Club
Campbelltown
Key players
While not a player anymore, Campbelltown coach Neil Brunton is as much of a key as any of the players for the Blues. His impact on the club was clearly evident last year taking a side lacking depth from a rocky start to be arguably the form side of the competition at the back end of the season. Matt Edwins in the forward line and Amua Pirika down back were both selected in the 2013 AFL Sydney Team of the Year and will play a big part in Campbelltown’s chances this season. Dean Brogan’s signing is a coup for the club and he will obviously be a key when available.
Star on the Rise
There are a number of players in the Blues side who, while still eligible for Under 19’s football, could be considered seasoned Premier Division players now. Tarran Etto and Paul Green in particular are already well known names in Sydney football and will be a key to the success of the side this year.
Strengths
Outside of 2013 AFL Sydney Coach of the Year Neil Brunton, the side boasts a couple of ex-AFL listed players headlined by Dean Brogan and ex-Swan Gerrard Bennett. Brogan only retired from AFL football at the end of last year and as already stated will be a key to the side and be a great mentor for the younger players. There is plenty of youth in the side which bodes well for the future.
Weaknesses
Depth was the real issue for the Blues in 2013 and while this does look to have improved somewhat this year it probably is still the worry for the side. With their reserve grade side now playing Division Four football it is a huge gulf between grades which isn’t ideal. Consistency is also going to be a real key for the side and this was probably not quite there last year. How many games the likes of Brogan can play while juggling other commitments may impact the continuity of the team.
Season defining month
Last year the Blues started off the season slowly before coming home with a wet sail to not be far off finals. 2014 looks to be a very even competition so they cannot rely on a good second half of their season and for this reason their first four games, three of which are on the road, shape as the key to their season. Based on 2013, three of the four sides they face will likely be fighting for a top 5 position so wins against these are a must. Western Suburbs at Picken Oval in the opener will give a good guide, North Shore at home will be a test followed by must-win away games to UTS and Sydney University. Less than two wins after the first month could see a tough year ahead.
Notable Transfers
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INS
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Name
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Surname
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Association From
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Club From
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Gerrard
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Bennett
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SANFL
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South Adelaide
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Aidan
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Bell
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AFL Sydney
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Holroyd Parramatta Goannas
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Daniel
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Waack
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AFL Sydney
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Moorebank Magpies
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Justin
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Costello
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Northern Territory Football League (NTFL)
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Southern Districts
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Theo
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Gavuri
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AFL Sydney
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Sydney Hills Eagles
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Dean
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Brogan
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AFL
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GWS Giants
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Predicted finish – 8th
Campbelltown fall very much into a similar boat to yesterdays prediction for Sydney University. On paper they could well finish a lot higher, in particular coming off the strong second half of the 2013 season. There is no doubt that they can match it with the top sides but whether they can week in, week out in such an even competition is probably why there is a question mark over the side’s chances. Campbelltown will no doubt knock of some of the more fancied sides this year and a top 5 finish would not be a complete shock.
Last Modified on 13/03/2014 09:48
