NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 5 Preview

St Kilda vs. Sydney Swans – Thursday 5.50pm (Westpac Stadium)

The Swans (3-1, 5th) will help bring AFL football to Wellington as they face St Kilda (1-3, 10th).

Despite similar draws in the early rounds, the Saints’ form has not been on the same level as that of the Swans.

They defeated the GIANTS but could not get past Gold Coast, Richmond or Essendon. The Swans’ only loss was against Geelong last week.

Leigh Montagna is averaging an impressive 28 disposals per game, but the key man for St Kilda has been in the forward line. Nick Riewoldt is taking 4.25 marks inside 50s a game and has converted 12 goals this season.

As a comparison, Sydney’s marks inside 50 leader is Adam Goodes, who takes only 1.25 per game.

Josh Kennedy and Ryan O’Keefe are the Swans’ leaders for disposals, contested possessions and clearances. Nick Malceski is averaging nearly nine rebound 50s a game.

GWS GIANTS vs. Gold Coast Suns – Saturday 1.40pm (StarTrack Oval)

The two expansion clubs renew their young rivalry in Canberra as the GIANTS (0-4, 18th) host Gold Coast (1-3, 14th).

The Suns have looked more promising in 2013 with a win already on the board and another game that could’ve gone either way.

Last year, the two sides split their two fixtures.

The Suns’ form has started with their experienced players. Gary Ablett (30 disposals per game), Jarrod Harbrow (25) and Jared Brennan (16 contested possessions) are leading the way.

The back line and forward line is where the youth is emerging. Dion Prestia is averaging an impressive 6.3 rebound 50s, while the leading scorers are Aaron Hall and Charlie Dixon.

The GIANTS midfield may not contain a Gary Ablett, but it does rank fourth for centre clearances. Callan Ward and Adam Treloar are the leading ball winners.

Tall timber is responsible for a lot of the scoring up forward, with Setanta O’hAilpin booting five in his return last week and Jeremy Cameron with six to date.

NSW/ACT Notes

– Lenny Hayes (Pennant Hills) qualifies for AFL life membership this week by playing his 300th official game. He’s played 267 premiership matches, 30 preseason games and two International Rules games since his St Kilda debut in 1999.

NEAFL Fixtures (Round 6)

UWS Giants vs. Eastlake – Saturday 9.30am (Startrack Oval)
Broadbeach vs. Ainslie – Saturday 1.00pm (Broadbeach)
Mt Gravatt vs. Belconnen – Saturday 1.00pm (Mt Gravatt)
Queanbeyan vs. Tuggeranong – Sunday 2.00pm (Dairy Farmers)
Sydney Uni vs. Hills Eagles – Sunday 2.00pm (Henson)
Sydney Swans – Bye