This weekend looms as a tipster’s nightmare with a number of tight encounters expected and wet weather sure to play its part.
There are only three unbeaten sides heading into Round 3 with Manly-Warringah, UNSW/ES and Western Suburbs with untarnished records.
North Shore v Manly-Warringah
This weekend’s Match of the Week pits arguably the two biggest rivals in AFL Sydney together in a cross-town stoush.
Rewind back to the final round last year and it was a tale of two stories. Manly-Warringah romped home to claim the minor premiership and set up their Premiership assault, while North Shore fell from a position where they could have claimed the minor premiership with a win, only to bow out of the finals race in straight sets.
There hasn’t been as big a build-up this year but make no mistake, it will be a physical encounter at Gore Hill Oval on Saturday afternoon. This match is one of four on Saturday between the two clubs which will ensure a vocal crowd with plenty of feeling.
It is North Shore’s first home game for the season and this will be worth a couple of goals in itself.
They got the job done against Campbelltown in a tough slog at Monarch Oval by 3 points. Behind by the barest margin at half-time, it was the third quarter that set up their win where they scored four straight while keeping their opposition scoreless.
Matt Adamson was best afield for the Bombers while Daniel Schacher and Selby Lee-Steere continued their strong start to the season. Teddy Strudwick is building in his return to the club and needs a massive game if the Bombers are a chance.
Manly-Warringah are irrepressible at the moment, with many feeling it is their premiership to lose this early on such is their strength around the park.
Missing a handful of players including Tyrone Armitage, they spanked Pennant Hills in the Grand Final replay by 90 points.
James Brain showed the class that saw him make his way onto a SANFL list with a dominant display in the midfield. Danny thought headbands were dead in football but Brayden Fowler and Ryan Wearne are doing their best to bring them back- both were strong on the weekend, particularly Fowler with eight goals.
How do you beat the GIANTS? That will be the question keeping Jon Hayres up at night this week. Quite simply, the midfield battle is key.
Headline: No neighbourly love lost as Manly continue winning ways
Prediction: Manly-Warringah by 34 points
UNSW/ES v Pennant Hills
They say a week is a long time in football. Well, six months is even longer but a few UNSW/ES players will be seeking revenge after Pennant Hills knocked them out of the finals race last season.
It will have been a long week for Pennant Hills. I can’t remember the last time they played as badly as they did last weekend. Clangers, defensive holes, they ticked most of the wrong boxes in a fizzer of a performance.
They boast a good record against the Bulldogs and will be favoured given their class. While there weren’t too many winners, Tim Wales was industrious in the midfield, while Ben Urwin was admirable down back.
UNSW/ES couldn’t start much better. They have had decent hit-outs only winning those matches by a combined total of less than four goals.
Abe Davis won a Rising Star nomination with a best on ground performance in a wet encounter with Sydney University on Sunday. He is every chance of getting drafted at the end of this year and is a well-developed utility player.
There would’ve been some sore bodies on Monday and the Bulldogs will need the same tenacity in an important midfield battle given the small dimensions of the Village Green.
Headline: Demons linger for Bulldogs as Penno bounce back
Prediction: Pennant Hills by 11 points
UTS v Campbelltown
Both of these sides would be feeling a bit stiff they don’t have at least one win on the board.
UTS had the win in their hands only for it to be snatched by UNSW/ES in Round 1, while Campbelltown came home with a wet sail only to finish 3 points short of North Shore last weekend.
The reality is one side will be 0-3 after the match at Trumper Park this weekend making it very hard to entertain finals aspirations.
UTS are an improved unit this year and there seems to be a good feel at the club with stalwart, Alan Kymantas developing into his new role as coach.
Skipper, Scott Tregoning led from the front in a dominant display while big man, Tom Zilm has had a meteoric rise at the Bats. Tom Sundberg is still the man to watch for Neil Brunton’s side.
Campbelltown were much improved as they often are on their home deck ahead of one of their biggest trips to the Eastern Suburbs.
Jeconiah Peni has been Campbelltown’s best player in the opening fortnight. He got good support from big Cameron Gordon last weekend. Paul Green and Matthew Edwins will be crucial in the confined Trumper Park surroundings.
Headline: UTS off the mark in another nailbiter
Prediction: UTS by 5 points
Western Suburbs v St George
Arguably the hardest game to tip will be played at Picken Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Western Suburbs sit top of the log and have made the rest of the competition stand up and take notice.
Complacency shouldn’t be a worry yet especially ahead of a massive early season fixture against an evenly-matched side in the Dragons.
The Magpies were not at their best last weekend, tested at every turn by an improved Sydney Hills side.
Trailing at half-time, the Magpies turned in an impressive second-half defensive effort to keep the Eagles goalless while kicking six goals of their own.
Marquee recruit, Taylor Williamson had his best game for the club in a Best on Ground performance which included two goals.
St George registered their first win of the 2014 campaign with a gritty 15-point win over UTS.
Nick Ryan bounced back from a quiet outing against Manly-Warringah with four goals, while youngsters Alex Wynn and Karl Merson were best for the Dragons.
Matthew Lemme will most likely go to Ryan in one of the match-ups pertinent to the result.
Headline: Magpies salute in front of Picken faithful
Prediction: Western Suburbs by 4 points
Sydney Hills Eagles v Sydney University
These two sides predicted to bring up the rear of the ladder have impressed many with their competitiveness in the first fortnight.
In a stellar fixture which will also see their NEAFL sides clash, a tight encounter is predicted.
Sydney Hills ran out of legs in the second half against the Magpies.
Aaron Savage is a fringe NEAFL player and one of a number of Eagles who promise a lot and will be expected to deliver this season.
Zac Johns was also impressive with three goals.
Sydney University fell short against the Bulldogs in an inaccurate showing at Henson Park.
David Johnson might have a normal name but his performance was special against the Bulldogs. Sam Sleigh and reigning Under 18 Division One Best and Fairest, Matthew Vicic added able support.
The home ground advantage may see the Eagles home in a flip-of-the-coin job.
Headline: Eagles find legs to swoop Students
Prediction: Sydney Hills by 7 points
Last Modified on 10/04/2014 13:23
