Sydney University on unfamiliar territory

By Bronte Kerr

The Students will face the added challenge of playing in Darwin on the weekend, where playing and weather conditions differ greatly to those in Sydney.

NT Thunder are notoriously at their best when they play at home with Saturday’s game promising to be no different.

NT Thunder proved too good for Aspley on the weekend, narrowly defeating the home side by 13 points (15.8-98 to 11.19-85).

Aspley’s campaign against NT Thunder was weakened severely by their lamentable inaccuracy in front of goal.

R. Nyhuis, D. Ewing, C. Illett, R. Tambling, N.Vea Vea and B.Rioloi were among the Thunder’s best.

Meanwhile, Sydney University defeated a relentless Ainslie side at BISP by 10 points to secure its first win for the season.

After trailing at quarter time, the Students recovered in the latter stages of the game, slotting two late goals to seal the 10 points victory.

Tom Ayton (20 disposals and two goals), Mitch Thompson and Ruckman Jed Turner (28 hitouts and 8 clearances) were among the Students best.

Coach Daniel Gilmore described the game as a scrappy affair, however was nevertheless happy to secure a win before hitting the road to Darwin.

“There were a lot of errors from both teams but it had a bit to do with the amount of pressure that was on the ball carrier,” he said.

Both sides will take to the field on Saturday evening determined to get another win under their belt and to cement themselves as fierce contenders in the competition.

Talking Points

1.     Students to get back to the basics

After an unconvincing win over Ainslie on the weekend, the Students need to get back to the basics ahead of their clash against NT Thunder.

Coach Daniel Gilmore has reiterated to the playing group that they will have to bring their skills up a notch when they take on the NT Thunder away from home.

“My message to my group ahead of our game against the NT is we’ve got to control ball movement and the tempo of the game much better than what we are.”

“There is no doubt our skills have to improve to challenge the Territory.”

2.     Silencing the formidable Ewing

The Students will have a big task ahead of them if they wish to silence NT Thunder’s crowd favourite, Darren Ewing, who put on a stunning display of football on the weekend; slotting seven of the Thunder’s goals.

Ewing has had a stellar start to the season, booting six goals in Round 2 against Southport and another seven against Redland in Round 3.

Former coach Daniel Archer sang high praise for Ewing, who is known around the club as “Boof”.

“As much as he’s seen as a larrikin and an old- school type footballer he works very, very hard on his game and he’s deserving of every goal that he kicks,” Archer said.

“Within the people of Darwin and the community he’s a bit of a colt figure and within the team he’s not only a popular figure but he’s very well respected, so he’s very important to us”. 

Crowd favourite, Darren Ewing poses for media during the 2014 season, Image: Patrina Malone.

3.     Students duo to debut

Nick Foster and Dough Hadden will debut in style when they hit the road with the Students to take on NT Thunder in Darwin this weekend.

Nick Foster has represented NSW for several years now, as a player for North Shore Bombers and for the under 18 Ram’s squad.

Playing junior footy for Mosman/Willoughby Foster climbed up the ranks throughout his teenage years, growing to become one of the hardest and most highly respected midfielders in the Premiership Division.  

North Shore Bombers Coach Jon Hayres spoke highly of the emerging midfielder and his 2014 season with the side.

“Nick’s commitment on and off the field is second to none,” Hayres said.

“Nick is a terrific team player…His willingness to do the one percenters…gives his team mates a lift and he is great to have in the side, so its very pleasing to see him starting to get the recognition he deserves.”

Foster will be joined by North Shore Bombers teammate Douglas Hadden who is expected to play his first game with the Students for the season.

Defender Spencer Krochmal and forward Oscar Osborne have both been omitted from the Sydney University side.

Last Time:

Round 13 2014- NT Thunder (19.11-125) d. Sydney University (1.9-15) at TIO stadium in Darwin.

Prediction: NT Thunder by 28 points