AFL Sydney preview – Round 13
The Bombers boast the best for and against percentage in the Premier Division competition and were again ruthless on the weekend against Western Suburbs.
There were countless contributors with Patrick Codling and the Fitzgerald duo (Brendan and Dale) providing silver service to the clear forward target in Daniel Roberts.
Add to this the rebound off half-back from captain, Ron Wason, and the versatility of Patrick Brackin, and they are a formidable outfit.
UTS have improved markedly since last season but failed to pull off a big scalp last week in Pennant Hills.
They registered more scoring shots than their opponent but were plagued by behinds in the final term when the match was in the balance. Ben Moyle was UTS’ best last weekend, while new players to the club this year in Joel Minichiello and Michael King have also been consistent performers.
Pennant Hills can retain top spot if they down Campbelltown at Monarch Oval.
Normally this would be considered a relatively easy assignment considering the Blues’ lack of success in previous seasons, but showed tenacity in their win over Sydney University last weekend – their second in 2012.
After an extremely strong start, Campbelltown were only able to kick one goal in the second half and Coach Craig McGough will look for a more ruthless approach from his young side this week.
The Demons got a competitive hitout against the Bats, but the class of Kieran Wright, Alex Goodall and Matthew Carey prevailed to ensure a victory for UTS. Luke Bilbe is also developing into a genuine forward target.
An intriguing contest looms down at North Dalton Park with Illawarra hosting UNSW/ES. The Lions sit in seventh and another loss will all but end their finals hopes. They showed glimpses of hope last week, with a nine goal haul in the third term against Sydney Hills Eagles who held the lead at half-time.
Ryan Price will be kept in check by the strong Bulldogs defence, so the Lions will need the same contribution from their small forwards and midfielders that they got against the Eagles.
UNSW/ES come off the bye and are one of the competition favourites. Led by one of the Phelan Medal favourites in Dane Rampe, there are a host of willing foot soldiers to show the Bulldogs are more than just a one-man outfit.
St George will be eager to get back on the winners list against the Eagles at Henson Park.
The Dragons have lacked the winning touch of late and let go of a great opportunity to down Balmain at the same venue last week. Holding a three goal lead at half-time, the Dragons let the Dockers back into the contest, during which time centre half-back Michael Holmes was sin-binned. Youngsters, Lachlan Perris and Bryce Addison were impressive in the loss.
Sydney Hills Eagles look set to miss their first finals series in quite a while with their depth cruelled by their promotion to the NEAFL. Like the Dragons, the Eagles fell over after half-time. Mark Skuse was a handy addition against the Lions, whilst Dominic Killworth showed more of his promise.
The final match will be also played at Henson Park on Sunday afternoon with Balmain hosting Western Suburbs. The Dockers won their last encounter quite convincingly on Anzac Day and recent form would suggest they have the upper hand again in this one.