Blue skies are set to finally coincide with some dry weather football ahead of Round 5 of the BLK AFL Sydney Premier Division competition.
There are now no unbeaten sides after Pennant Hills were downed by East Coast. Those two sides along with Manly-Warringah share the competition lead ahead of Sydney University and St George who are a win behind.
All matches this weekend are on Saturday afternoon.
East Coast Eagles vs St George Dragons @ Kanebridge Oval- 2.10pm
It wasn’t pretty but East Coast would be proud of how they grounded out a win against Pennant Hills in wet, night time conditions at Mike Kenny Oval last weekend.
The 28-point win saw them take the competition lead courtesy of their healthy percentage.
Andrew Browning was a dominant force in the ruck with his long goal a highlight of his night. He worked well particularly with Stuart Turner who had a strong game in the midfield against his former club.
Much has been said about their attack, but their defence restricted a normally dangerous Pennant Hills to three goals in the match (goalless in the first half). Kieran Emery and Damian Charleston were key to this and will have their hands full against the Dragons who have multiple avenues to goal.
Emery is likely to get the job on Nick Ryan with the St George ace kicking three goals last week.
St George themselves are coming off a harder-than-expected 16-point win over UNSW/ES. Behind at half-time, a five goal third term was the difference in the contest.
The work ethic of David Lycakis and Eli Prescott shone through, and they will need to step up again against the big, seasoned bodies that the Eagles possess.
Danny’s Prediction: East Coast by 26 points
UNSW/ES Bulldogs vs Pennant Hills Demons @ Village Green- 2.10pm
The Bulldogs risk losing touch with the top five if they lose again at home, this time against another top opponent in Pennant Hills.
UNSW/ES boast the worst defence in the competition, leaking on average almost 100 points a game. Their contested work will be under the spotlight this week against the Demons who revel on the disputed ball.
After some indifferent performances, the Eastern Suburbs outfit were brave against St George and you could argue they were better for three of the four quarters, but still couldn’t come away with the four points.
Tim Widmer has been best for his side in the opening month. Jack McAnespie and Scott Dornauf were strong last week and have the ability to take the next step this season.
Pennant Hills are looking to get back on the winners sheet after being outmuscled by East Coast.
There were some positive signs with Ranga Ediriwickrama shining in his first Premier Division game for the season, and Tom Angel continuing his good start to the season with another gritty display in the midfield.
Pennant Hills have got the better of the Bulldogs in recent outings, but the Bulldogs could, and I am only saying could, be ready to bark on Saturday.
Danny’s Prediction: Pennant Hills by 17 points
UTS Bats vs Manly-Warringah GIANTS @ Trumper Park- 2.30pm
Eastern Suburbs locals are spoilt for choice with UTS hosting Ladies Day at Paddington.
It’s take two for the Bats after the wet weather last week and hopefully it will bring a more positive result in front of a big crowd. This comes after their narrow 7 point loss to Sydney University.
They were well and truly in the contest at three-quarter time, only trailing by a solitary point before falling short in a tense final quarter where only three goals were scored.
Josh Maddox was again consistent in the midfield, with Ben Nethersole a rock at centre-half back.
Jack Watts impressed with two goals in his first game for the Bats. The club would be hoping he forms a potent combination with Tasmanian duo, Tom Larby and Casey Radford up forward.
Manly-Warringah hammered another nail in their cross-town rivals, North Shore with a dominant ten goal win last week.
Their midfield will take some stopping with Damien Bonney stepping straight in to support James Brain. Sam Batten has also been a reliable recruit with a solid display.
Jason Fleming and Ben Moyle will have their hands full in the crucial centre duels on the small Trumper Oval.
I can see the Bats improving but it won’t be enough to topple the ever-consistent GIANTS.
Danny’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah by 32 points
Sydney University vs Western Suburbs Magpies @ Sydney University No. 1 Oval- 3.00pm
The final game of the round will be hosted by Sydney University, a side looking to entrench their top five standing.
Their tight win over UTS helped their position in a see-sawing encounter.
Lachlan Maples furthered his standing in AFL Sydney with a best-on-ground display starting in a back pocket. It was a performance that would have caught the eye of former Sydney University and current Representative coach, Roger Moten.
Tom Elkington was a beacon up forward with three goals, as was ruckman Aron Everett who showed he is one of the best ruckmen in the competition.
Ben Hawtin won a Rising Star nomination with his performance last week and adds versatility and disposal efficiency to the Students weaponry.
Western Suburbs would have been busy during their bye last week.
They have given the rest of the competition a fair start given they remain winless heading into Round 5.
One of the busiest on the transfer market, it is obvious the side has not yet gelled.
This match shapes as a real eight-point game given I still think both sides could finish just inside or outside the final five.
Danny’s Prediction: Sydney University by 9 points
North Shore- Bye
Last Modified on 07/05/2015 21:25
