GRAMPIANS Giants have recorded their first ever all-abilities football victory.
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The Giants defeated Hamilton Boomers by nine points, 27-18, at Hamilton’s Melville Oval on Saturday.
Matt Taylor booted four goals and was named player of the day, while Brad Greene and Jonathon Schoolderman were also among the Giants’ best players.
It was an historic win for Grampians Giants. The side was launched in June 2015, and joined the south-west conference in 2016. Players travel from Stawell, Ararat, plus surrounding districts including Lake Bolac, Navarre and Willaura, to line up for the side.
Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly’s Access for All Abilities program manager, Matt Berry, said it was exciting time.
“They’ve come a long way,” he said of the Giants.
“To get the win does a lot for their conference and belief about what they’re doing. After losing games, they can question their ability.
“After this win, they can now expand their growth as a team.”
Mr Berry said Grampians Giants are still a bit short in player numbers. They would like to have around 25 players, however 16 ran onto the field on Saturday – two short of a full team.
“We do have 20 we can call upon but we’d like a few more players,” Mr Berry said.
There has been rapid improvement by Grampians Giants, who are currently coached by assistant Mick Davis in the absence of Wilf Dickeson.
“When a lot of the guys first started, they couldn’t really do a lot. They just loved their footy and wanted to play,” Mr Berry said.
“Now, they’re capable of doing certain drills and learning certain things, such as knowing where to position themselves and manning up on players.
"The players’ thirst for knowledge of the game has also grown. They’ve figured out what they’re good at and what needs to improve, which is a credit to them.”
Grampians Giants have players with both intellectual and physical disabilities, and the age group ranges from 14-40. Those players aged under 18 need guardian permission to play while anyone over 40 needs medical clearance.
“We’ve got both ends of spectrum,” Mr Berry said.
There have been a couple of stand out players so far in 2016. Ararat Eagles’ Matt Taylor has been active in helping out the younger, inexperienced players while starring on the football field. Jonathon Schoolderman and Anzac Day medallist, Justin Morgan, have also performed solidly. Morgan hasn’t missed a training session yet.
The Giants’ aim this season was to get one win on the board.
“Now they've already achieved that, why not go for a second win? They’re coming up against tough opposition but there’s no reason that they can’t aim for that,” Mr Berry said.
“I’d also like to see them get a win on that final day in August.”