With AFL Sydney Premier Division having the weekend off, attention turns to the Lower Divisions where a mixture of catch-up and scheduled games will be played.
There are two matches that will gain most attention.
Division One
Macquarie University v Holroyd-Parramatta
Macquarie University have progressed from serial underachievers to be a genuine premiership threat, albeit only a third into the season.
They sit third (with only one loss) on the ladder behind another surprise packet in Pennant Hills, and ladder-leaders Balmain.
They seem to have a new lease of life under first-year coach and club legend, Stuart Newman.
Newman has brought a disciplined approach to their on-field play with their ability to run and create space, as well as their defence, a noted improvement from seasons gone past.
Talent has always been there in Dylan Brogan, and James Brackin who featured in The Recruit. Brackin in particular is of great value as a tall midfielder who can also play forward or back with equal effect.
They have added a number of young players to their side, as well as Ryan Harris who has been a regular in the Warriors’ best players.
Holroyd-Parramatta on the other hand have been on the cusp of greatness in Division One.
The previous two seasons, they have reached the finals in a strong position but were not able to kick on into a Grand Final.
They are coming off an honourable 17-point loss against competition favourites, Balmain; and sit fifth on the ladder ahead of defending premiers, Southern Power.
Their attack is an interesting one. On paper, they boast the best attack but against the best teams struggle to hit the scoreboard- a problem that crippled them in the finals last year.
They boast talent in Adam Byrne and Jordan Pidgeon- both of whom wouldn’t be out of place in a Premier Division outfit.
Ryan Terrey is coming off a strong game against the Tigers and will need to be watched, as will Ben Rogers in a key forward post.
Prediction - Goannas by 25 points
Division Two
Manly-Warringah v Sydney University
There is also an intriguing match-up in Division Two which doubles as a Grand Final replay between the GIANTS and the Students.
Both sides are in a position to challenge for the premiership with the GIANTS in first with one loss to their name, and the Students in fourth; one game behind.
The statistics for Manly-Warringah are most-impressive in the early stages of this season. They boast the best attack and defence in the competition.
Manly-Warringah’s sole loss came last weekend against their main competitors to date; Western Suburbs. Their attack was stifled in the 16-point loss (57-41 final score).
Due to the strength of their Premier Division outfit which is unbeaten, the GIANTS have had the luxury of a number of top-grade players fighting for spots with impressive performances in the Division Two side.
Of those who played last week; Michael Atkinson, Jackson Pola-Smith and Eric Burke could put their case forward for a spot in the top grade.
Sydney University, themselves, are coming off a loss, a heavy one at that- 69 points at the hand of newly promoted Blacktown Magic.
It was a surprise result and one which the Students will be keen to overturn this weekend.
There are also classy individuals in their ranks with Gabriel Robbie, Tim Air and Dane Roberton those with experience at a higher level.
Predicition: GIANTS by 16 points
Last Modified on 23/05/2014 10:50
