Clean sweep for Sydney NEAFL sides
The Swans’ NEAFL side, which included household names such as Ryan O’Keefe and Gary Rohan, kicked off the winning streak on ANZAC Day afternoon, knocking off Brisbane by one point.
In soggy conditions, Sydney’s midfield brigade of Dan Robinson, Harrison Marsh, and Tom Mitchell were outstanding, as the Bloods reversed last year’s Grand Final result, and consolidated second spot, with a bye to come this week.
Remarkably 24 hours later a second Sydney side prevailed by the barest of margins, with Sydney University roaring home to pip Ainslie 14.7.91 to 13.12.90.
The Students were behind at every change, and trailed by 11 points with three minutes remaining, before goalling twice in as many minutes to sneak home, moving to 3-1 and nailing down sixth spot in the process.
Midfielder Tom Ayton was the hero, kicking the eventual match-winner with just under a minute on the clock, getting on the end of a coast-to-coast transition after running forward of the play.
The other two Sydney sides’ wins weren’t quite as closely contested but were no less important, the GIANTS cowing Gold Coast by 60 points and Hills Eagles overcoming Belconnen by 41 points.
Led by a remarkable 39 touches and three goals from Mark Whiley, and 33 disposals from Temora’s Jake Barrett, the GIANTS increased their lead at each change, with a dominant six goal to two second quarter setting up the big win.
Sydney Hills Eagles recorded their first victory in the revamped NEAFL competition, leading from pillar to post and trumping Belconnen by 41 points at Bruce Perser Reserve.
Despite the late withdrawal of former Adelaide Crow Luke Jericho, who failed to come up after last week’s taxing trip to Darwin, and the loss of ruckman Luke Gemmil late in the third term, the Eagles got the job done, running out 16.17.113 to 11.6.72 victors.
While the NEAFL outfits from the Harbour City fared well, the same can’t be said for Canberra’s teams, with the Tigers, Demons, Magpies, and Tricolours all tasting defeat.
There’s some solace for Canberra fans however, with several players putting their hand up for selection in the NEAFL representative side, which will take on the best of the WAFL at Spotless Stadium on May 24.
The representative side’s coaching panel, including head coach Daniel Archer who lives in Sydney, and his three assistants; based in NT (Ricky Nolan), QLD (Ray Windsor), and ACT (Mark Armstrong), convened on the weekend, with names such as Queanbeyan’s Kade Klemke (pictured) figuring prominently in discussions.
