NEAFL: Round 6 Round Up
Photo courtesy of Canberra Demons Media.
Written by Lachlan McKirdy.
NT Thunder v Canberra Demons – TIO Stadium
The Canberra Demons caused a stunning upset in the Northern Territory, claiming a five-point win over their Territory rivals.
With many predicting a Thunder walkover, the Demons stood strong and put in a four quarter effort to claim a rare away win.
Nick Pleming kicked the match-winner with barely a minute left on the clock to hand the Demons the lead and their third win of the season.
Co-captain Aaron Bruce again starred for the newest team in the NEAFL, kicking three goals and igniting some excellent movement off half-back.
The Demons pressure at stoppages was a highlight with Andrew Swan also one of Canberra’s best.
If not for some wayward kicking by the Thunder, it may have been a much different result, but the Demons made the most of their chances to hold on for victory.
After just five rounds, Canberra have already matched their 2017 wins tally and are looking for a finals push this season. The win puts the Demons into 6th place on the ladder with only their percentage holding them back from a top four birth.
Canberra – 4.4 5.5 9.7 12.10 (82)
NT Thunder – 2.2 5.11 9.12 10.17 (77)
CANBERRA GOALS – A. Bruce (3) J. Turner (2) A. Swan (2) L. Meline T. Faul J. Harper M. Maguire N. Pleming
CANBERRA BEST – A. Bruce B. Halse A. Swan B. Fulford L. Meline N. Pleming
Gold Coast Suns vs GWS GIANTS – Metricon Stadium
The GWS GIANTS and Gold Coast Suns played out a tough game on the Gold Coast with the Suns coming away with a 51-point win over the visitors.
The Suns dominated the match from the start, jumping out to a 40-point lead before quarter time.
Matt de Boer was particularly impressive for the GIANTS, picking up 41 disposals and laying 10 tackles in a dominant performance.
Jeremy Finlayson had a stellar outing with three goals and 34 disposals to nearly bring the GIANTS back into the contest. Similarly, Daniel Lloyd impressed with 37 touches and two goals.
Despite the attempted comeback, the Suns proved too strong in the end. Twelve goals in the opening half made it hard for the GIANTS to fight back, and although they won the third quarter, the Suns still ran away with it in the last.
The loss means the GIANTS sit in 8th spot after five rounds with only one win thus far in the 2017 season.
Canberra take on Aspley at home next week where they will hope to kick-start their premiership defense.
Gold Coast – 6.5 12.10 13.12 18.14 (122)
GIANTS – 2.4 5.6 7.9 10.11 (71)
GIANTS Goals – J. Finlayson (3) D. Lloyd (2) T. McInnes D. Addison Z. Sproule M. Flynn
GIANTS Best M. de Boer I. Cumming J. Finlayson T. Mohr D. Lloyd
Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions – SCG
The Sydney Swans continued their good form as they made it four wins in a row with a 37-point win over the previously undefeated Brisbane Lions.
After a strong opening quarter from the Lions, the Swans fought back to kick away in the second half. They were held to just four goals in the opening half but Sydney pressed on to kick 11 goals to the Lions five, to put the result beyond doubt.
Darcy Cameron (35 hitouts) again impressed in the ruck with his form seeing him press for selection in the Swans senior side.
Other standouts were Nic Newman who racked up 30 disposals, including 22 kicks. Newman’s goal in the second quarter featured a marauding run which started from his own backline and saw him breeze past multiple Lions players to slot it home from outside-50.
The result makes up for the Swans surprising 26-point loss in Round 1 to the Lions.
Sydney now leapfrog the Lions into second place, and are preparing to take on a Canberra side full of confidence next weekend.
SYDNEY – 1.4 4.8 9.12 15.12 (102)
BRISBANE – 4.2 5.4 6.4 10.5 (65)
SYDNEY GOALS – S. Murray (2) J. Dawson (2) S. Fisher (2) J. Foote W. Gowers D. Cameron J. Mapleson B. Jack H. MacDonald N. Newman T. Leonardis C. O’Riordan
SYDNEY BEST – N. Newman S. Murray J. Mapleson D. Cameron J. Maibaum J. Foote
Sydney University sat out with the bye.
