The next instalment of the unofficial battle of the Spit derby between Manly-Warringah and North Shore will take place on Saturday afternoon at Weldon Oval.
Manly-Warringah sit a game clear atop the Premier Division ladder while finals fancy, North Shore are languishing in sixth position.
The Bombers’ aspirations were not helped after they were surprisingly beaten by UTS- who had failed to register a win to date- a fortnight ago.
Injuries have cursed the Bombers from the outset but excuses don’t translate into points- something which North Shore have struggled to put on either the scoreboard or the competition ladder.
They have an impressive young list coming through with Daniel Schacher and Matt Varjavandi leading the list outside of AFL NSW/ACT RAMS representatives.
They lack a key target up forward which meant they have struggled to kick accurately. Ted Strudwick, normally seen across the back flank, was the leading goalkicker with two goals against UTS.
The GIANTS on the other hand have no such issues at the moment.
In their last encounter, they overcame a sluggish start to down a spirited Campbelltown by 41 points.
Brayden Fowler has been a great addition to an already strong unit, with six goals as full-forward.
Anthony Robertson returned with a strong display whilst the form of Callum Johnston and Gareth Benbow has been consistent to date.
They are likely to regain Connor Pettersson unless he was lying when he said he was targeting the North Shore game for his return from injury.
All of the above is a scary proposition for North Shore. They will take some heart though from pushing Manly-Warringah in their Round 3 encounter at Gore Hill where the GIANTS eventually ran out 31 point victors.
Danny’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah by 29 points　
UTS Bats v Western Suburbs Magpies
Can the Bats fly high again after their maiden win of 2014 when they take on third-placed Western Suburbs at Waverley Oval on Saturday?
Waverley is a happy hunting ground for the Bats where they have registered all their competition points to date.
Against the Bombers, Brendan Browne and Harry Whiting helped the Bats in an impressive second-half performance where they kicked nine goals to three.
Tom Zilm has copped some curry for his regular appearances in the Team of the Week but he has been impressive in a key defensive post.
The Magpies are flying themselves and came through a tough encounter against UNSW/ES last start.
They too benefitted from a strong second-half where they only conceded two goals.
The midfield division of Matthew Round, Lindsay Scown and Leigh Conway have been superb this season. Brenton Mumme continued his reputation as a dangerous half-forward with four goals.
Danny’s Prediction: Western Suburbs by 33 points　
Sydney Hills Eagles v St George Dragons
With the Bats win, Sydney Hills are now consigned to the bottom of the ladder and will have a tough task moving up against St George.
The home ground advantage should assist the Eagles to an extent, as will the belief gained from a tighter-than-expected encounter with Pennant Hills.
They outpointed the Demons in the second half with Aaron Savage and Matthew Scholz leading the way. Tim Garlick was also a handy contributor as he eyes a return to the NEAFL side.
St George were always two goals ahead of fellow finals placed side, Sydney University at Olds Park last start.
The youth of Dean Gilbert and Alex Wynn helped the Dragons to the four points.
Dylan Napper has been amongst the goals since his return to the Premier Division side with three goals playing as a dangerous smaller forward.
Danny’s Prediction: St George by 45 points
Sydney University v Pennant Hills Demons
Arguably the game of the weekend will be played at Sydney University when they host second-placed Pennant Hills.
The Students have had a lean last month, only managed two points from three games, albeit losing the last two by a combined total of 15 points.
What they are showing is that their efforts are not a flash in the pan after many predicted they would fall away.
Jack Caspersonn and Sam Sleigh were again impressive. Evan Smith has kicked fourteen goals in seven goals so far this season across half-forward, including three last start.
Pennant Hills were a bit below their best against Sydney Hills especially after a match-winning start.
Kieran Wright played his best game of the season while Stephen Wray continued his goal kicking prowess with six majors. Sam Zikman is fitting into the side better with each match and is a reliable foil to Wray.
Youngsters, Tom Edmonds and especially Brad Watson have made strong impressions since their debuts in Premier Division.
Pennant Hills should have too much firepower for a manful Students’ outfit.
Danny’s Prediction: Pennant Hills by 28 points
UNSW/ES Bulldogs vs Campbelltown Blues
The final match of the round will be played on a Sunday at Village Green between two sides desperately after a win.
UNSW/ES are seventh (two and a half games outside the top five), while Campbelltown are equal bottom.
Both have showed glimpses of promise but at the end of the day haven’t been able to string together four match-winning quarters.
The Bulldogs have rarely been blown out of the water this year. A positive has been the move of James Pascoe to attack. He is an unlikely looking forward in some respects but has a vice-like grip- kicking five goals against the Magpies last week.
Penrith recruit, Tim Cummins is also building into a key forward post.
Jeremy Daniher and under-rated Chris Jourdain have been leading a midfield division that sorely misses Peter Kefalas and Max Collett.
Campbelltown had a good first half against Manly before falling away.
Matt Edwins is the barometer of the side and his start kept Campbelltown in touch but was much quieter in the second half.
The biggest positive for the Blues was the performance of Nathan Lomas down back. Lomas did a job on dangerous GIANTS half-forward, Hayden Washington.
The Blues caused a major upset at the same venue last year and will be hoping to do the same again this time around.
Danny’s Prediction: UNSW/ES by 20 points
Last Modified on 29/05/2014 15:37
