MATCH PREVIEW: Aspley v Sydney

NEAFL ROUND 19

Saturday 10th August, 2019
Aspley Hornets (3rd) v Sydney Swans (4th)
Voxson Oval, 12pm 

SUMMARY

The equation is simple for the Hornets and Swans this weekend.

Win, and finals are a certainty.

However, there’s nothing simple about this Saturday’s match for either the Aspley Hornets or the Sydney Swans, with both sides boasting enough credentials to push a case to be favourites at Voxson Oval.

The Hornets will be confident after an impressive bounce-back win over cross-town rival Redland, while the Swans will be eager to notch their crucial 10th win this weekend, rather than take their chances against the rising SUNS and rampaging Lions as the season closes.

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS

Round 5, 2018: Aspley 11.6 (72) defeated Sydney 9.17 (71) at SCG
Round 12, 2017: Sydney 22.22 (154) defeated Aspley 8.4 (52) at South Pine Sports Complex
Prelim. Final, 2016: Sydney 15.23 (113) defeated Aspley 4.7 (31) at BISP 

TALKING POINTS

1. Aspley’s strong vein of form was interrupted in their last match at Voxson Oval, as Sydney University brought a seven-point upset loss to the Hornets. Prior to that, the Hornets had won six games in a row, and a big win over the Bombers showed doubters that Aspley are still very capable of playing quality football. A 7-1 record over the past eight matches is a feat the majority of the competition would envy. The Hornets are finding form at the right time.

2. The Sydney Swans have struggled to match the intensity of their opponents over the last two weeks, copping losses to the GIANTS (14 points) and Lions (32 points). While losses, Sydney gave both Brisbane and GWS solid contests, and should be confident of having the wood over Hornets. The Swans are yet to lose to a non-AFL affiliated side.

3. Last time they played, Aspley nabbed a gripping one-point win over the Swans at the SCG, breaking a season-spanning narrative of Sydney mauling the Hornets in the NEAFL. Matt Payne kicked the sealer, as Gavin Grose and Lonnie Hampton starred for Aspley, and Colin O’Riordan, Riley Stoddart and Darcy Cameron impressed for the home side.

ROOKIE WATCH 

Neither the Swans nor the Hornets had a Rising Star nomination in 2019, though there’s still plenty of youngsters keen to make an impact in the back end of the season, and prime themselves for regular senior football in 2020.

Promising ruckman Joel Amartey was named one of Sydney’s best in their loss to the GIANTS, as the former Sandringham Dragon racked up 26 disposals, eight marks, six tackles, 28 hit-outs and a goal. From a basketball background, Amartey has the potential to become the Swans’ premier ruckman in seasons to come, and will be keen to impress against Jake Spencer, arguably the NEAFL’s strongest ruckman.

STATS THAT MATTER

The Hornets were more accurate than they’ve been all season against the Bombers last round, with 22 goals and nine behinds. This 71% accuracy betters their previous high of 73% in 2018, coincidentally also against Redland. The Hornets have struggled at stages in front of goal so far this season, so maintaining a stretch of goalkicking form will go a long way to ensuring they take the four points this weekend.

PREDICTION

Hornets guarantee a finals spot. Aspley by three points.

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