NEAFL Round 6 preview
This week we see footy return to the nation’s capital with all except one game to be played in the ACT this week.
In the only cross-conference game of the round, the Swans Reserves will be making the trip to Darwin to take on the NT Thunder, which will likely provide one of the closest matches of the round.
With only two games separating 1st and 8th and six teams on equal points, it’s crucial for all teams that they are able to secure wins this round.
Eastlake v UWS GIANTS
Manuka Oval – 9:30am, Saturday 28 April 2012
This match is being played as the curtain raiser match to the GWS GIANTS v Western Bulldogs AFL match at Manuka Oval.
The GIANTS have rebounded and won their last two matches after a tough start to the season which saw them suffer two loses to open the season against their AFL Counterpart in the, Swans and Lions. Since those games it has been all uphill, as the GIANTS injury list has slowly been reduced and they are now fielding almost full strength squads.
The GWS squad now has the ability to put AFL quality players into their NEAFL side, which may prove to be a challenge for all sides they meet.
Eastlake started the season exceptionally well but suffered two straight losses to the table topping Tigers and Queensland counterpart Mt Gravatt.
The Demons hit a rough patch over the last few weeks as injuries cruelled the talented side. They lost their captain, Chad Gibson, along with veteran Stafford Cooper against Queanbeyan to hamstring and shoulder injuries respectively – and have now also lost Sam Mardling for eight weeks due to a medial injury suffered early in the game against Mt Gravatt.
The Demons debuted star recruit Ryan Brabazon in Queensland last weekend and he seemed to have an immediate impact. The former Swan amassed a multitude of possessions and his delivery was second to none as he steered Eastlake around the park as they fought themselves back into the game.
Eastlake will be desperate for the points to keep their season heading in the right direction but the GIANTS will be out to put on a show for their first game in Canberra. With the likes of Jonathan Patton, Setanta O’Hailpin and Josh Bruce all performing well and likely to make a debut for the top side in the coming weeks they will likely put on another strong performance.
NT Thunder v Sydney Swans Reserves
TIO Darwin – 6:00pm, Saturday 28 April 2012
This week the Swans reserves have possibly the hardest trip in the NEAFL as they travel to Darwin to take on the NT Thunder.
The start of the season has provided a mixed bag for both these teams, who struggled to find consistency. The Thunder recorded three wins and two losses while the Swans have been up and down, recording two wins and two losses.
Last week the Swans hosted Tuggeranong at the SCG and dominated all areas of play to run out 172 point winners. The Swans are expected to field a similar squad this week, with hopes to continue their good form.
The Thunder notched a win against Redland last week, with Darren Ewing booting 11 of their 22 goals in a dominant display. All three of the Thunder’s wins have come in extremely high scoring affairs. For the Thunder to really challenge the Swan’s talented list, they will need Ewing to continue his great form, which has seen him kick 22 goals in four weeks and be named in the best on all of these occasions.
Queanbeyan v Sydney Uni
Dairy Farmers Park – 11:45am, Sunday 29 April 2012
This game is be streamed live from 11:45 as the NEAFL Eastern Conference match of the Round.
Both teams will be desperate for the points as Queanbeyan look to stay on top of the table, while Sydney Uni are looking for the opportunity to push themselves into contention.
Queanbeyan have been steadily improving this season, and are expected to bounce back after a narrow loss to the UWS GIANTS last week. The Tigers recruiting proved to be crucial to their success so far, with the likes of Jarrod Atkinson and Josh Bruce dominating down back while their young local talent has been firing right across the field.
Sydney Uni have surprised many in their season in the NEAFL. Many people expected the new boys to struggle throughout the season, but they have proved to be competitive in early rounds. The Students have been in contention every game they have played but patches of inconsistency have caused their downfall.
Tuggeranong v Hills Eagles
Greenway Oval – 11:45am, Sunday 29 April 2012
This match has the potential to be the closest game of the weekend, with both teams hungry for the competition points.
The Hills Eagles want to continue their good form from last week as they had a solid win over the Belconnen Magpies 20.16.136 to 16.6.102. They will be calling on Callan Young for another impressive performance after being named best on ground last week.
Tuggeranong were far from their best last weekend against the Sydney Swans, but previous performances indicate their first win of the season isn’t far off. Their only points so far have come from a draw against Belconnen, and due to the closeness of the competition, they are still a big chance of making finals if they can string together a few wins.
Belconnen v Ainslie
Manuka Oval – 2:00pm, Sunday 29 April 2012
Ainslie take on Belconnen for the second time this year, and after securing first blood in Round 1 they will be keen to continue their dominance.
Both teams are sitting in the middle of the ladder and are looking for a good performance to propel them for the rest of the season.
Belconnen put in a solid performance last week against the Hills Eagles but fell short of the win.The Magpies will be looking to bounce back – a win will see them overtake Ainslie with 10 points this weekend.
Ainslie have been inconsistent in the first four games this season with two wins and two losses and they will be looking to their more senior players to get their season back on track.
