NEAFL Round 12 Round Up – Swans hold control

Aspley Hornets vs. Sydney Swans

The Sydney Swans continued their strong form this season, demolishing the Aspley Hornets by 102-points in a clinical display.

The Swans started with more energy than the Hornets, kicking four goals to none as they got off to a flying start.

Despite signs of a comeback in the next quarter from the Hornets, the Swans kicked 12 goals in the second-half to again secure a triple-figure victory.

Jordan Dawson was arguably best on ground for the Swans, picking up 32 disposals along with three goals. Young gun Oliver Florent had another match to remember, kicking four goals and collecting 25 disposals.

Daniel Robinson was impressive in his return from injury as he racked up 26 disposals, five tackles and two goals in an all-round performance.

Kurt Tippett returned to form, dominating in the ruck and although he didn’t kick a goal he still managed to pick up 20 disposals to go with his 39 hit outs.

The win was marred by a late injury to Aliir Aliir in the final quarter. He injured the same knee which kept him out of last year’s AFL Grand Final, but coaching staff are confident this incident wasn’t as serious.

The win cements the Swans place at the top of the ladder, but their position will be put to the test next week. They face fellow heavyweights Sydney University in a curtain raiser for the Swans AFL game at the SCG on Friday night. The winner of that game will take a four-point lead at the top of the table, and will be hard to beat for Minor Premiers in 2017.

ASPLEY – 0.1 4.1 5.3 8.4 (52)

SYDNEY SWANS – 4.5 10.10 17.16 22.22 (154)

SWANS GOALS – O Florent (4); J Dawson B Jack (3); D Robinson (2); T Pink J Osborne A Aliir S Fisher B Ronke S Murray J Rose R Fox

 

Redland Bombers vs. Sydney University

Sydney University again showed why they are title contenders this season, withstanding an early surge from the Redland Bombers to win by 39-points.

The Bombers were in front at the first break, kicking three goals to two. This was a wake-up call for the Students, as they took the lead in the second-quarter and never looked back.

Three quick goals at the start of the third-quarter, including a remarkable Michael Manteit goal from the boundary, wrapped up the game for the visitors.

Jack Hiscox had one of his best games of the season, kicking two goals to go with his 19 disposals. He was assisted by Callum McFadden (23 disposals) and Lewis Stevenson (25 disposals) as they dominated in the forward half.

Inconsistency in front of goal again plagued the Students, kicking 20 behinds. This could be something that could cost them when they come up against the Swans next week.

The big showdown will lock in who the NEAFL favourites are in 2017 with all eyes on the SCG turf on Friday night. The Swans and the Students will do battle before the Sydney vs. Essendon match on 23 June 2017. 

REDLAND  – 3.1 5.3 10.4 13.5 (83)

SYDNEY UNI – 2.3 7.10 12.15 17.20 (122)

SYDNEY UNI GOALS – D Bonney M Manteit (3); J Derickx T Barrett J Potter J Hiscox (2); C McFadden A Day L Stevenson (1)

SYDNEY UNI BEST – N Cooper, J HIscox, S Tagliabue, T Young, N Reinhard

 

Canberra Demons vs. NT Thunder

The Canberra Demons fell to a Darren Ewing inspired NT Thunder by 91 points on Saturday afternoon. The battle of the Territories was a more one-sided affair than their last meeting, as the Thunder put in a complete four-quarter performance.

After heading to Darwin and taking the points earlier in the year, the Demons were confident of getting a similar result at home. A six-goal opening quarter would set the tone for the Thunder who were relentless in front of the sticks.

Canberra sorely missed defender Kane Klemke as the Thunder’s Ewing kicked ten goals for the match. The NEAFL’s record holding highest goal-kicker grabbed five goals in either half, as he benefited from some quality work in the midfield.

The Demons were held to just the one goal in the second-half, as the Thunder rammed home their advantage to make an emphatic statement to the rest of the competition.

Fresh off a great performance in the NEAFL Representative team, the Demons’ Jordan Harper picked up where he left off with 36 disposals and a goal. He was helped by fellow on-baller Mitch Maguire who gained 32 touches.

An overall lack of pressure at the breakdown by the Demons side allowed the Thunder to run over the top of them. They will be looking to improve next weekend against the sixth-placed Gold Coast Suns, as a win would see them jump back into finals contention.

CANBERRA – 2.3 6.3 6.4 7.9 (51)

NT THUNDER – 6.2 11.7 17.12 21.16 (142)

DEMONS GOALS – J Bennett (2); T Faul D Roberts J Turner J Harper L Maples (1)

DEMONS BEST – J Bennett, R Stevens, J Harper, M Maguire, A Swan, L Meline