Students to battle for Chancellors Cup

By Sarah Browne

The match will be played at Blacktown International Sportspark before the GWS GIANTS take on the Melbourne Demons at Skoda Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Chancellors Cup, which aims to promote AFL across both the Universities, will be presented to the Chancellor of the winning University at the conclusion of the match. 

Dignitaries from the two Universities, including UWS Chancellor Peter Shergold and Sydney University Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson will be watching on from the stands, and hoping to take home the winning honours.  

NEAFL Eastern Conference Manager, Andrew Knott, said designating the fixture to the this event would help create a stronger tie between two of Sydney’s most important educational institutions

“The Chancellors Cup acknowledges the importance of having two of Sydney’s most respected and important universities involved in the NEAFL competition,” he said.

“Playing for this cup will also create a friendly rivalry between the teams, both of whom are representing institutions with great sporting histories.”

The University of Western Sydney have had a partnership with the GWS GIANTS since the 2012 NEAFL season, with tailored membership packages and ticket offers available to students.

This partnership provides educational pathways for GWS GIANTS players to take further studies, whether at TAFE or university.

Sydney University also have the unique opportunity to be able to provide scholarships to prospective players, and the advantages are evident in their improvement in the competition in just their second season. 

The young side upset reigning premiers Queanbeyan last week, and will be hoping to do the same to the fifth-placed GIANTS. 

No doubt both teams will be hungry for the win, with only three matches remaining in the home and away season.