THERE was a time when the word 'potential' was frequently used to describe the teenagers within the ranks of the Bathurst Giants, but in 2019 the word 'threat' would be more apt.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Last Saturday as the Giants posted the biggest win of their senior Central West AFL history - downing Parkes Panthers 28-21-189 to 1-8-14 - there driving the Bathurst outfit to the milestone were a number of it's 'young guns'.
Aiden Macauley finished the match with a monster 48 possessions - 28 kicks and 20 handballs - and made nine tackles as he helped to shut down the Panthers when they had the Sherrin. He also had a 71 percent kicking efficiency.
Reilly Mitchell applied pressure as well as he topped the tackle count with 19, while his 37 possessions consisted of 27 kicks and 11 handballs.
When you add in 30 possessions from Ryan Cooke and 100 percent handballing efficiency from players like Bailey Brien, Jacob Molkentin and Sam Sloan, it's easy to see that the younger members of the Giants' squad are now very much at home in the top grade.
It's why Giants coach Mark Kennedy now likes to use the term "young men" in reference to those players and also enjoys the friendly rivalry between them.
READ MORE: Rebels move to the top of the CWAFL ladder
"Reilly Mitchell's kicking efficiency was up to 54 percent, Aiden Macauley had 40 plus possessions - I think it's the first time he's beaten Reilly [in possessions], so he's quite chuffed about that," Kennedy laughed.
Aside from some impressive individual statistics, Kennedy was pleased with the Giants' overall efficiency against Parkes. It reflected their patience throughout rather than trying to force plays that weren't on as can be the case when teams build a big advantage.
"The inside 50s were consistent all game ... handballs were up on the season average indicating an expansive game, kicks were also up," he said.
"I told the guys, 'I'm not sitting on the sideline with a stop watch from the centre clearance to see how long it takes you to kick a goal - I don't want you to do that.'
"I told them 'I want you to build the play, control the football and wait for the opportunity to come,'."
