We take another step towards determining the final make up of the closest Premier Division competition in years this weekend, with live rubbers expected till the end of the season given the top five are equal in terms of match ratio.
Possibly the game of the season will be played this weekend at the Village Green with UNSW/ES hosting St George.
Both sides continued their impressive form and head into this match with a golden opportunity to secure a much sought after double chance.
UNSW/ES knocked off the former top side in Manly-Warringah in a tightly fought encounter at home. After being held to one goal to half-time, the Bulldogs showed why they are the defending premiers with a eight goal to two second half to win by 19 points.
Playing coach, Rhys McAlister led from the front and along with James Pascoe led the back six with aplomb. Last year’s Podbury Medalist, Adam Gulden is starting to hit his straps after returning from a finger injury.
St George are building nicely and were impressive at both ends of the ground in their 77-point win over the UTS Bats.
They again had an even spread of goal kickers and their midfield is growing in confidence with the inclusion of former Sydney Hills inside midfielder, Dominic Killworth. Also impressive is that their top six players on the weekend are all under 25 years of age.
An intriguing clash should take place at Waverley Oval between UTS and North Shore. Normally you would put in the book as a North Shore victory given the disparity on the ladder but UTS have had the wood over the Bombers in recent times.
You can not necessarily say the Bombers have been impressive themselves as they battle an injury toll greater than most at the moment.
The Bombers struggled to put away a plucky Illawarra outfit last week. Evan Davis kicked four goals in a best on ground performance and was a noticeable performer alongside Jack Davis.
UTS again struggled against a top side as their season peters away. Justin Kenna was again in the best but needs more help if the Bats are to get close.
Manly-Warringah will be backed to bounce back at home against Illawarra this weekend. They will be rueing their second half performance against the Bulldogs but have not lost any admirers about how they are shaping up against more-seasoned sides in the top five.
Anthony Robertson and Harrison Koch were again strong for the Wolves last week.
Illawarra have been solid in the last fortnight. They ultimately struggle to put on any scoreboard pressure which has meant they are winless this season. Harry Dobson lapped up his opportunity in the top grade, with the impressive junior standing out for the Lions.
At Sydney University, the Students will be backed to keep their slim finals chances alive against Sydney Hills Eagles.
The Students basically need to win all of their remaining five games and need results to go their way if they are a chance to play in September.
Sydney Hills Eagles are no chance of finals action in a disappointing season but should challenge the Students if their recent form is anything to go by.
Both sides had the week off in last weekend’s Wet Weather Round so there should be plenty in the tank.
Pennant Hills should make it nine in a row when they face Balmain at Mike Kenny Oval.
The Demons were only able to keep their streak going by the seat of their pants as they held on to win by five-points against a much-improved Campbelltown.
Matthew Thomas has been great for the Demons in the last fortnight across half-back and along with the likes of Damian Dell’Aquila represent the accountable brand of football the Demons are playing under Chris Yard.
Balmain have fallen from grace after last year’s Grand Final appearance but head into this match with a fresh set of heels. Leigh Conway, Matthew Round and Selby Lee-Steere are the best three players in the Dockers side by a stretch.
The final game is the AFL Sydney Match of the Week at Monarch Oval between Campbelltown and Western Suburbs.
Western Suburbs, like Sydney University, need to win to keep their finals aspirations alive but face a soft draw heading home with this match arguably their hardest of the five.
Campbelltown on the other hand despite out of finals reckoning loom as the potential wrecking ball for some of those sides with lofty expectations. They have been superb in the last month really indicating their development under well-respected coach Neil Brunton.
Penisimeni Mahina and Paul Green are two who are really buying into Brunton’s game plan. In an interesting sub-plot, the two Linsen brothers- David (Campbelltown) and Marcus (Western Suburbs) will play on opposing sides.
Don’t be surprised if Campbelltown get the chocolates in this encounter. You can tune in live at 2.10pm Saturday to see all of the action.
Last Modified on 25/07/2013 13:42
