NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 12 preview

By Michael DiFabrizio

GWS GIANTS vs. Port Adelaide – Sunday 1.10pm (Skoda Stadium)

The GWS GIANTS (0-11, 18th) have a chance to get on the board when Port Adelaide (5-5, 11th) come to town.

Callan Ward has said this game is the club’s “Grand Final”

Port’s season has been a true rollercoaster – after winning their first five, they’ve now lost their last five.

The GIANTS, meanwhile, have struggled to back up their good performances but last week’s effort against Geelong – where they were tied with just two minutes left in the third – will instil confidence.

The last meeting between these sides was in Port’s hot streak, with the Power running out 56-point winners. Last year at Skoda, however, the GIANTS came out ahead in a 34-point win.

Tim Mohr and Stephen Gilham will have to work hard this week, with Port ranking sixth for marks inside 50. They’ll be manning Jay Schulz (21 goals) and Justin Westhoff (15).

The midfield will need to keep track of Kane Cornes, who averages 21.3 effective disposals per game. The best for the GIANTS is Ward, who averages 17.7.

In the GIANTS forward line, Jeremy Cameron continues to impress. He hasn’t kicked less than two goals in a game since Round 4.

The Power have struggled with key forwards. Tom Hawkins, James Podsiadly, Jack Riewoldt, Drew Petrie, Josh Kennedy, Taylor Walker and Cameron himself have all kicked three or more goals against them this season.

NSW/ACT Notes

The Sydney Swans have the bye this week.

Phil Davis (Marist Canberra) is listed as being two weeks away as he recovers from his back injury.

Mitch Clisby (West Broken Hill) had another good VFL game as Melbourne coach Mark Neeld contemplates introducing more new players. Per the Melbourne website: “Mitch played under some duress after being ill.”

“This did not impact his performance and he was one of our best defenders, continually taking the game on with his speed and neat skills. He had 20 disposals and four inside 50s, which was a good contribution.”

St Kilda have listed Lenny Hayes (Pennant Hills) as one week away with his calf injury, Adam Schneider (Osborne) two weeks with his hamstring and Sam Gilbert (St George) 5-7 weeks with his knee.

Hamish McIntosh (Lavington) is still a while away from his Geelong debut as the club takes a cautious approach. He’ll be introduced into the VFL team after the bye.

NSW/ACT TV Guide

Fri 7.30pm – Carlton vs. Hawthorn (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sat 1.30pm – Richmond vs. Adelaide (Fox Footy)
Sat 4.30pm – Fremantle vs. Brisbane Lions (Fox Footy)
Sat 7.30pm – Essendon vs. Gold Coast (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sun 1.00pm – GWS GIANTS vs. Port Adelaide (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sun 4.30pm – Collingwood vs. Western Bulldogs (Fox Footy)

NEAFL (Round 13)

Eastlake vs. Redland – Saturday 11.45am (Star Track Oval)
Hills Eagles vs. Ainslie – Saturday 2.00pm (Bruce Purser)
Tuggeranong vs. Queanbeyan – Saturday 2.00pm (Greenway)
Sydney Uni vs. Belconnen – Saturday 2.00pm (No 1 Oval)
UWS GIANTS vs. Gold Coast Suns – Sunday 9.30am (Skoda Stadium)
Sydney Swans – bye