XBlades AFL Sydney Round 5 preview

By Michael Shillito

 

It’s another big round of footy. Four Premier Division games coming up, all on Saturday afternoon. And with such a congested ladder, the results this weekend could go a long way towards sorting out who are the genuine contenders for 2017.

 

A big university derby sees UTS host Sydney Uni at Trumper Park. The cramped confines of Trumper Park mean there’s plenty of goals on offer for a team that can establish a presence up forward; but that’s often easier said than done.

The Bats’ season is delicately poised, with two wins and two losses. Last week they weren’t in the hunt against North Shore; and they’ll be desperate to bounce back this week. Dan Crouch and Scott Jansen played good games last week, and they’ll be looking to make another positive impression to keep the Bats in contention.

Sydney Uni had a thumping win over Manly last week; with much of the fallout from that game being on Xavier Richards’ 13-goal haul. Richards may not play this week, a NEAFL call-up would have to be a strong probability; but there’s still plenty of quality making its way into the Students’ Premier Division team. Harry Morrison and Kane Murphy were also impressive against the Wolves last week, and they’ll be players to watch again this time.

The Students’ big win propelled them to top spot, but there’s not much percentage separating several teams. Not only who wins and loses but the margin could be of critical importance in this one.

 

Henson Park will be the venue for UNSW-ES’ clash against Wests; two clubs who were the bottom two last season but have shown plenty of improvement so far in 2017.

The Bulldogs are sitting on three wins and one loss, and have played some good footy so far this season. Last week they were very impressive in knocking off Pennant Hills; and will relish the chance to be back at Henson this Saturday. Long-time clubman Jeremy Daniher has been in good form this season, while Sam Wilson has made a name for himself on the forward line.

Wests are the only team yet to win a game this season, but not through a lack of effort. They’ve come close twice, and were an agonising six points short against East Coast last week. Some heroics from Ben Zoppo, who kicked eight goals, went a long way for the Magpies; and the Bulldog defenders will have their work cut out against an in-form forward. Also around the ground, Yannick Milligan-Saville can generate plenty of excitement for the Magpies; he’s always one to keep an eye on.

The Bulldogs have three wins already, as many as they won in all of last year; and will be keen to go one better this time round. But they’ll be up against a Wests side who are a bit stiff to be winless so far; and the Magpies will be desperate for the chance to sing their song after this game.

 

North Shore are at home to East Coast Eagles at Mortgage Choice Oval in another game that could well be pivotal for how the finals lineup takes shape.

The Bombers have two wins and one loss, and did their chances no harm last week when they were too good for UTS; only some inaccurate finishing costing them an even bigger percentage boost. But they found some handy avenues to goal in Matt Wilson and Wayd Blackburne; and the Eagle defenders will have to work hard to keep them honest. Another Bomber to watch is Jono Marsh, who has stepped seamlessly into senior footy this year from their Under 19s premiership side; his ruck work earning him a Rising Star nomination.

East Coast’s premiership defence hasn’t been totally convincing so far, with two wins and two losses; and they only just fell over the line against Wests last week. But the good teams find a way to win when things aren’t going their way, and the Eagles had to fight for their win last week but eventually got it done. Experienced hands Kieran Emery and Daniel Spiteri were two players who put their hand up when the game was there to be one; and the Bombers will need to keep them quiet in this match.

North Shore were the only side to beat East Coast last year, and their stirring last quarter comeback in the last round last season was a season highlight. But they’ll have to work hard to make it three in a row against the Eagles. The defending champions will surely lift for this game.

 

Meanwhile, Pennant Hills will be taking on St George at Mike Kenny Oval; a clash between two teams who have been regular finals opponents in recent seasons.

But the Demons have been short of where we’re used to seeing them so far this season. One win from three games, and they struggled to make an impact against UNSW-ES. They’re always a settled team, and they’ve got some quality players. Theo Moraitis looked good with four goals last week; while Sam Widmer got plenty of the footy. But they’ve got big name players who haven’t yet had a big impact this season. At some stage they’ll click, and if it’s this week, look out.

St George will go into this clash refreshed after last week’s bye. It’s been a long two weeks they’ve been waiting to hit back after a shock loss to Manly last start. Two wins and one loss isn’t a bad start to the season, but winning form is the best form; and the Dragons will be looking to recreate that. They have the players to do that. Keep an eye on the consistent Daniel Napper and the ruck work of Earl Shaw.

These are two teams desperate to bounce back and get their name back into the winners’ circle. But only one team can.

 

Manly have the bye this week, but they’ll be training hard. They’ve got a point to prove next time they take the field.

And for the eight teams in action, the battle for premiership points is heating up. There’s no easy games this week; and what’s already been an unpredictable season is bound to throw up a few more surprises.