NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 16 preview
By Michael DiFabrizio
Sydney Swans vs. GWS GIANTS – Sunday 1.10pm (SCG)
The Sydney Swans (10-3-1, 4th) will look to continue their dominance over the cross-town rival GWS GIANTS (0-14, 18th) at the SCG.
The Swans are yet to lose a derby and the gulf between the teams remains large this season, so it would seem unlikely to happen on Sunday.
The Swans have won their last two, against Carlton (by 22 points) and Melbourne (by 31). The game against the Dees resembled the Round 1 derby in that Sydney hit the scoreboard early and although they weren’t able to blow their opponents away the result never seemed in doubt either.
The GIANTS, meanwhile, are coming off their narrowest defeat of the season, going down to the Western Bulldogs in a four-point thriller last week. It was an encouraging performance, but that first win still evades GWS. What a story it would be if they could manage it against their main rivals.
The Swans did reveal some vulnerability three weeks ago against Port Adelaide, and the GIANTS may be heartened by a team with similar performances (Melbourne) losing by only five goals, but it’s hard to see the reigning premiers not responding to any challenge.
Only four teams average less hitouts than the GIANTS, and one team less tackles, which are categories the Swans lead.
Kurt Tippett is in ripping form up forward and the side’s other talls have been a constant threat, so the GIANTS – hopefully with the services of Phil Davis once again – will need to limit the Swans’ marks inside 50.
The GIANTS’ young midfielders will also need to really step up for the improbable to occur.
NSW/ACT Notes
Sydney Swans player Craig Bird (Nelson Bay) is in line for his 100th game this weekend. The 59th pick in the 2007 draft was quick to find a spot at the Swans. Notably, he reaches the 100 milestone on the same weekend as a pair of much higher-profile picks from that draft – Matthew Kreuzer and Trent Cotchin.
Aidan Riley (Figtree), who was subbed out in the first quarter for Adelaide on the weekend, has been declared out for the season with a broken leg.
Justin Koschitzke (Brocklesby) may have to wait another week for his 200th game. St Kilda are deciding whether to play him this week against Carlton or next week in the home game against Port Adelaide.
Ben Mabon (Hay) was best the best North Melbourne listed player for VFL side North Ballarat on the weekend. Mabon, who is in his third season at North, beat Geelong’s AFL regular Trent West in the ruck battle to put his hand up for AFL selection.
Hawthorn player Will Langford (East Sydney) is edging closer to an AFL debut, according to AFL.com.au’s Mark Macgugan. He had eight tackles and six clearances for VFL side Box Hill on the weekend.
Tom Hawkins (Finley) has been experiencing minor back problems that have affected his performance, but Geelong coach Chris Scott has said it shouldn’t see him miss any football.
The UWS GIANTS, the GWS reserves, are in some kinda form at the moment. They beat Foxtel Cup side Queanbeyan by 126 points last week, and this week beat Tuggeranong by 186 points. More impressive, they held Tuggeranong to just 0.4 (4)! No doubt there are a few blokes putting their hand up for senior selection.
NSW/ACT TV Guide
Fri 7.30pm – Collingwood vs. Adelaide (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sat 1.30pm – Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sat 2.00pm – Geelong vs. Melbourne (Fox Sports 3)
Sat 4.30pm – Richmond vs. Gold Coast Suns (Fox Footy)
Sat 7.30pm – Carlton vs. St Kilda (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sat 7.30pm – Brisbane Lions vs. North Melbourne (Fox Sports 3)
Sun 1.00pm – Sydney Swans vs. GWS GIANTS (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sun 3.00pm – Western Bulldogs vs. Essendon (live Fox Sports 3, 1hr delay 7mate)
Sun 4.30pm – West Coast Eagles vs. Fremantle (Fox Footy)
NEAFL (Round 17)
Sydney Uni vs. Tuggeranong – Saturday 2.00pm (Drummoyne)
Eastlake vs. Hills Eagles – Saturday 2.00pm (Football Park)
Sydney Swans vs. UWS GIANTS – Sunday 9.30am (SCG)
Queanbeyan vs. Belconnen – Sunday 2.00pm (Dairy Farmers)
Ainslie – bye
