For the most part of this match at Giants Stadium the hosts were better around stoppages, despite the output of star ruckman Nic Naitanui.

Naitanui worked hard and tried to inspire his team – even going for a gallop down the wing in the third quarter, taking a couple of bounces and trying to draw an opponent as he charged towards the forward arc.

The athletic big man was at his best in the second half as the Eagles tried to conjure a victory and reverse the trend around clearances. Naitanui had 15 disposals, 13 of them contested, had 34 hit outs and three centre clearances, among his total of eight clearances.

In partnership with Tim Kelly, who continued his strong run of form, and Jack Redden they tried to swing the clearance pendulum back in favour of the Eagles, but the Giants maintained the edge.

Kelly also had good numbers with 15 of his 23 possessions being contested and he also won eight clearances, while Redden’s 22 possessions included 11 contested and five clearances.