NEAFL R16 Round Up – Demons find a win

Image courtesy of Canberra Demons Media

 

Canberra Demons vs. Southport Sharks

The Canberra Demons have finally gotten back into the winner’s circle with a much needed 16-point victory over the Southport Sharks. The win over the Sharks is the Demons first since May, and now sets them on track to make a push for a finals position.

In a close encounter, the Sharks pushed the Demons throughout the whole match and the close margin reflected what was a tight affair. It comes off the back of a bad patch of form for the Demons, having not won a match since round eight.

The Demons started the stronger of the two teams, kicking four goals in an impressive opening quarter. Co-captain Jordan Harper kicked the first goal of the game within two minutes, while Luke McKay kicked two in the opening term.

Andrew Swan was best on ground for the Demons, picking up two goals to go with his 21 disposals. Harper finished with a game-high three goals and 18 disposals in another strong display.

Canberra were wasteful with some of their scoring opportunities, kicking 17 behinds in an inaccurate display. The Demons will be happy with the win but with every game so important from here, they will need to straighten up their kicking ahead of their clash with the Brisbane Lions in two weeks’ time.

The Demons move into seventh position on the back of this win. They sit one win outside the top six, but a low percentage means only wins will help them climb the ladder.

They enjoy the bye this week before hosting the Lions at home on Saturday, 20 July 2017 at UNSW Canberra Oval.

CANBERRA DEMONS – 4.4 6.8 9.12 10.17 (77)

SOUTHPORT SHARKS – 1.0 5.1 7.6 9.7 (61)

CANBERRA GOALS – J Harper (3); A Swan L McKay R Stevens (2); J Turner

CANBERRA BEST – A Swan, J Powell, I Taylor, M Maguire, L Harper, B Halse

 

GWS GIANTS vs. Sydney Swans

The NEAFL Sydney Derby saw a tight contest eventually fall the way of the top of the table Sydney Swans after an impressive effort from the GWS GIANTS.

The GIANTS managed to keep pace with the Swans in what was a relatively even first half. The Swans held a 16-point lead going into half time of the very physical encounter.

Jordan Foote was a standout in the first half, making 11 tackles. He would go on to make 16 tackles for the match, applying plenty of pressure on the GIANTS midfield.

Jordan Dawson kicked the first goal of the match for the Swans. Despite some strong performances from the likes of Matt Flynn and Zach Sproule for the GIANTS, they were unable to keep up with the depth of the Swans AFL-listed talent.

Kurt Tippett looked good in his return to the team but left the field early with an injury in the second half. It is unsure the extent of Tippett’s injury at this stage, but his lower left leg was strapped and the Swans medical staff will be hoping it is not too serious. Similarly, Will Hayward and Ben Ronke also failed to take part in the second half.

Dawson Simpson dominated the ruck for the GIANTS, winning 69 hit-outs to Sydney’s combined total of 19. He was a huge part of the reason the GIANTS were able to stay competitive in the match for such long periods.

The GIANTS closed the gap to within five points early in the third quarter, but the Swans pressure eventually proved too strong. They kicked nine goals to three in the second half to blow out the scoreboard.

James Rose was outstanding for the Swans, picking up four goals to go with 32 disposals. It included one incredible goal from the right forward-pocket, which saw him shrug off a defender and banana the ball through the goal.

Brandon Jack (33 disposals) and Harry Marsh (32 disposals) were also dominant for the Swans.

The GIANTS had a number of players who were strong contributors against their Sydney rivals, Isaac Cumming, in particular, stood out. He gathered 33 touches and nine rebound-50s to continue his push for his debut in the senior side. Will Setterfield also impressed with 29 disposals and seven clearances.

The win means the Swans now hold an eight-point gap at the top of the ladder. The GWS GIANTS travel to Blacktown to take on Sydney University next week, while the Swans host NT Thunder at the SCG in a curtain raiser to the Sydney Swans versus St Kilda Pride Game on Saturday Night

GWS GIANTS – 2.2 5.3 7.3 8.5 (53)

SYDNEY SWANS –4.3 7.7 12.9 16.16 (112)

GIANTS GOALS – L Tiziani A Gillespie Z Proule (2); N Shipley W Setterfield (1)

SWANS GOALS – J Dawson (4); J Rose A Aliir W Hayward (2); J Deep S Fisher T Pink S Wicks H Marsh (1)

GIANTS BEST – M Flynn, I Cumming, W Setterfield, N Shipley, Z Sproule, D Simpson

SWANS BEST – B Jack, H Marsh, J Rose, J Maibaum, J Dawson, J Foote