NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 6 Preview

By Michael DiFrabizio

Essendon vs. GWS GIANTS – Saturday 1.45pm (Etihad Stadium)

A red hot Essendon (5-0, 1st) present a huge test for the GIANTS (0-5, 18th) as they travel to Melbourne on Saturday.

Jobe Watson is the main danger. In a side that averages 16 more contested possessions a game than their opponent, it’s telling that Watson has an average of 15.4 contested possessions – by far the biggest tally at the club.

An intriguing aspect of the game will be what happens inside the GWS forward 50. The Bombers have conceded the least points of any team this season.

Despite this, the GIANTS have two assets that might be capable of causing a disruption: Setanta O’hAiplin (eight goals the past two weeks) and Jeremy Cameron (nine goals for the season).

All the sides Essendon have faced have had at least one of the competition’s top tier key forwards. Taylor Walker had three goals, Mitch Clark had one but on limited supply, Matthew Pavlich did not score but was injured, Nick Riewoldt had three and Travis Cloke kicked 2.3.

The form guide suggests key forwards can stretch the Bombers. Given the GIANTS have not one but two players to have kicked bags this year, this may be an opportunity.

Overall, though, Essendon’s form is hard to ignore. They have been the best team in the comp over the first five rounds and the GIANTS will have their work cut out.

Sydney Swans vs. Brisbane Lions – Sunday 1.10pm (SCG)

The Swans (4-1, 5th) will look to continue their strong form and possibly move to the top four with a win over the Brisbane Lions (2-3, 12th) on Sunday.

The Lions have been a disappointment since winning the NAB Cup in March. All of the sides they’ve played have won two or less games yet despite this easy fixture, the Lions themselves have just two small wins.

They’ll be hungry to turn things around, but the Swans’ form is far more promising.

Sydney’s draw has been only marginally tougher, yet from that they’ve been able to rank first for contested possessions, hitouts and clearances.

Brisbane may be targeting these exact areas. The Lions have a number of emerging midfielders and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger is slowly finding form after a long stint on the sidelines. They will be without Daniel Rich, however, after his injury two weeks ago.　

Countering this will be Sydney’s array of in-form midfielders and Mike Pyke in the ruck, who’s now averaging 28 hitouts per game.

Two players who will be monitored closely for the Swans will be Lewis Jetta and Sam Reid. The form of both players was a discussion point at John Longmire’s press conference earlier in the week and an out-of-form Lions side may present an opportunity for them to bounce back.

With home ground advantage and the far more impressive recent form, expectations will be high on the Swans this week.

NSW/ACT Notes

– Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) is set to play his 200th game. McVeigh was drafted to the Swans in 2002 after his strong performances for the NSW/ACT Rams and made his debut in Round 1, 2004. He’s since won two premierships – one of which he captained – and a Bob Skilton Medal.

– GWS GIANTS coach Kevin Sheedy now sits equal second for wins coached. Both he and Mick Malthouse – whose Carlton side won on the weekend – have coached 388 wins. Jock McHale leads all with a record of 467 wins as coach.

NEAFL Fixtures (Round 7)

Tuggeranong vs. Mt Gravatt – Saturday 11.45am (Greenway)
Belconnen vs. Queanbeyan – Saturday 2.00pm (Kippax)
Eastlake vs. Ainslie – Saturday 2.00pm (Star Track Oval)
Sydney Swans vs. Brisbane Lions – Sunday 9.30am (SCG)
Hills Eagles, Sydney Uni, UWS GIANTS – Bye