A blockbuster Round 4 of AFL Sydney Premier Division kicks off today with Western Suburbs hosting Pennant Hills at Picken Oval in an ANZAC Day classic. Today’s preview is online but a preview of the remaining games can be found below.
Sydney University v Campbelltown
Sydney University have arguably been the surprise packets of the competition to date as they sit third- just the one win behind Manly-Warringah.
They host Campbelltown in a winnable encounter on Saturday afternoon at the unfamiliar home ground of Blacktown International Sportspark.
They had a day to remember at Bruce Purser a fortnight ago, with their Premier Division and NEAFL sides saluting in dominant displays.
Their Premier Division side under Anton Turco won easily- by 58 points to be exact, keeping the Eagles to just two goals in the process.
Sam Sleigh continued his strong start to the season with another big performance and this year is getting the support down the list. They look fitter and more structured- no doubt a benefit of a more balanced recruitment drive over the off-season.
Campbelltown have great potential and could beat most sides on their day.
This was exhibited in their last match as they played dry footy on a wet day at Trumper Park to wipe away UTS.
An eight-goal second-term was the highlight of an even performance by Neil Brunton’s side.
Taran Etto furthered his case for representative football with a best-on-ground display in the midfield. Cameron Gordon gave him silver service in the ruck. The big man also went forward to boot through four goals in one of his best games for the club.
Throw in Matt Edwins across half-forward and former Swan, Gerard Bennett who looked commanding in his first game around half-back and the pieces are starting to come together.
If they click, the competition will be on watch.
Danny’s Headline: Edwins has day out as Students get case of the Blues
Prediction: Campbelltown by 35 points
UNSW/ES v St George
It was a return to earth moment for UNSW/ES as they couldn’t replicate their last-quarter heroics from the opening round in their loss to Pennant Hills.
They risk falling outside the top five should they lose this weekend against another likely finals contender in St George.
It is a different looking Bulldogs outfit in some key positions. Jeremy Daniher has starred since arriving at the club with his work ethic a boon for coach, Daniel Lynch.
In a positive from last week, some lesser names in Nick McGann and Fletcher Rowe appeared in their best players.
Question marks must still remain over their defence with the departure of some experienced defenders in recent years.
St George have taken time to get going and this was a case in point in their game against Western Suburbs. Behind for most of the match, they were lucky to steal a last-gasp draw.
Karl Merson was best for the Dragons last week and is starting to come into his own. Pat McBride will continue to be important in the ruck as well.
They will need Ben Jones and David Lycakis to continue growing into elite midfielders to challenge the likes of Manly-Warringah for the premiership.
With this said, they are likely to have too much depth for the Bulldogs in what is a pretty important match for both sides.
Danny’s Headline: Class shows as St George move inside top five
Prediction: St George by 23 points
Manly-Warringah v UTS
It is only early in the season but UTS risk falling out of finals contention if they don’t at least challenge Manly-Warringah at Weldon Oval.
This is now the hardest task in football winning over at ‘fortress Weldon’ given Manly-Warringah’s dominance since arriving in Premier Division.
UTS showed glimpses of their potential but are constantly falling short of the top sides. It was alarming against Campbelltown that they couldn’t stop the midfield dominance, nor could they hurt them on the outside.
Josh Maddox is an experienced campaigner while Justin Kenna is noticeable for the Bats but it falls away from there. Scott Tregoning is a workhorse and an appropriate captain as they look to improve.
On the flipside, it is hard to find a weak link in the Manly-Warringah chain. They were challenged by North Shore- trailing at half-time but came home strong courtesy of a five goal to none third quarter.
This would give the rest of the competition some hope but shows you need to hit the scoreboard when it counts to put the GIANTS under pressure.
Lachlan Kilpatrick and Thomas Thurgaland are two of the most improved players in the Manly side. Competition for spots is also strong given the recent performances of their Division Two Reserve Grade side.
Danny’s Headline: Bats remain winless as Manly continue on winning ways
Prediction: GIANTS by 51 points
North Shore v Sydney Hills Eagles
North Shore could hold their heads up high after a solid outing against Manly-Warringah. The ladder doesn’t lie; however, as they sit outside the top five with just the one win to their name.
They should gain ground this weekend when they come up against the last-placed Eagles who were disappointing in their last outing.
Selby Lee-Steere has been the best player for the Bombers in the opening month of the season. Lachlan Hayres and Doug Hadden are important in providing outside run.
Sydney Hills only managed two goals and will need to win more of the clearances against a hardened opponent this weekend. While the Eagles appear to be a much deeper side this year compared to 2013, they still look to be just behind the rest of the pack.
Matt Scholz and Nick Crowe were good for the Eagles and will be relied upon again if they are a chance to move up the ladder.
Danny’s Headline: Bombers return to winning ways over hapless Eagles
Prediction: North Shore by 47 points
Last Modified on 24/04/2014 16:03
