NEAFL: Round 8 Round Up

Sydney University v Sydney Swans – Henson Park

The Sydney Swans scored a massive win over the table-topping Sydney University in a Friday Night blockbuster at Henson Park.

The 67-point win was an important step for the Sydney Swans, who now jump to the top of the ladder, and will be looking to cement their place for the finals.

With torrential rain influencing the flow of the game, the Swans managed to fly out of the blocks kicking five goals to none in the first quarter.

A massive second-half saw the Swans kick 10 goals to the Students’ two. It was an impressive team performance, particularly considering the awful weather conditions they were playing in.

Youngster Ollie Florent was masterful in the wet conditions. He picked up 30 disposals and a goal in a performance that is sure to put him in line to replace the injured Harry Cunningham in the senior side.

Brandon Jack was also impressive with 28 touches, while Sam Fisher finished with three goals for the Swans.

Xavier Richards managed to kick three goals for the Students in his first game against his old side. He was kept relatively quiet by an impressive Sydney defence who limited the previously free-scoring Sydney Uni to only six goals for the game.

Sydney University now drop down to second place, and take on an emerging Canberra side next week. The Swans come up against seventh-placed Gold Coast in Newcastle as they look to continue their strong form.

 

Sydney University           0.1 4.7 4.8 6.10 (46)

Sydney Swans                   5.6 6.10 11.16 16.17 (113)

SYDNEY UNI GOALS – X Richards (3) T Barrett (2) Z O’Brien

SYDNEY SWANS GOALS – S Fisher (3) J Rose R Fox (2); D Cameron O Florent J Brown B Jack J Laidler T Leonardis A Aliir L Maze S Edwards (1)

SYDNEY UNI BEST – X Richards, Z O’Brien, R Hebron, A Day, T Barrett, D Baron-Hay

SYDNEY SWANS BEST – S Fisher, J Rose, R Fox, A Aliir, D Robinson, T Leonardis

 

Redland Bombers v Canberra Demons – Tibold Park

A resurgent Canberra Demons side notched up yet another win on the road, defeating the Redland Bombers by 11-points on Saturday.

The win keeps the Demons in contention for their maiden finals birth, securing their spot in the top six for another week.

Jordan Harper put in another sublime performance, leading the Demons in the midfield with 28 disposals.

In a tight contest the Demons were able to prove their class in the second half, kicking six goals to three.

Reed Stevens impressed with three goals for Canberra with Andrew Swan grabbing two majors of his own to help lead them to victory.

The Demons take on Sydney University next week in a match that will test their final credentials. The Students’ will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Swans, while Canberra will want to maintain their winning-streak away from home.

 

REDLAND BOMBERS       1.3 5.5 6.9 8.14 (62)

CANBERRA DEMONS      1.4 4.5 7.9 10.13 (73)

CANBERRA GOALS – R Stevens (3) A Swan (2) J Turner M Hardie M Maguire J Bennett (1)

CANBERRA BEST – B Halse, B Fulford, R Stevens, L Meline, M Maguire, J Harper

 

GWS GIANTS v Brisbane Lions – Spotless Stadium

The GWS GIANTS went down in a nail biter to the Brisbane Lions, after a last minute goal sealed victory for the Queensland side.

A late goal by No. 2 Draft pick, Josh Schache and a rushed behind moments later proved enough for the Lions, but not before the GIANTS threatened to cause one of the biggest upsets of the season.

The GIANTS only had eight AFL-listed players due to injuries in their senior side, but many of their junior players stepped up for the game.

Matthew Kennedy picked up a game-high 37 disposals and GIANTS’ Academy member, Ryan Pollock kicked five-goals in an exciting performance.

Zach Sproule also worked tirelessly for the GIANTS, gaining 34 touches including two goals as he and Kennedy dominated the midfield.

Ryan Bastinac and Rhys Matheison led the way for the Lions, who did just enough throughout the game to secure up the win.

The narrow loss means that the GIANTS now sit in eighth position as they get ready for a tough away trip to Darwin next week.

 

GWS GIANTS                     4.1 5.5 8.9 11.11 (77)

BRISBANE LIONS              3.3 6.7 9.9 11.12 (78)

GWS GIANTS GOALS – R Pollock (5) Z Sproule (2) M Walker T Mohr D Addison N Richards (1)