MATCH PREVIEW: Canberra v Sydney University

NEAFL ROUND 14

Saturday, July 6, 2019
Canberra Demons (7th) vs Sydney University (6th)
Phillip Oval, 12pm

SUMMARY

This game looms as the match of the round as both teams look to secure a spot in the top six and to keep their seasons alive. This will be the third match-up this year between these two sides with Canberra running away with the chocolates in previous two games this year, winning by five and 24 points.

The Demons come into the game off the back of a three-game losing streak and losing to Aspley last week by 80 points. Canberra’s last win came against the Students in Round 9 and will need to re-create something similar if they want to keep their final chances alive.

Sydney University will be just as hungry for a win in Canberra as they are also on a three-game losing streak, going down to the GIANTS last weekend after a late Bobby Hill snap saw the GIANTS get up by two points.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

2019, Round 9: Canberra Demons 13.10 (88) defeated Sydney University 8.16 (64) at Phillip Oval.
2019, Round 4: Canberra Demons 10.5 (65) defeated Sydney University 8.12 (60) at Henson Park.
2018, Elimination Final: Canberra Demons 15.13 (103) defeated Sydney University 14.10 (94) at Blacktown.

TALKING POINTS

1. Both teams are level with four wins so far in the 2019 NEAFL season, with Sydney University’s superior percentage giving them an important edge over the Demons. As Aspley, Canberra, Gold Coast and Sydney University squabble over the last two finals spots, games like these are vital. The winner of this match would effectively go a game clear of the other which will be important towards securing a finals spot.

2. Sydney University’s leading goal kicker Tristan Davies had his first goal-less game of 2019 against the GIANTS last week after kicking 26 in his previous 10 games. Davies’ will be looking to take kick a big bag this weekend as a big performance from their star forward could prove the difference in securing their first win over Canberra in 2019, as well as edging closer to the finals.

3. Canberra have consistently played with one specialist ruckman and Alex Paech pinch-hitting in the ruck until last week. Canberra coach Kade Klemke selected both Josh Maynard and Luke Jamieson last week against Aspley but were no match for Aspley’s Jake Spencer who amassed a massive 48 hit-outs to Maynard and Jamieson’s 33 combined. Will Klemke roll the dice with two specialist ruckmen again this weekend to battle Sam Tagliabue?

ROOKIE WATCH

Canberra Demons forward Harrison Carr has been building his performances this year, playing an important role within Canberra’s forward-line. Carr has kicked 17 goals for the year thus far, highlighted by four goals last time against the Students which included a dribbling goal of the year contender.

STATS THAT MATTER

Pressure around the ball and forcing the opposition into errors will be crucial when these two sides meet on Saturday afternoon. Sydney University is ranked second in the competition for tackles made and average seven more than the Demons, ranked seventh.

PREDICTION

Sydney University to claim their first win over Canberra by 19.

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