Again, there were no surprises in the AFL Sydney Premier Division competition with three of the top four sides continuing their winning ways and the only other (Manly-Warringah) being washed out.
Manly-Warringah vs St George- Weldon Oval- Saturday 2.30pm (Match of the Week on Digital Sports)
The most intriguing match of the weekend features the third and fourth placed sides on the ladder.
Pundits would argue the gap between the two is stark and you would have to agree if you look at the trophy cabinet at both clubs.
The GIANTS senior side have won the past two Premier Division titles and countless Division One titles before that.
St George have always been there or there abouts, making the past two Preliminary Finals without being a competition favourite. Can they put their name forward this weekend?
They did what they had to last weekend against UNSW/ES with their defence particularly impressive- restricting the Bulldogs to one goal to three-quarter time.
What they will be hinging their hopes on is the return of a couple of players from U18 RAMS duties.
One of those, Jake Brown (three goals) was best on ground last week but is likely to miss with TAC Cup duties this weekend.
Blake Guthrie will have his hands full in the midfield to quell the influence of Manly’s midfield leaders, James Brain and Connor Pettersson.
Dragon’s ruckman Jordan West will be hoping for a Goldstein-like influence on the contest given Manly’s deficiencies in the position.
The GIANTS as mentioned were washed out last week and have lost to St George previously on the ground, so they will be reminded of the need for a fast start.
This could be closer than many expect given Manly’s up-and-down form of late.
Danny’s Prediction: Manly-Warringah by 5 points
UTS vs East Coast Eagles- Waverley Oval- Saturday 2.10pm
A cricket score beckons this weekend with East Coast in irrepressible form.
They smashed Western Suburbs to the tune of 144-points in front of their hearty home crowd on the weekend.
It was an equally impressive attacking and defensive effort. They had 11 individual goal kickers in their 26 goal total, and kept the Magpies goalless after half-time.
Trent Stubbs and Andrew McConnell are first and second respectively in the Stan Milton Medal race and could well finish in similar spots in the AFL Sydney Top 20 count.
Blake Anderson is more than a handy addition to what is already an impressive roster- arguably the best seen in AFL Sydney circles in recent history.
UTS were washed out last week and must have nightmares about the prospect of facing the Eagles on a small Trumper deck.
Finals now look a distant memory after a promising start and their faithful are hoping they can salvage something from the year.
There isn’t enough depth nor arsenal for them to compete with the big boys.
Danny’s Prediction: East Coast by 88 points
Pennant Hills vs UNSW/ES- Mike Kenny Oval- Saturday 2.30pm
You have to respect Pennant Hills’ ability to stay near the top echelon of teams in Premier Division.
The dual Grand Finalists could be excused from bottoming out but seem rejuvenated under Chris Yard with some impressive young talent coming through the ranks.
Connor Owen-Auburn added his name to that list, being named this round’s Rising Star Nominees. He is one of the best players to come from the Western Sydney competition in recent times and is an astute pick-up by the Demons.
After splitting the points with Sydney University earlier in the year, they easily disposed of the Students in their second encounter by 40-points.
Their balance continues to be a strength- 10 goalkickers and 13 goals- while their defence only conceded two goals in three quarters of football.
James Dunn and Michael Talbot are building for big finals campaigns.
UNSW/ES along with Western Suburbs have been the big losers this year, falling agonisingly short of a finals berth to be favourites to claim the wooden spoon.
They struggle to kick goals. Full stop.
In a positive, Ned Reinhard in his second senior game kicked two goals and looks to be a player for their future.
Let’s hope this is a better game to watch than the last time these two sides played in an error-riddled affair.
Danny’s Prediction: Pennant Hills by 51 points
Western Suburbs vs North Shore- Picken Oval- Sunday 2.10pm
How can you tip this game with any certainty?
With only four wins between them this year, when winning isn’t a habit its hard to establish any sort of consistency week-to-week and in matches.
Western Suburbs will have to pick themselves up from one of their worst losses in recent times against East Coast.
They lack any sort of depth but will find the going easier this week.
North Shore had the bye last week after a 43-point loss to Sydney University cruelled any chances they had of making finals.
Danny’s Prediction: North Shore by 18 points
Sydney University - Bye
Last Modified on 23/07/2015 22:43
