The Grand Final replay between Manly-Warringah and Pennant Hills at Weldon Oval headlines Round 2 action in the AFL Sydney competition.
It is a big day for the GIANTS as they unfurl their premiership flag, but Penno will be coming across the Spit Bridge looking to spoil the party.
If it is anything like last year’s decider, it promises to be a ripper.
Manly-Warringah started off their title defence in style with a commanding 33-point win over St George down at Kelso Oval last weekend.
There were some familiar names in the best with young Tommy Thurgaland and Harrison Koch leading the back half strongly. James Brain and Brayden Fowler (five goals) also impressed on their debut with the GIANTS.
Again, Anthony Robertson and Tyrone Armitage were able to hit the scoreboard with the duo kicking five between them last weekend. They need closer attention than a rogue child from the Pennant Hills midfield in transition on Saturday.
Pennant Hills had a tougher time than predicted against Sydney Hills Eagles. While never really challenged, a quiet final term saw the lead dwindle to an end margin of 27 points.
James Dunn continued where he left off last season with a Best on Ground performance. He is becoming too good to slip under the guard of opposition sides now.
It was please to see a couple of young guys get a run with impressive junior, Daniel Preen kicking four goals. Theo Moraitis was also impressive alongside regular performers, Alex Goodall and Damian Dell’Aquila.
Both sides arguably have stronger lists in 2014 and it should be a big crowd at Weldon for a must-see early season encounter.
Danny’s headline: Giant final term sees Manly-Warringah home
Danny’s prediction: Manly-Warringah by 20 points
Campbelltown v North Shore
These two sides will be desperate to open their account at Monarch Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Campbelltown were arguably the most disappointing of the week one performances, falling by 90 points to a rampant Western Suburbs outfit.
Much has been said about the pre-season recruits but it appears they have lost more than they have gained.
Not many sides are going to win managing six majors in a game of football. With this said, they started slowly last season before coming home with a wet sail under AFL Sydney Coach of the Year, Neil Brunton.
Brunton is known for his calm demeanour so you wouldn’t expect too much by way of hysterics and broken walls in the last week. They have the cattle with Hamish Sherwood a consistent performer, and the skills of captain, Matt Edwins.
North Shore had their chances but ultimately lacked polish as they went down by 16 points to Sydney University. You would expect to win most games when you create four more scoring shots than the opposition.
They are undermanned with reportedly ten players missing through injury but they showed a lot of endeavour in a scrappy encounter against the Students.
Selby Lee-Steere fit in like an old glove and was best afield for the Bombers. Doug Hadden and Jake Monk showed their potential but were somewhat in-and-out of the contest. Danny loved the ball use and effort of Lachlan Hayres showing he fit in at senior level.
Headline: Bombers up in low scoring affair
Prediction: North Shore by 11 points
St George v UTS
This weekend throws up some interesting clashes with this one pitting two sides that went down in Round One action.
A lot of pundits are expecting big things from St George this season and they showed glimpses of their potential against the Giants.
Danny’s observation was that they lacked cohesion when not in possession of the football. They struggled in this facet last season with a number of their players prone to chasing tail.
Worryingly also was that Nick Ryan and Paul Sain were kept goalless. Jason Saddington kicked a couple but will not line up this weekend while spiritual leader, Declan Donohue led his side with three majors.
Harrison and Tom Green shone in their first match with the Dragons after crossing from Illawarra in the off-season. Alex Wynn and Karl Merson were also impressive and will be relied upon this season to lift St George into a Grand Final berth.
The hard news story of last week was UTS’ last quarter capitulation against UNSW/ES. Leading by 26 points, and with UNSW/ES only managing five goals till the final change, the heavy money was on the Bats to sail home- only to be pipped by three points.
You could look at the negatives or note that UTS should be an improved outfit this season.
Club veterans, Justin Kenna and Liam Flanagan were impressive, as well recruits Josh Maddox and Tom Sundberg.
They still need to prove they are more than a grinding team and can kick a winning score.
Headline: Dragons breathe fire against honest Bats
Prediction: St George by 20 points
Sydney Hills Eagles v Western Suburbs
Normally one of the most feared trips in football in recent seasons has become an easier task for travelling sides when heading to Bruce Purser Reserve.
Sydney Hills Eagles have found the going tough in Premier Division after promotion to the NEAFL but they showed signs that they will be a harder proposition for sides in 2014.
The Eagles outgunned the Demons by a point in the second half and will be aiming for a four-quarter performance against the most impressive side in Round 1.
A side boasting former AFL listee, Marc Dragicevic and Steve O’Connor will always cause problems for Premier Division sides, so it will be intriguing to see if these two line up on the weekend.
Aaron Savage and former Balmain player, Josh Cass are young players with enough senior experience to take a lead role in what is a young Eagles line-up.
Western Suburbs made their intentions known straight away with a destructive performance in front of their home faithful last weekend.
Mumme was the word as captain; Brenton led all-comers with six goals in a strong performance up forward. There were twelve goal-kickers all up in a well-balanced display.
Recruits, Leigh Conway and Lindsay Scown were also amongst the best.
Headline: Early talks of premiership challenge loom as Magpies crow again
Prediction: Western Suburbs by 33 points
Sydney University v UNSW/ES
The final match of the weekend will be played on Sunday afternoon at Henson Park between two sides looking to extend their unbeaten record.
Danny was impressed with Sydney University’s defensive work against the Bombers in a hard-fought encounter. Employing a four-man forward line at stages- the Students made scoring hard for their opponents.
Whether this is a regular theme will remain to be scene.
It is likely around three players will go up into the NEAFL squad who had the bye last weekend. The NEAFL players that were fielded didn’t have a massive impact that speaks well for their core Premier Division squad.
One of those players likely to make the jump is former UNSW/ES Bulldog, Matthew Rawlinson who was at the bottom of every pack on the weekend and used the ball smartly.
Kelvin Barnes had a day to remember taking what is fair to say is the Mark of the Year at the moment. Hopefully there are a few competitors willing to challenge Barnes in coming weeks.
UNSW/ES would be cock-a-hoop after their come-from-behind win over UTS.
The experience of Ryan Plant came to the fore, while Jeremy Kiel looms as a potential Phelan Medal smoky- not just for his recognisable blonde locks but for his ability to win the football and use it effectively.
Noteworthy also is youngster Taylor Preece who won a Rising Star nomination in his Premier Division debut. He was playing against guys two times his size but still managed two crucial goals.
Headline: Physical encounter sees Bulldogs bark loudest
Prediction: UNSW/ES by 22 points
Last Modified on 04/04/2014 15:26
