The final order of the top five could all but be locked after this weekend dependant on the result of Manly-Warringah vs Western Suburbs result at Weldon Oval.
The match that doubles as the AFL Sydney Match of the Week could be the week that Manly-Warringah seal the minor premiership, while Western Suburbs could seal the final double-chance berth given their softer run home (UNSW/ES and UTS).
All roads point to Manly-Warringah if you look at form.
The GIANTS have won four on the trot and last week dismantled UTS to the tune of 85 points. They have averaged 123 points in their last three matches and this could’ve been even more if they kicked straight last week from their 38 scoring shots.
Their midfield division of Connor Pettersson, Levi Brain and Lachlan Kilpatrick had a day out against the Bats in tight traffic at Trumper, while the forward line of Brayden Fowler (six goals) and Hayden Washington worked well.
Western Suburbs were less than convincing but got the job done against North Shore in a sometimes heated affair at Picken Oval.
The 41-point win was a good rebound from their loss a fortnight ago at home against Sydney University. Taylor Williamson enjoyed a good battle with Ron Wason and ended up with four goals.
Levi Sands, whilst not at his best efficiency-wise, found plenty of the ball and like Brodie Smith from Adelaide would rank highly in the league for metres gained from half-back.
He will be licking his lips at the chance to get back to Weldon where he was best afield in the Magpies massive three-point upset win over the GIANTS last year. While Manly-Warringah got the points the last time these two sides played earlier this season, this will be in the back of their mind.
It will be a tightly fought game in the middle. Lindsay Scown is an intimidating midfielder and will be out to ruffle a few feathers. Yannick Milligan-Saville interestingly played a negating role on Selby Lee-Steere- such is his height and versatility. Manly-Warringah has a heap of ball winners but Kilpatrick may be a natural match-up if he plays a similar role.
Matthew Lemme will get the job on Fowler in what should be a great duel.
Now is the perfect time for the Magpies to step up to the plate in the run to the finals. It will be a massive ask if they are to topple the GIANTS again at Fortress Weldon.
Danny’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah by 25 points
Sydney University v UTS
The rest of the matches should be easy assignments for three of the top five sides.
With this said, Sydney University are smarting after a tight loss to St George to prove they are still one step behind the top sides- but not a very big step at that.
Their last duel with UTS generated a draw in what was an even affair all day. Double this with the fact that the match is being played at a neutral venue in Blacktown No. 2 Oval.
The Students missed Sam Sleigh, Harry Dobson and big man Aron Everett in their loss to the Dragons- all men who should qualify for their finals campaign with the NEAFL side likely to miss September action.
In their absence, youngster Lachlan Maples and versatile big man, Glen Smith shone.
UTS were spanked by the GIANTS last week but should give a better account of themselves this weekend.
Danny’s Prediction: Sydney University by 19 points
St George v Sydney Hills
It was an important nine-point win for St George against the Students that keeps them just percentage away from prizing all-important third place from Western Suburbs.
If Manly-Warringah does them a favour as is predicted, they will sit third at the end of the weekend and shouldn’t let it go with two relatively easy games in the run home.
Jordan West again dominated in the ruck with Bryce Addison and Ben Jones players who if they can lift another level will make St George a genuine premiership threat.
Nick Ryan only managed one goal last week with the rest of the goals coming predominantly from the midfield. This can be easily done at Sydney University but on larger decks such as Blacktown questions still remain as to their ability to score big, or take that big contested mark when the match is on the line.
Sydney Hills should not be discredited after their 62-point win against Campbelltown. It was a double surprise to not only see them win but also with the ease at which they did it.
They kept Campbelltown goalless for a half and banged seven goals through in the final quarter- normally their bogey quarter.
Scott Pierce kicked six goals which may signal a promotion to the Eagles NEAFL outfit.
After the win of the season last weekend, a win this weekend would be the upset of the season.
Danny’s Prediction: St George by 34 points
Campbelltown v Pennant Hills
Campbelltown are fast becoming the biggest disappointment this year after their big loss to last-placed Sydney Hills last weekend.
You can make all the excuses you like but the fact is the Blues didn’t turn up last week in what should’ve been an easy proposition for a side with confidence.
A quick change in attitude is required if they are to even slightly trouble Pennant Hills who sit second on the log. Some consolation lies in the fact that they are playing at home.
Pennant Hills took their run to 13-2 (only two losses to Manly-Warringah) courtesy of a 81-point demolition of UNSW/ES.
Ranga Ediriwickrama had a day out across half-forward and is a dangerous proposition for any opposition outfit come finals time.
Experienced campaigners in Kieran Wright, Matt Carey and Alex Goodall were also strong and should see plenty of the footy again this weekend.
Danny’s Prediction: Pennant Hills by 66 points
UNSW/ES v North Shore
The final match of the weekend features two sides who are just clinging on to finals hopes but only one will remain in the hunt after this match.
This year has been a bitter pill to swallow for both sides given they have been a perennial feature in the finals in recent times.
The Bulldogs were well and truly outgunned by Pennant Hills last week- only generating eight scoring shots to the Demons thirty-four.
Some solace would have been the performance of youngster Spencer Krochmal who was best for UNSW/ES.
North Shore have been competitive this season but lack the firepower to be a force when the whips are cracking.
Dale Fitzgerald and Sam Carruthers have both had extended injury lay-offs but were good last week against the Magpies, as was a contender for their best and fairest in Matt Adamson.
This could be the most closely fought game of the weekend.
Danny’s Prediction: North Shore by 1 point
Last Modified on 08/08/2014 09:12
