TEAM TALK – U16s, Allies Camp & NEAFL

NAB AFL U16 ACADEMY SERIES

The final match of the three game Academy Series between the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS Academies plays out this weekend.

The Swans have been convincing winners in their first two outings, winning by 61 points in Round 1 and 46 points in Round 2. A win this weekend will see them winning ‘three from three’ to mirror the ‘five from five’ effort of their U18 counterparts during the NAB AFL U18 Academy Series.

Following this series, the AFL NSW/ACT U16s Rams squad will be announced.

SEE BOTH THE SELECTED TEAMS HERE

 

ALLIES GO INTO CAMP

Twenty-one AFL NSW/ACT players out of the 46-man strong Allies team will go into camp this weekend in Melbourne.

During their time in Melbourne, the Allies will take part in two practice matches against Vic Country and Vic Metro at Ikon Park.

Practice match team will not be selected until match day.

SEE ALL OF THE AFL NSW/ACT PLAYERS AT THE ALLIES CAMP HERE

 

NEAFL

There are three important matches involving NSW/ACT teams over Round 9, including a crucial clash between Sydney University and the Canberra Demons.

Sydney University will be looking to get their season back on track with a win against the emerging Canberra Demons. After a tough loss to the Sydney Swans last week, which saw the Students lose top spot, they will be heading out to Blacktown International Sportspark eager to make up for their poor performance.

They come up against a Demons side, which defeated the Redland Bombers last week and are looking to continue their push up the ladder.

Jordan Harper showed great form last weekend, picking up 28 touches with fullback, Ben Halse also having a standout game.

Halse will have to bring another strong performance this weekend, as he goes up against the in-form Xavier Richards in what will be a fascinating match-up.

Zac O’Brien is massive out for Sydney University, one of their best during last week’s contest against the Swans

In the other games, top-of-the-table Sydney Swans take on the Gold Coast Suns in Newcastle.

The seventh-placed Suns are coming off the bye, and will be fresh and ready to take on the Swans for the first time this season.

Jordan Dawson is a massive in for the Swans after being in Melbourne as an emergency for the senior side last week. Rising Star nominee Will Gowers also comes back into the side but the unlucky Daniel Robinson is out for at least four weeks after suffering a broken jaw against the Students

Oliver Florent is also out, after being called up to the Swans senior side to replace the injured, Harry Cunningham.

The last game this weekend sees the GWS GIANTS travel to Darwin to take on the NT Thunder on Saturday night.

The GIANTS have been ravaged by injury this season in their senior squad, which has left their NEAFL side depleted, but it sets the scene for a potentially memorable performance this weekend.

They sit in seventh position, but it could have been a different story after last week’s heartbreaking one-point loss to the Brisbane Lions.

Zac Sproule impressed with 34-touches in the midfield last weekend, and expect Academy player Rhys Pollock to star again up front after five goals against the Lions.

Matt Kennedy has been rewarded for a supreme game last weekend being called back up to the GIANTS senior squad, a big loss for their NEAFL side.

 

MATCH DAY INFORMATION

Sydney University vs. Canberra Demons

Date: Saturday, 27 May 2017

Time: 12pm

Venue: Blacktown International Sportspark

Entry: FREE

Watch: Streamed live on NEAFL TV

Live Stats: Champion Data stats available on the Official NEAFL App