MATCH PREVIEW: Sydney Uni v Southport

NEAFL ROUND 5

Saturday, May 4, 2019
Sydney University (4th) v Southport Sharks (3rd)
Blacktown International Sportspark, 12pm

SUMMARY

Sydney University and the Southport Sharks will go head-to-head in what will be a spectacular contest between 3rd and 4th at Blacktown International Sportspark at noon on Saturday.

Fresh from their Round 4 bye, the Southport Sharks will head into the match as one of only three teams that have remained undefeated this far into the 2019 NEAFL season.

Meanwhile, Sydney University will be eager to prove themselves against the quality side and bounce back after suffering their first disappointing loss against the Canberra Demons last week.

There is no doubt that both sides will have to dig deep for the win, making this match an interesting watch for spectators!

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 16, 2018: Sydney University 11.13 (79) d Southport 9.11 (65) at Fankhauser Reserve.
Round 10, 2018: Southport 18.15 (123) d Sydney University 1.7 (13) at Fankhauser Reserve.
Round 4, 2018: Sydney University 13.1 (88) d Southport 6.19 (55) at Henson Park.

TALKING POINTS

1. Sydney University started their 2019 NEAFL season campaign famously, only suffering a disappointing loss last week against the Canberra Demons. There is no doubt that the new young side is a strong one, but how will they bounce back after their first loss? The answer to this question will be a true indication of whether or not the Students are a premiership threat in 2019.

2. Given the teams position on the ladder, this match could come down to the wire as 3rd plays 4th. If the Southport Sharks want the win against Sydney University, they should bring the same attitude and persistence that they did against the Canberra Demons in Round 3, where they were pushed right to the final siren. In that match, the winner was determined in the last 10 minutes with a goal by Michael Manteit proving the difference.

3. If this match is close on the scoreboard, it might be the ability of the teams to finish what they started that determines who wins. In Round 3, the Southport Sharks proved that they had the ability to hold on to win against the Canberra Demons in the last 10 minutes. However, in Round 4 when the match came down to one goal, the inexperience and youth of Sydney University saw the Students scramble and fold under the pressure.

ROOKIE WATCH

It will be another great chance for Sydney University young gun Josh Stern to make his mark this weekend coming up against the defending premier. The former Swans Academy member – in his first season with the Students – has been named among his side’s best players in every match so far this season.

STATS THAT MATTER

Southport has never won at Blacktown International Sportspark. The Sharks have lost five matches at the venue – three coming against Sydney Uni – by an average of 61 points.

PREDICTION

Southport by 15 points.

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