Barrett’s giant opportunity

By James Matthey

After being deemed best-on-ground in last week’s Charity Shield win over Narrandera, Temora would have been expecting big things from Riverina product Jake Barrett this season.

However, his outstanding form has won him greater responsibilities with the GWS GIANTS Slater & Gordon Academy, meaning he is likely to miss at least the first half of the Farrer League season.

Barrett played for the Giants reserves (UWS Giants) in their opening round five-point loss to the Swans reserves in the NEAFL at ANZ Stadium, and is likely to receive more opportunities with the western Sydney club.

Temora coach, Mark Kruger, told The Daily Advertiser that the club was supportive of Barrett’s progression, and hoped to have him back in time for the finals.

“We have spoken a lot with Jake about it,” Kruger said.

“If he is getting the opportunity to play with the Giants reserves we are going to encourage him to take those opportunities.

“There’s a couple of weekends where he has camps and things as well.

“We will be lucky if he plays one or two games in the first half of the season, but we should have him later in the season and for finals.”

The UWS Giants’ next game is against the Brisbane Lions reserves on Saturday April 6 at Griffin Park.