While the game itself was a disappointing loss, Saints defence held its own against powerhouse Robins, who managed just one goal, which greatly contributed to the nail-biting scoreline. 

The Saints ran out for an early lead in the opening quarter as the Giants remained quietly consistent. 

The second quarter saw the Saints continue to define their play, 4.6(99)-7.7(75). 

The Giants started to catch up in the third term but the Saints battled hard to stay on top, 7.12(99)-10.8(75). 

The gritty final quarter saw the Giants find their form and charge ahead, leaving the Saints in the dust, 14.15(99)-11.9(75). 

Saints coach Michael Rowe said he was happy with his sides efforts. 

“We were happy but we are also disappointed we didn’t take the opportunities at the right times,” he said. 

“Robins obviously was a target, Matt Butler did a good job but so did all the other defenders.” 

Rowe said his team started off well. 

“We had a bit of a breeze that we went with in the first quarter, so we went in with the lead,” he said.

“The second half saw the Giants run a bit more and come back, we didn’t capatlise on the breeze as well as we did before.” 

Saints’ Dale Smith had a standout game along with Sean Butler. 

“Dale had a terrific game in the forward line. He laid tackle after tackle and had some great defensive efforts,” Rowe said. 

“Sean was great off the half back and half forward and managed to kick a couple goals for us.” 

Brock Orval was a standout for the Giants, delivering four goals alongside Zac Robins who kicked three.

Giants coach Geoff Burdett said the game was a hard slog but the third quarter was a turning point. 

“It was a tough game, the Saints kicked a few quick goals which put us on the back foot,” he said. 

“We came out with a different attitude and worked hard in the third. 

“Zac Robins really moved us forward with three goals in the final quarter.”

Jackson Fisher played a solid game off the wing in half forward and Luke Mahony was a solid performer. 

Clint Burdett was the biggest possession winner for the Giants and laid down several tackles. 

The Saints sit in sixth position on the Horsham District Football Netball League ladder but have certainly proved their worth as a top finals contender.