Blue skies should signal a full round of AFL Sydney Premier Division after last weekend’s wet weather meant only three top grade games were played.
It is arguably the last chance for UTS to mount a chance for the finals race. The stage doesn’t get any bigger than the AFL Sydney Match of the Week at home against their neighbourly rivals, UNSW/ES.
These two sides have played out some physical encounters lately with UNSW/ES having the wood over their opponents on the ladder and in previous meetings.
UTS’ chances took a battering after losing to current fifth-placed side Western Suburbs by 37 points at Mahoney Park. This year has been disappointing to say the least for the Bats in the top grade after promising many with their climb up the ladder in their second year in the top grade.
There isn’t enough talent to suggest they can challenge for the flag. Fergus Adamson and Liam Adamson were best last week in the wet conditions, but they only managed three goals.
UNSW/ES should come into the clash fresh having the weekend off last week. They are on a two game winning streak and Rhys McAlister should have his troops primed for a strong back half where they could back into the top two. They do have the polish in Max Collett and Adam Gulden but will need more from their 18th-22nd best player if they are to go back-to-back.
Probably the most important game for the ladder this weekend is between Western Suburbs and St George (5th) at Olds Park. A win would see the Magpies leapfrog St George, and hey, if UNSW/ES and Pennant Hills lose they could sit third after the weekend.
They have had a great fortnight in what is a tough month of matches. Brenton Mumme flourished in the wet against the Bats with three goals and a best on ground performance. Marcus Linsen and the Rising Star, Ben Polley have lifted and have the Magpie faithful hopeful of a return to finals action.
St George have the second best current streak in the League with three wins on the trot. They disposed of Sydney Hills with ease last weekend. They were far from just focused on Nick Ryan with a dozen goalkickers. Jordan West has returned in great knick and is a great boost to their ruck stocks. David Ryan and Stephen Wilsen keep keeping on.
Pennant Hills return to Ern Holmes Oval where they will be keen to seek redemption against Manly. Manly raised the eyebrows of the whole competition when they disposed of the Demons earlier in the season in wet conditions. Fast forward to now, and Pennant Hills are on fire with five straight wins.
It is hard not to see why the Demons are breathing fire. They have class on every line with Ranga Ediriwickrama difficult to man up in the forward line reducing the reliance on Luke Bilbe. Damian Dell’Aquila and Alex Goodall are hard at it in the middle, while Seb Parker and Daniel Witt are accountable down back, along with Matt Thomas who gets under the radar of a lot of sides across half-back.
Manly’s last match was a loss a fortnight ago to Western Suburbs breaking their 38-game winning streak for the senior side. They were without Tyrone Armitage that day and the agile representative midfielder will be a welcome addition back into Leigh Brain’s side. Wils Brassil and Harrison Koch have flourished in Premier Division this year.
Sydney University rightfully still have finals aspirations and should keep the blowtorch on the top five with a win over last-placed (and winless) Illawarra at home.
The Students arguably boast the most improved side in the competition, mind you, it is significantly different to their Premier Division side last year.
They led all day against Balmain, coasting to a thirty-eight point victory last weekend.
Charlie Shaw was sure up forward with seven majors. Jackson Pola-Smith is a talented junior who will put pressure on the NEAFL side. MJ Figg is also improving across half-forward and is capable of brilliance on his day.
Illawarra challenged the Students at home in their corresponding clash earlier in the year but couldn’t go on with the job- symbolic of their season. You could put Jeremy Daniher down already as their Best player this season but lacks support around the ground.
The remaining match on Saturday is between two sides out of the finals race- Sydney Hills Eagles and Balmain. This was the Grand Final clash of two years ago but both sides have fallen from grace for varying reasons.
Balmain will look to their big men, Selby Lee-Steere and Kristian Ericson to turn the tide their way, while Sydney Hills will ask for the experience of Gus Seebeck and Mark Skuse to pull them through.
The final match of the weekend is between North Shore and Campbelltown on Sunday afternoon at Gore Hill Oval.
North Shore, like Manly, are coming off a loss but still sit in second. They have some exciting young talent who will be so pivotal to their chances in September.
Campbelltown have promised a lot but probably due to inexperience, haven’t kicked away when a number of their matches have been in the balance.
Last Modified on 04/07/2013 14:30
