NEAFL R13 Round Up – Swans take top spot

Image courtesy of David Layden Photography and NEAFL Media

 

Sydney University vs. Sydney Swans

The Sydney Swans have held strong, kicking six goals in the last quarter to secure an important win over Sydney University in Round 13.

The 42-point defeat means the Swans now sit outright first of the NEAFL ladder.

The two front-runners of the competition faced off in near perfect conditions on Friday afternoon at the SCG and it was clear from the outset that neither team were going to give an inch.

The Swans kicked the first two goals of the game but were pegged back by two counter-attacking goals from former Swan, Jack Hiscox and Michael Manteit. This left the two sides on 14 points each at the first break.

In the second quarter, the Swans produced a more dominant display, kicking five goals to none.

The Students fought back during the third quarter, as Jacob Derickx and Tom Young kicked early goals. Three more for the quarter saw them close the gap to just 14 points going into the final term.

The Swans, however, managed to kick away in the last with Ben Ronke and Sam Wicks both getting on the board early.

A six goal to two final quarter added some polish to the scoreboard for the Swans, who put in yet another strong performance for the season.

In his debut NEAFL match, Jarrad McVeigh was superb, kicking two goals and picking up 19 disposals. It was a near perfect return from injury, leaving McVeigh pushing for selection in the senior side.

Likewise, Jordan Dawson had another eye-catching performance, kicking two goals to go with his 23 disposals.

The Swans travel to Canberra next weekend to take on the Demons who have struggled of late, while the Students host the Brisbane Lions. The Lions now sit in second place thanks to percentage so it looms as an important match for both sides.

SYDNEY SWANS – 2.2 7.8 9.11 15.16 (106)

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY – 2.2 2.4 7.7 9.10 (64)

SYDNEY SWANS GOALS – B Ronke J McVeigh R Fox J Dawson (2); J Foote T Leonardis B Jack B Stewart S Murray J Rose S Wicks (1)

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY GOALS – T Young J Derickx (2); T Ayton J Brain M Manteit S Tagliabue J Hiscox (1)

SYDNEY SWANS BEST – B Ronke, J Foote, S Murray, B Jack, J Dawson, S Wicks

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY BEST – S Tagliabue, T Young, R Hebron, M Rawlinson, W Sierakowski

 

Brisbane Lions vs. GWS GIANTS

The GWS GIANTS fell to another defeat this weekend as they were brushed aside by an experienced Brisbane Lions outfit.

The 96-point win to the Lions sees them jump into second position on the ladder, putting pressure on the Sydney Swans and Sydney University at the top.

The last encounter between these two sides ended in a one-point thriller, but it was clear from early on that this time around, the result would be different.

The Lions got off to a red-hot start, with Claye Beams kicking an early goal. Jono Freeman and Liam Dawson both finished with five goals for the match.

The GIANTS put in a strong effort despite only having ten AFL-listed players in their side. They continued to fight throughout the game, kicking the last four goals to add some respectability to the scoreboard.

Dawson Simpson was a standout in the ruck, picking up 21 disposals and 31 hit-outs. Dylan Addison kicked four goals in a dominant display in the forward line.

The GIANTS ball-winning midfield was also impressive and fought hard against the skillful Lions.

Tendai Mzungu (26 disposals), Will Setterfield (23 disposals), Jeremy Finlayson (23 disposals) and Harry Perryman (22 disposals) were the standouts on what was an otherwise dour day for the GIANTS.

They now face the tough task of hosting the NT Thunder at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Thunder are in red-hot form and it will take a big effort for the GIANTS to cause an upset.

BRISBANE LIONS – 4.5 10.10 16.12 22.15 (147)

GWS GIANTS – 0.1 1.3 3.7 7.9 (51)

GIANTS Goals – D Addison (4); J Buckley (2); J Finlayson (1)

GIANTS Best – T Mohr, H Perryman, D Addison, D Simpson

 

Canberra Demons vs. Gold Coast Suns

A disappointing performance by the Canberra Demons saw the Gold Coast Suns claim outright sixth position on the NEAFL ladder, after a comprehensive 82-point victory.

The Suns midfielders were relentless and the pressure eventually told on the scoreboard with the Demons unable to keep pace.

Canberra’s Josh Bennett kicked the opening goal of the game, but the lead would not last long. The Suns kicked 12 goals in the first half and inaccuracy in front of goal prevented the Demons from getting back in the match.

Andrew Swan was the best on ground for the Demons, collecting 22 disposals. Even more impressive were his seven clearances and six tackles for the match, which helped keep the pressure on the Suns early.

Jordan Harper was another clear standout, continuing his good form with 27 disposals and a goal. Harper’s consistency every week has been impressive for the Demons who are by no means out of finals contention.

Their job does not get any easier though, hosting the ladder-leading Sydney Swans this Saturday. They will be underdogs for this clash, but the Demons will want to bounce back after their disappointing result against the Suns.

GOLD COAST SUNS – 5.1 12.5 15.6 19.8 (122)

CANBERRA DEMONS – 2.1 3.1 3.6 5.10 (40)

CANBERRA GOALS – A Bruce J Turner J Bennett J Harper A Smout (1)

CANBERRA BEST – A Swan, J Harper, B Fulford, N Collins, B Halse, S Martyn