NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 4 Preview

GWS Giants vs. Western Bulldogs
(2-1, 6th) vs. (1-2, 14th)

Despite their track record of losses, both to the Bulldogs and also in Canberra (one victory from seven outings), this years tenacious Giants outfit are deserving of a chance against match favourites, the Western Bulldogs this weekend.

Arriving as underdogs but with a large support base ready and waiting, GWS will have to stave off the momentum carried by the Bulldogs after last week’s 2-point win over a fast finishing Richmond.

Despite having the wood on the Giants in their two matches played since the GWS induction – including a nail biting 4-point victory last year – the Bulldogs will need to improve on their inside 50s in order to take down their plucky opponents. Currently the Western Bulldogs are providing the least amount of inside 50s in the league at 41 per game. The Giants are ranked fourth with approximately 54 each week.

Although GWS have two in the top four positions in clearances this year (equal 2nd – Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward), the Bulldogs also boast a top four contender in Tom Liberatore (4th), which should keep this aspect of the game interesting.

With Shane Mumford leading the competition in hit-outs (151), the versatile ruckman will again play a large part in a potential Giants victory. Coming up against Will Minson who has impressed so far this year (3rd overall in hit-outs), will be a test for the big man in the middle, however one he should come out on top of.

The Giants will be without Devon Smith who has played excitable football in 2014 – including a five-goal haul against St Kilda – due to suspension.

The Giants have named former Sydney Swan, Jed Lamb who will make his GWS debut from the interchange bench, while Liam Sumner joins the forward line after an impressive performance last week in the Giants NEAFL triumph against the Swans Reserves. Dylan Addison has been omitted and listed as an emergency.

Forced into changes due to injuries to Jordan Roughead (shoulder) and Luke Dahlhaus (calf), the Bulldogs have included the quick pace of Koby Stevens, Jason Tutt and Tom Young to their side, meaning that they will be down a tall defender. Jason Johannisen has been omitted.

Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne
(1-2, 11th) vs. (2-1, 10th)

With a sigh of relief from many Sydney supporters, and players, the Swans are back in the winner’s circle following their trouncing of Adelaide by 63 points in Round Three.

Making a welcome return to the SCG for the first time in the 2014 season, the Swans will be hoping to go back-to-back against North Melbourne who are also running off a well deserved win against the previously undefeated Port Adelaide.

As their star recruit Lance Franklin begins to warm up (4 goals and 20 possessions against Adelaide), the Swans will have to shutdown veteran Kangaroo Brent Harvey who has stolen the show in consecutive weeks, including 23 possessions and three goals against Port Adelaide.

The Swans will go in as favourites against the side who have not beaten them since 2007, with no omissions so far listed. Craig Bird returns from a calf injury, while Toby Nankervis and Dean Towers could make their senior AFL debuts as they join an extended interchange bench.  

The Kangaroos are still without Jack Ziebell, but have also named an extended side to include Joel Tippett, Robin Nahas, Liam Anthony and Michael Firrito, while Jamie Macmillan will miss with a leg injury.

The two teams will be playing for the HeartKids Cup with the hopes of raising awareness of childhood heart disease.

NSW/ACT Notes

Phil Davis (Marist Canberra) revealed to www.gwsgiants.com.au this week that he is hopeful of a return to football late in the year following his Round One kidney injury. With decisions on his 2014 season riding on scans in the coming months, Davis remains in rehabilitation, walking daily and adhering to a weights regime.

Sam Rowe (North Albury) of embattled Carlton will again back up Robbie Wornock in the ruck in their game against hapless Melbourne. Rowe will also be looked to as a tall, goal kicking forward following Carlton’s dropping of Jarrad Waite and Jeff Garlett.

Taylor ‘Tex’ Walker (North Broken Hill) remains on the sidelines for Adelaide with his knee injury and with no starting date in sight for a side that desperately need him in the squad.

Luke Bruest (Temora) has told www.hawthornfc.com.au that he owes his stunning start to the season to plenty of pre-season practice. Currently tied at first with Nick Riewoldt for the most goals kicked in 2014, Bruest will go into Hawthorn’s match against Gold Coast with 10 goals to his name – how many more can he add?

Jason Tutt (Ainslie) will line up in his hometown of Canberra for the Western Bulldogs against the GWS Giants. Following an inspired performance in the equivalent match last year, it is hoped for the Bulldogs that Tutt will strike again against the young GWS side.