The AFL Sydney Match of the Week features two sides desperate for their first win in Sydney Hills Eagles and Campbelltown Blues at Bruce Purser Reserve.
Sydney Hills were in touch with Balmain throughout in their clash last weekend, only to concede six goals in the last quarter. Stephen Doyle was impressive up forward with four goals, while the big bodies of Dominic Killworth and Ryan Fitton were best for the Eagles.
Campbelltown have showed impressive signs in what has been a tough opening to the season. They will nearly start favourites in this clash given the class players they have picked up in Matthew Edwins (played with the Eagles last year), former Carlton listee Blake Bray, and Matthew Withers.
Chris Yard is a calm character but he would not have been happy with his charges after losing against Premier Division debutants, Manly-Warringah.
In a dour clash played in wet conditions, the Demons could not adjust to the conditions- only managing three goals from eleven scoring shots. Expect a much improved showing this week from a normally consistent outfit.
This weekend they face another potential danger opponent in Sydney University. The Students had the week off last week due to the wet weather. Gabe Robbie has been a focal point up forward in a side with more depth this season despite not having much success in the early part of the NEAFL season.
Two more sides will be looking for their first win of the season when St George hosts Illawarra.
St George have been one of the disappointing sides in the opening two rounds, albeit against tough opponents in UNSW/ES and North Shore. To get wins on the board, they need a more even contribution across the board. Nick Ryan is one who the Dragons will look to for more impact on the scoreboard. Blake Guthrie is a player for the future.
Illawarra have shown good signs, but like St George, they would’ve rued the missed opportunity to not get on the field last weekend. The return of Jeremy Daniher has made a marked difference, while Ken Ewen-Chappell has shown good form and is important to their structure.
A mouth-watering clash looms at the Village Green with two premiership contenders in UNSW/ES and North Shore due to face off.
Both sides are undefeated to start the season.
UNSW/ES celebrated the unfurling of their premiership flag and the 150th game milestone for club captain, Peter Kefalas in style with a 28-point win over UTS. The Bulldogs overturned a half-time deficit to come home with a wet sail courtesy of a ten goal to four second half.
Matthew Rawlinson would be close to leading the Phelan Medal count at this early stage, while Henry Mason was again impressive.
There is a lot to like about North Shore who have again compiled a decent list. They had the week off courtesy of wet weather last week. Recruits, Jared Shattock and Sam Mason have been impressive, Daniel Roberts keeps presenting as a target up forward, and Sam Carruthers has taken another step up this year.
The final match of the weekend sees UTS face the undefeated Manly-Warringah at home.
As mentioned, UTS fell away last weekend. Tom Zilm kicked three goals in his first game in the top grade with Frank Boland and Andrew Davis best for the Bats.
They will have to be on their A game against the impressive Wolves who registered arguably their best win and no doubt their biggest scalp in Pennant Hills.
To typify a full team performance, underrated Harrison Koch and Harry Webb were the best for Leigh Brain’s side.
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Last Modified on 24/04/2013 21:55
