Five rounds in and the only unbeaten side is Manly-Warringah. Fancied sides such as North Shore and UNSW/ES who have had a run of the top sides in recent weeks sit ominously outside the top five.
St George will feel these two sides breathing down their necks but they can consolidate their spot in the five with a win at home over Campbelltown.
They were involved in an arm-wrestle last weekend against Pennant Hills in a match where the first goal was kicked in the third quarter (both sides 0.8 at half-time).
Unfortunately for the Dragons they relinquished control of the match by conceding seven goals in what proved to be a pivotal third term.
They only managed three goals from sixteen scoring shots for a side that normally has numerous avenues to goal.
Nick Ryan managed two goals playing across half-forward and is their key forward but needs more support from what is one of the younger sides in the competition.
Campbelltown were shocked at home last weekend by a resurgent Sydney Hills Eagles. They never recovered from a poor start which saw them concede six first-quarter goals.
Again, Hamish Sherwood and Taran Etto were named as their best players in a somewhat worrying sign for their depth.
It is hard to see them matching it with St George across the ground.
Danny’s Prediction: St George by 31 points
Manly-Warringah v Sydney Hills Eagles
Both sides recorded gritty wins last weekend but sit at either end of the competition ladder.
Manly-Warringah retained their unbeaten run with a 31-point win against UNSW/ES. They definitely were made to work for their win as they fell down on regular occasions across half-forward.
Their best players were defenders in David Stroud, Jordan Weir and Gareth Benbow. Brayden Fowler (two goals) was well-held and they were forced to scrap for a number of their goals.
Sydney Hills would be well-served replicating UNSW/ES’s game plan of restricting the GIANTS outside run and spread.
The Eagles, themselves, with last week’s victory jumped off the bottom of the ladder. They this time held onto a half-time lead but lost momentum they carried into the second-half.
Dean Costello and Aaron Drinkwater were impressive in the win while Damon Steer was a presence up forward with four goals.
It is a massive jump in class this weekend for the Eagles.
Danny’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah by 56 points
Pennant Hills v UTS
Pennant Hills retained second place with a five-goal win over St George in a scrappy affair.
James Dunn and Damian Dell’Aquila again were standouts for the Demons in the midfield. Their defensive unit is growing in confidence with Lloyd Shepherd and Cameron Smith restricting their opponents to three goals.
It is an ominous prospect for the Bats who salvaged a draw from the jaws of defeat in front of the Ladies Day crowd against Sydney University.
Trailing for most of the day, and by 1 goal inside the final minute, the Bats showed some character that has been lacking to record their first ladder points of the season.
Damon Collina and Tom Sundberg were workhorses for the UTS boys.
Like Campbelltown, they will find the jump in class hard to overcome.
Danny’s Prediction: Pennant Hills by 55 points
North Shore v UNSW/ES
These two sides are desperate for a win in their attempts to surge into the crowded top five.
North Shore took a lead into the final quarter of their clash with the much improved Western Suburbs only to be over-run at home.
It was a frustrating loss that marooned them with two wins to their name. They are struggling to defeat sides on an equal standing- games that will be pivotal to their finals aspirations.
Matt Adamson was again strong as was recruit Selby Lee-Steere. They need more from Ted Strudwick who rejoined the club after a stint with Sydney Hills in the NEAFL.
UNSW/ES played arguably their best team game of their season against Manly-Warringah last week.
You could tell they were playing with a strong structure but just lack that polish with ball in hand. Classy ball-user, Jeremy Kiel was well curtailed after a strong start and they would have a better win-loss record with Max Collett and Peter Kefalas in their side.
They also need a strong lead-up target in their forward line.
The positives were obvious with Ryan Plant again the general across half-back while Alex Henderson won his battle with leading goalkicker, Brayden Fowler. Doug Batten and Jeremy Daniher also more than held their own against the much-vaunted Manly-Warringah midfield.
Danny’s Prediction: North Shore by 22 points
Sydney University v Western Suburbs
Sydney University will want to put on a show when they host Western Suburbs on their Annual Old Boys’ Day which is the AFL Sydney Match of the Week.
The Students were disappointed with giving away two points (a draw) against the Bats which would’ve seen them equal on points with second-placed Pennant Hills.
The positives were the performance of Rising Star nominee for this round, Harry Dobson. Dobson is a star junior and a good acquisition from the Illawarra Under 18s.
Jacob Swarts and Jack Caspersonn were again noticeable.
Western Suburbs on the other hand came home strong to win an important clash against fellow top-five aspirant, North Shore.
Taylor Williamson bounced back from a quiet Anzac Day performance with five goals and a best-on-ground display. Brenton Mumme would be battling Williamson for club best-and-fairest honours at the moment after he turned in another strong display.
Every match is important but this holds extra significance for both sides.
Danny’s Prediction: Western Suburbs by 13 points
Last Modified on 09/05/2014 09:12
