The first round threw up a number of surprises with top of the list being Manly-Warringah sitting top of the table courtesy of their century-plus point win over last year’s Grand Finalists Balmain.
This weekend, the Wolves make the longest road trip in AFL Sydney as they go down the highway to face Illawarra Lions, who themselves surprised with their competitiveness against UTS.
Manly were well-served by youngster Thomas Thurgaland who amassed over thirty touches and earned a Rising Star nomination in the process. Experienced and consistent performers including last year’s Club Best and Fairest Anthony Robertson, and Tyrone Armitage were also profilic in the midfielder, while recruit Hayden Washington bagged six goals.
Illawarra were never outside a goal at any break before falling to the Bats by 17 points. They were buoyed by the return of in-and-under midfielder Jeremy Daniher, while Harrison Green (three goals) and Mitchell Bates also got their season off to a strong start.
We will get a bit more of an idea where these two sides sit after this weekend.
Campbelltown, like Illawarra, almost tasted victory in the opening round and will have their work cut out this weekend against UNSW/ES at Monarch Oval.
The Blues after a slow start where they trailed Western Suburbs by five goals at quarter-time, led at three-quarter time. A goalless final quarter cruelled their chances at victory but there is enough there to enthuse coach Neil Brunton.
Captain, Matthew Edwins led from the front with four goals in arguably a best-on-ground display. Mitchell Hogan also put in a good performance and is a likely size. Hopefully he will realise his potential this year under Brunton. Amua Pirika and Taran Etto add the polish for the Blues.
UNSW/ES were given a scare by St George who led at quarter and half time before conceding six goals in the final quarter to result in a flattering margin in the Bulldogs favour. They were slow to get going but eventually their midfield dominance told true in the end. Anthony Rodrigues stepped straight in to fill the void of Sam Taglibue in the ruck. Henry Mason also showed he is an able replacement for Leigh Lavery with four goals. The duo of Alex Henderson and Rhys McAlister also did well to keep Nick Ryan quiet.
It is hard to pick a favourite in one of the matches of the week between UTS and Pennant Hills. UTS will need to improve on their slim victory in Round 1. David Lavender again proved himself as the key forward with five goals, while the talented Sam Way was again important for the Bats. Michael Atkinson also saw some of the football in his return to the club.
Pennant Hills fell away after half time against North Shore, a side they had a favourable record against in recent times.
Goals were shared with Kieran Wright not at his best in an unfamiliar role in the forward line. Sebastian Parker again was reliable for the Demons while Tim Wales was slick early and Daniel Witt continued his form from last year.
Sydney Hills Eagles will be looking for improvement when they again line up at home against Western Suburbs. The Eagles have a winning record over the Magpies in recent times and will be keen to exploit this psychological advantage.
They were a long way from where they would like to be against Sydney University with the big Gus Seebeck the best in a rare Premier Division appearance. Trent Baker and Mark Skuse (four goals) were another two of few who performed well for the Eagles.
Western Suburbs got off to a winning start under returning coach, Kevin Eynaud, showing some character to overturn a Campbelltown comeback.
They had an impressive spread of goal kickers with Brenton Mumme and the evergreen, Stephen Hudson most impressive for the Magpies.
A few eyes will be on Balmain to see how they respond to last weekend’s demoralising loss away to the improved Sydney University.
The question marks on the Dockers grew larger after losing a cavalry of top-line players, with Selby Lee-Steere and Jerome Farrell saving the side from a bigger defeat.
Sydney University were one of the most impressive sides in the first week with a ruthless display against the Eagles.
They registered thirty-six scoring shots with Gabe Robbie kicking five goals up forward. Alex Dyson and Aron Everett took their strong pre-seasons into Round One with top performances.
The AFL Sydney Match of the Week is between North Shore and St George at Gore Hill Oval.
North Shore was most impressive in Round One silencing any critics with their 27-point win over Pennant Hills. They have gained a player in Sam Mason who will be more than a reliable foil to Daniel Roberts up forward. Their spread of goal kickers was again impressive.
The returning Jared Shattock is one of the better players in Sydney football in recent years and was among the best players as was the ever reliable Ron Wason along with Sam Carruthers and Thomas McMahon.
There were good signs at St George but coach, Terry Mudge will be asking more from his troops this weekend against another tough opponent.
They will be missing Jason Saddington with Nick Ryan looking to improve on last week’s display. Declan Donohue and Steve Wilsen were two of the experienced firm to lead the way against the Bulldogs, while youngsters Blake Guthrie and Daniel Cooper were strong in patches.
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Last Modified on 11/04/2013 21:26
