It’s weeks like these that can make or break your season.
As we enter July and the second half of the season, Danny is going out on a limb and declaring this weekend the closest round of the season. A number of mouth-watering clashes will be played on Saturday afternoon, including the top-of-the-table Manly-Warringah v East Coast encounter, which is where we start our preview.
Manly-Warringah vs East Coast at Weldon Oval- Saturday 2.30pm
This weekend could see one of the biggest crowds to a home-and-away clash in recent history when these two juggernauts go at it at Weldon Oval.
One need only go back to Round 1 where Manly-Warringah kicked a goal after the siren to claim an unlikely win, overturning a 34-point three-quarter time deficit.
East Coast are number 1 in the competition in points for and against, whereas Manly-Warringah are number 2.
The midfield as always will be pivotal to the result. GIANTS captain, Connor Pettersson and James Brain will undergo a tough examination against the rotating Eagles midfield that will feature Trent Stubbs, Andrew McConnell and Karl Merson. The injury to Stuart Turner before the break is a blow for the Eagles but they have been able to easily cover for him to date.
The Eagles managed 25 goals in their 131-point annihilation of UNSW/ES last week. This showcases how good their attack is. Jamie Vlatko and Scott Pierce are the tall targets and are well supported by Stubbs, McConnell and the under-rated James Ford. Add to the mix, returning skipper Jon Vlatko who is a class player across half-forward.
This is where Manly-Warringah will be stretched with the loss of Wils Brassil. Rob Whitton, and representative players Gareth Benbow, Jordan Weir and Harrison Koch play massive roles here. Benbow is likely to play a shutdown role on either Stubbs or McConnell when they push forward.
Up the other end, all eyes will be on Brayden Fowler. He steps up for the big games and this is definitely one of them. Including the representative clash, he has kicked 27 goals in his past 5 games. Kieran Emery got the job last time the sides met but maybe Damian Charleston will get the job on the reigning Stan Milton Medallist this time. Jackson Pola-Smith has grown in confidence across centre-half forward and can’t be discarded having averaged 6 goals a game in his past two matches (26 goals in 7 games this year).
When talking about big name players, don’t forget last year’s Rod Podbury Medallist, Anthony Robertson for Manly-Warringah who will play on a wing and across half-forward.
Both sides will have steeled themselves for this match, particularly the GIANTS who have only played one match in the last month- that being a fortnight ago against Western Suburbs.
It promises to be a massive event in general with Frank Kalayzich umpiring his 500th AFL Sydney Premier Division match on Saturday alongside current AFL umpire, Ray Chamberlain, and Head Umpires Coach, Hayden Kennedy.
The only thing missing is Vinnie Chase and his Entourage!
With Pennant Hills half a game behind these sides, a win to either side is crucial to be in the box seat for the minor premiership for a week off come the first round of the finals series.
Whatever you do, get there early to get a park and a bit of grass with both set to be at a premium with great weather expected. If you can’t get down to Weldon, don’t fear- the match doubles as the AFL Sydney Match of the Week courtesy of Digital Sports.
Danny’s Prediction: Frank takes the first bounce, and East Coast to win by 21 points
North Shore vs Pennant Hills at Gore Hill Oval- Saturday 2.30pm
North Shore will be gunning to make it three straight at home this weekend against third-placed Pennant Hills.
The recent purple patch for the Bombers means they are just outside the top five but they need a scalp for pundits to take their charge seriously.
The defensive side of their game was most impressive in their important 46-point win over UTS last weekend. They didn’t concede a goal in the first half, and ultimately their lowest score against for the season.
Selby Lee-Steere’s return from the US also saw them more potent in attack. He kicked two goals, and Daniel Roberts in his second game for the season (after 7 last week) kicked five majors.
It won’t be as easy against the dual Grand Finallists who have only conceded on average 54 points a game in 2015.
They were rusty and were pushed every step of the way last weekend in their 20-point victory over bottom-placed Western Suburbs at home.
A similar performance may see them beaten this weekend.
Tom Edmonds was impressive in the midfield for the Demons as was Cameron Smith across half-back.
They will be better for the run with hardly any matches over June.
North Shore will have to negate the outside run of James Dunn and Michael Talbot as well as the half-forward line that boasts Steve Wray and Matt Carey.
Danny’s Prediction: Pennant Hills by 15 points
Western Suburbs vs St George at Picken Oval- Saturday 2.30pm
An opportunity exists for Western Suburbs to move off the bottom of the ladder and get their season off life support against St George at home.
There were positive signs but ultimately they couldn’t get a run of goals going against Pennant Hills- only managing four goals after quarter-time in a dour struggle.
Marcus Linsen was best for the Magpies last week in his second game back. There is definite class in Taran Etto, Ryan Speed and Josh Robinson outside of Paul Bevan.
This weekend is a big one for Jake Ross against an inexperienced Dragons defence. A big bag could see the Magpies cause a stirring upset in front of the Picken faithful.
St George are in fourth but only with a percentage of 88. They struggle to put sides away their average winning margin in their five victories being 21 points.
You could say its partially due to their style of football but also their inexperience.
The class came to the fore last week in their impressive 25-point win against Sydney University. Blake Guthrie and Nathan Kenny, both of whom have played at higher levels, were best for the Dragons.
Danny’s Prediction: St George by 19 points
UNSW/ES vs Sydney University at Village Green- Saturday 2.30pm
It’s Ladies Day at Village Green on Saturday and hopefully the Bulldogs homecoming will signal a better performance than the one dished up last week.
They were smoked by a Eagles side, with the second half particularly ugly- conceding 15 goals to 1.
Harry Annear and Ned Reinhard were best for the Bulldogs, missing Jordan Lampi.
They will be hoping to fix their leaky defence- the worst in the competition, conceding a touch under 100 points a game so far this season.
Their opponents Sydney University are also coming off a loss to St George which sees them now in a dogfight primarily with North Shore to hold onto fifth place.
Another loss here could throw the cat among the pigeons and bring UNSW/ES and potentially Western Suburbs into the race.
Zach Fyffe was impressive last week with two goals off a wing for Sydney University last week. Jacob Swarts is also developing into a strong defender at full-back.
Danny’s Prediction: Sydney University by 23 points
Last Modified on 25/06/2015 22:54
