Round 8 Preview: Can the Dogs slay the Dragons?

Image courtesy St George Dragons AFC Media.

 

Written by Michael Shillito.

Another big round of Premier Division awaits on Saturday, with four crunch games on the schedule. We’re into winter now, but the weather is good and the grounds should be in reasonable condition. Players will need to be in reasonable condition too because they’ll be asked to run a lot this week.

UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs vs. St. George Dragons

An exciting clash of second versus third is in prospect at Henson Park, as UNSW-Eastern Suburbs face off against St George.

UNSW-ES go into this game on the back of a two-week break after the Representative game and the bye. The rise of the Bulldogs has been one of the highlights of the season to date, and they will be keen to ensure their time off hasn’t halted their momentum.

Watch out for Michael Thompson, who will be working hard up forward to collect another big bag of goals. There’s also some great young talent coming through, with the likes of Darcy Cordell continuing his development every week.

St George goes into this game with winning form behind them, claiming some element of revenge for last year’s Grand Final as they knocked off East Coast last week.

Nick Ryan was pivotal for the Dragons in Round 7, and he will be keeping the Bulldog defenders on their toes this time. Another to watch is Dylan Roos, who has been a high-flyer for the Dragons this year.

There’s been plenty of excitement about the Bulldogs in recent times as they have surged up the ladder. This clash against one of the competition’s heavyweights will be a challenge for them, but they won’t be daunted by it. There shouldn’t be much in this game.

Pennant Hills Demons vs. Manly-Warringah Wolves

Pennant Hills and Manly played off in two recent Grand Finals, and the Demons and Wolves renew their rivalry at Mike Kenny Oval this week.

The Demons took the fight up to the high-flying Sydney University last week, only trailing by a kick at half-time and giving the Students some anxious moments.

Daniel Preen was in good touch last week and will be looking to maintain his momentum, while the experienced hands of Damian Dell’Aquila will be a challenge to keep quiet.

Manly returned to form last week when they led all day to maintain their hoodoo over North Shore. This will be a tough test for the Wolves, however, and a chance to assess where they are at in terms of a revival this season.

Having Lachlan Behagg in their ranks certainly helped last week, and he will be one to watch this time round. Keep an eye out for James Brain, a player with a strong footy pedigree who put in his best game of the season last week.

The Demons have the home ground advantage, which has served them well many times. Last week’s win gave the Wolves their confidence back and they’ll be keen to preserve that winning momentum and make a move up the ladder.

North Shore Bombers vs. Western Suburb Magpies

North Shore return home to Mortgage Choice Oval this week for a do-or-die clash against Wests that will go a long way towards determining the finals hopes of both clubs.

The Bombers returned home from Weldon last week in shock after being well beaten by Manly. They have never won at Weldon and will be thankful to be back on home turf this week. They have worked hard at training this week to reverse a two-game losing streak.

Shaun Crane has continued his impressive touch from the Representative  game, while the return to the senior side of Locky Pryor and Teddy Strudwick gives the Bombers some much-needed touch and experience.

It’s a big game for the Magpies. Last week they hung on for dear life against a fast-finishing UTS to take the points in a thriller. The Magpies find themselves just one game outside the top five and back in finals contention, but this is the sort of game they need to win to stay in the finals race.

Dan O’Connell has been playing some good footy lately and will be working hard to stay in form, while Jordan Etto at the peak of his game can be an excitement machine for the Magpies.

It’s a big game for both sides, and the stakes are high. There will not be a quarter asked or given in this clash and expect players from both sides to come out swinging.

East Coast Eagles vs. Sydney University

It’s a blue and gold derby up at Kanebridge, as defending premiers East Coast Eagles play host to Sydney University.

The Eagles did not have the greatest experience in the Grand Final replay last week and despite storming home in the last quarter, it wasn’t enough to take the points against St George.

This week they’re back at home and ready to lift.

They will need to, with three wins and three losses so far they sit outside the top five. However, they certainly have the firepower to turn their form around, with Mark Weekes being in good form up forward and the Vlatko family in the thick of the action.

Sydney University remains in good form and maintained top spot last week despite being given a scare by Pennant Hills. The Students have been in imposing form in recent weeks.

Now is the time for the Eagles to stand and deliver. They have been a strong force for many years and will be desperate to put up a strong showing this time around and keep themselves within striking distance of the top five.

UTS – Bye

UTS have the bye this week. The Bats have had a nightmare last few rounds, four straight losses seeing them down near the bottom of the ladder. This bye is no break; it’s an important chance to regroup and work hard for what will need to be a concerted push up the ladder after the break.

It is all part of another big week in Sydney footy. In this, the most even season for many years, every win matters; and percentage could be critical. Even when a game is safely won or lost, there’s every incentive to keep pushing all the way to the final siren.