it was the 1st 5 minutes of the match. And also unfortunately, GMAS managed to slot 3 goals away during that time. It was a combination of some clever switch of play from defence to an attack that ran with purpose, and a Giant back half that was still finding its feet.

From there, however, the game was very much in the balance. Natalia De Luca, normally a Caped Crusader, stepped into the line-up for the injured Jarred ‘The Hoof’ Brough. She played a consistent game, working hard from left back to repel several GMAS advances. Her throwing was also a feature, finding a team-mate on every occasion.

Caleb, playing as a goalie for the 1st half, did his best as we have come to expect. Although the 1st 3 goals were well wide of him, they hurt his pride. However, he rose to the occasion, and threw himself at every other opportunity, including taking some very direct kicks in front of his face, delivering the ball to his running mids with precision each time. His 2nd half as a mid saw him cover more ground than the clover in my back lawn. He took more time with the ball than he has previously, which made his passing a great aspect of his game, with desperate defensive efforts to match.

Jack Wallace stepped into the centre-back position, and again ran with purpose, creating good switch and drive from the back line. Gemma played her best match in a month, owning the right back corner of the pitch, with continued bustle and run from her position. Again, her throwing was a feature, as she found the feet and chests of Giants every time.

Josh and Jack Ellery started at defensive mid, running tirelessly and stopping more traffic than a zealous cop. Their attack on the ball provided plenty of run for the forwards. Lehan, Diwan & Jacob worked in the front half, with the Ackerman boys interchanging tagging roles throughout the game. Jacob, in a best-on-ground performance, scored 3 of Cornerstone’s 4 goals, and was instrumental in the other.

The front line, Evan, Morgan and Callum, showed great poise throughout the game, with several opportunities being created, with only the tenacity of the GMAS goalie preventing the Giant’s score from being significantly higher than what it was.

The highlight of the match was the defensive shapes, which have been the key focus of the past month. Having Cal, Ev & Hughesy running like sheep-dogs to be the 1st to defend after a turnover gave great support to the rest of the team. The mids therefore had more time to swoop upon loose balls, and send them back to the front line with interest.

Success is defined as ‘being able to do today what you couldn’t do yesterday’. On that basis alone, the Giants had a very successful game, with a 60minute effort that involved smart defensive shaping, and clever attacking passing. Seeing Gem, Josh, Jacko, Caleb and the Ackermans (in particular) muscle their way to balls that otherwise would have eluded them, was inspiring and showed great character.

On a pleasing note, there were no injuries suffered today that are likely to impact on future games. Gem had her foot trodden upon in the same manner that saw Sandilands miss 4 for Freo, but she looked sternly at the offending player and made him cry. She then looked sternly at her offending sore foot, and made it stop hurting. She’s tough, that girl… :0)

The BFG looks forward to having The Hoof and Lazarus return from injury over the next couple of weeks.