AFL Sydney – Round 5 Preview

Round Five of the AFL Sydney competition will be played this weekend, where all clubs will be acknowledging ‘Umpiring Round’ which promotes positive attitudes and respect towards umpires and match officials.

With only four points separating the top eight teams, another interesting round is in front of us.

Arguably the best match up will be the top of the table clash between UNSW/ES and St George at Village Green. Both these teams will be looking to get back on the winning trail after suffering losses last week, UNSW/ES to Pennant Hills and St George to North Shore.

The Bulldog’s poor kicking last week contributed to their narrow loss and coach Rhys McAlister will be looking for his forwards to improve this aspect of their game.

St George will be looking to their key forwards in Jason Saddington, Nick Ryan and Bryce Addison to make their presence felt on the scoreboard.

At Monarch Oval, Campbelltown will be looking for a vast improvement when they host UTS.

Campbelltown had the bye last week, a welcome break after a tough start to the year. The young side have shown good signs in patches this year, however will need to put four quarters together if they are to trouble the Bats who are sitting nicely in third position.

North Shore will take on Western Suburbs at Gore Hill, and if recent form is any indicator, the Bombers should come away with the points.

North Shore last week had a good win over the unbeaten St George and will be looking to Pat Brackin and Ron Wason to continue their good form. Lively forward Danny Roberts has been in excellent touch up and currently heads the league goalkicking tally.

Conversely, Western Suburbs are coming off a big Anzac day loss to Balmain but would be heartened by the form of youngster Josh Zoppo, who is showing poise beyond his 18 years.

The final game on Saturday is the twilight match between Sydney University and Pennant Hills at Sydney Uni No.1 Oval. This match will be the broadcast game and can be viewed live at

It has been a tough start to the season for the Students, and they currently sitting at the wrong end of the table.

Pennant Hills are in good form having had a narrow win over UNSW/ES last week.

A promising sign for the Demons has been the form of Ranga Endiriwickrama, Matt Carey and Aaron Crisfield, all of whom missed last year through injury whilst Kieran Wright is running into his Phelan Medal form.

In the final match on Sunday, Balmain will host Illawarra at Henson Park.

The Dockers have enjoyed a ten day break following their Anzac Day win over Western Suburbs, and will be looking to continue this good form.

Ben Taggart has been leading his side well from centre half forward and he will again be a target this week. The form of Matthew Rounds and Leigh Conway will also be pleasing the coaching staff.

Illawarra will enter the match on the back of a disappointing loss to Sydney Hills Eagles on their home ground.

Troy Bartlett, Lewis Wilson and Ryan Wells have been in good form for the Lions, who will be looking for a greater scoring input from the likes of Ryan Price and coach Ken Ewen-Chappel.

Sydney Hills Eagles will enjoy the bye this weekend.

In the Lower Divisions, the pick of the matches look to be UNSW/ES v Southern Power and Manly Warringah v Penrith in Division One; In Division Two the unbeaten UNSW/ES play host to St George whilst Camden and Manly Warringah will also be a good contest.

In Division Three, newcomers Blacktown will play host to Sydney University while in Division Four the Match of the Round will be Penrith at home to Manly Warringah. In Division Five, Moorebank and UTS will be keenly contested.

The Under 18’s competitions will see second placed Pennant Hills look to continue their unbeaten run when they take on Sydney University under lights at No 1 Oval. In Division Two a lot of interest will surround Holroyd Parramatta and Saints afc, both who will be looking for a much needed win.

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