NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 17 preview

By Michael DiFabrizio

GWS GIANTS vs. Essendon – Saturday 2.10pm (Skoda Stadium)

Kevin Sheedy hosts his former club as the GWS GIANTS (0-15, 18th) meet Essendon (12-3, 3rd).

While off the field the Bombers continue to attract headlines, on the field their performances to date are in the top bracket of the competition. They just keep finding a way to win.

This was true of their game earlier in the year against the GIANTS, where they were 21 points down at half time.

This time around the GIANTS have Phil Davis, and the Bombers no longer have Jobe Watson due to injury, so there’s an argument that perhaps the outcome might be reversed.

On paper, though, the Bombers are a long way ahead. The GIANTS’ massive loss last week to another top bracket team in the Swans was evidence of that.

Even if the GIANTS do manage to put themselves in a position to win, the fourth quarter would firm as a large obstacle. Their percentage in fourth quarters is 37 (easily their worst quarter). Essendon’s is 148 (easily their best).

West Coast Eagles vs. Sydney Swans – Sunday 4.40pm (Patersons Stadium)

A storied rivalry continues as West Coast (7-8, 10th) host Sydney (11-3, 4th).

These teams have a history of close clashes and with finals – for the Eagles – and the top four – for the Swans – in sight, this clash could very well continue the trend.

However, recent history belongs to the Swans – the last time the Eagles beat them was 2007 – and 2013 has not been kind to West Coast.

Many expected a top four appearance from them but that is now firmly out of the question. Despite a scarily efficient forward line, with Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras, they’ve struggled to put wins on the board.

Still, they’re a game out of the eight and put in strong performances against Hawthorn, Essendon and Fremantle in the past month.

The Swans are up and about, taking care of business last week against the GIANTS, and would not want to drop out of the top four at such a late stage. Importantly, they now have the healthiest percentage in the competition.

The most interesting aspect of this game will be the ruck contest, with the top two hitout teams going head to head.

NSW/ACT Notes

Justin Koschitzke (Brocklesby) remains in line for his 200th AFL game.

Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) has been suspended for three matches after the match review panel cited him for striking Tom Scully in the Sydney derby last week.

Daniel Cross (Albury) may return to the Western Bulldogs’ senior side this week after an impressive VFL performance.

Strong NEAFL form could see Mark Whiley (Finley) play his second game of 2013 for the GWS GIANTS.

NSW/ACT TV Guide

Fri 7.30pm – North Melbourne vs. Carlton (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sat 1.30pm – Hawthorn vs. Western Bulldogs (Fox Footy)
Sat 2.00pm – GWS GIANTS vs. Essendon (7mate, Fox Sports 3)
Sat 4.30pm – Gold Coast Suns vs. Collingwood (Fox Footy)
Sat 7.30pm – Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions (Fox Sports 3)
Sat 7.30pm – St Kilda vs. Port Adelaide (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sun 1.00pm – Richmond vs. Fremantle (Fox Footy)
Sun 3.00pm – Adelaide vs. Geelong (Fox Sports 3, replay on 7mate)
Sun 4.30pm – West Coast Eagles vs. Sydney Swans (7mate, Fox Footy)　

NEAFL (Round 18)　

Eastlake vs. Belconnen – Saturday 11.15am (Ainslie)
Hills Eagles vs. Queanbeyan – Saturday 11.45am (Bruce Purser)
Gold Coast Suns vs. Sydney Swans – Saturday 1.00pm (Metricon)
Ainslie vs. Tuggeranong – Saturday 2.15pm (Ainslie)
Sydney Uni, UWS GIANTS – bye