NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 18 preview

By Michael DiFabrizio

Collingwood vs. GWS GIANTS – Saturday 4.40pm (MCG)

Collingwood (10-6, 7th) give the GIANTS (0-16, 18th) a rare appearance at the MCG on Saturday.

The Pies will be reeling after losing away to the Gold Coast Suns last week, a result that was surprising but also a reflection on how far the Suns have come.

This week, though, the Pies will be determined to reaffirm their finals credentials with a big win.

The GIANTS will be encouraged by a strong showing at home against Essendon and their aim will be to continue that form into this week.

One area the GIANTS may look to exploit is the ruck department, where Collingwood rank last for hitouts.

After the success of Dean Brogan’s inclusion last week, don’t rule out the prospect of Kevin Sheedy giving him another run or giving the 203cm Tom Downie an opportunity.

Another decision he’ll have to make is what to do about Dane Swan. The midfield star has had a pair of goals and at least 30 touches in each of his last two games and produced 41 disposals the week before that.

Sydney Swans vs. Richmond – Sunday 4.40pm (SCG)

The Swans (12-3-1, 4th) host the red-hot Richmond (11-5, 6th) at the SCG on Sunday.

The Tigers had a massive win last week, beating Fremantle by 27 points. The Dockers were previously equal on points with the Swans.

Richmond have won six of their last seven however until last week, their record against the top tier sides left a bit to be desired.

The Swans did no damage to their top tier status last week against West Coast, getting a strong win over in Perth.

The form of both teams sets up a blockbuster twilight clash.

Richmond are the third-cleanest users of the footy, holding a disposal efficiency of 72.3 per cent. The Swans now rank last in the stat, going at 69.5 per cent.

However, the Swans will have the edge in other areas. They are a clear No. 1 in tackles and are even further ahead for contested possessions, which forms the basis of a very solid game plan.

One man the Tigers will need to watch is the consistent Kurt Tippett. He’s had either two or three goals in every one of his Swans appearances.

NSW/ACT Notes

Adam Schneider (Osborne) finally returned to football last weekend. Playing for St Kilda’s VFL affiliate Sandringham in their 75-point win, he picked up 23 disposals. He’s likely at least one more week away from AFL selection.

Isaac Smith (Temora) and Dylan Addison (St George) are closing in on a unique milestone: 1000 career disposals. Smith is on 984 and Addison on 990.

Justin Koschitzke (Brocklesby) is still awaiting selection for what would be his 200th AFL game.

AFL.com.au’s Jacqui Reed says that Daniel Cross (Albury) and Tom Young (Wollondilly) are both a chance to return to the Western Bulldogs this week.

The NEAFL Eastern Conference ladder is taking shape. The Sydney Swans reserves sit atop on 40 points ahead of Belconnen. Ainslie and Eastlake are each on 36 points. The UWS GIANTS, who’ve played one less game than those above them, are on 32 to round out the top five. Queanbeyan are also on one less game and have 28 points.

NEAFL (Round 19)

Gold Coast Suns vs. UWS GIANTS – Saturday 10.05am (Metricon)
Sydney Uni vs. Queanbeyan – Saturday 2.00pm (Drummoyne)
Belconnen vs. Ainslie – Saturday 2.00pm (Kippax)
Tuggeranong, Hills Eagles, Sydney Swans, Eastlake – bye