A blockbuster Round 4 of AFL Sydney Premier Division kicks off on ANZAC Day with Western Suburbs hosting Pennant Hills at Picken Oval.
This is always a big day at the home of the Magpies and the club led by Nick Miller and Carlo Zoppo (along with many others) should be congratulated on making this one of the best days on the AFL Sydney calendar.
The game itself shapes up as one of the best of the season pitting two highly fancied sides up against each other. The new look Western Suburbs side remain undefeated after 3 rounds (played a draw last week) while last year’s runners up Pennant Hills returned to form against UNSW/ES to register their second win of the year.
ANZAC Day is one of the most important days on the Australian calendar and the opportunity to play football on this day is one that few get to experience and one that all players involved should treasure.
This is a vital game for two sides that harbour realistic finals aspirations.
Put simply, Western Suburbs should have won last week after a strong start to the final quarter saw them in control against St George- only for the match to turn the Dragons way and finish in a deadlock.
They are a much better outfit this year in Kevin Eynaud’s second year in charge.
Two players new to the Sydney landscape have been among the most impressive for the Magpies. Taylor Williamson has been a good replacement for reigning Stan Milton Medalist; Rory Miller while Lindsay Scown is proving one of the competitions best. They have spread their goals well with Brenton Mumme, Wayd Blackburne and Josh Zoppo other multiple goal kickers from last week.
Matthew Round was best afield last week and can also push up the ground to be a very dangerous small forward.
Yanni Milligan-Saville and Levi Sands continue to grow with each week in the top grade.
Pennant Hills are a dangerous opposition and somewhat of a sleeping giant at the moment.
They are struggling to put together four quarters but showed their potential with a six-goal final term to come from behind to defeat UNSW/ES away from home.
It is always a luxury when talented youngster, Stephen Wray drops back to Premier Division given his experience with the Swans Reserves. He booted six majors in a dominant performance.
Hard nuts Alex Goodall and Aaron Crisfield were again strong in the midfield and will go head-to-head with the likes of Stephen Hudson, Scown and Round in a mouth-watering prospect.
Western Suburbs are more consistent but Pennant Hills have more tricks up their sleeve. It will be interested who is able to play the game on their terms in front of what should be a vocal crowd at Picken.
Danny’s Headline: Second time is a charm as Magpies hold on
Prediction: Western Suburbs by 5 points
Last Modified on 24/04/2014 15:57
