MATCH PREVIEW: Redland v Canberra

NEAFL ROUND 21

Saturday, August 25, 2019
Redland Bombers (9th) v Canberra Demons (7th)
Scottsdale Park, 12pm

SUMMARY

With finals out of the equation for both of these sides, this game shapes as a great way for either team to finish the year on a high.

The Bombers have achieved just the two wins for the year, the last of them coming back in Round 9. One of those wins came against a favoured Demons side back in Round 2 and they will be aiming for a repeat of that result.

The Demons pulled off an unlikely upset against a top-four hopeful in Aspley last week at home, in one of their best performances for the year.

Unfortunately for Demons fans they won’t be making finals for a second time this year and will be wanting a good result going into next year with high hopes.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 15, 2019: Canberra 14.6 (90) defeated Redland 7.13 (55) at UNSW Canberra Oval.
Round 2, 2019: Redland 17.9 (111) defeated Canberra 7.9 (51) at Scottsdale Park.
Round 15, 2018: Canberra 20.14 (134) defeated Redland 14.10 (94) at UNSW Canberra Oval.

TALKING POINTS

1. The last time these two sides met back in Round 15, Redland playing coach Phil Carse was unhappy with his side’s entry into their attacking 50. They recorded six more inside 50’s than Canberra that day for the same number of scoring shots. They were too shallow and wide when hitting targets going forward, leading to some inaccurate goal kicking. If the Bombers can be more direct with their ball movement towards goal don’t be surprised to see another upset at Scottsdale Park in the works.

2. The Demons excelled with their pressure and contested work around stoppages against Aspley last week. A big reason for why they were able to get the result they did was their tackling pressure, recording 89 tackles for the game. This was an area they lacked in their Round 2 loss to the Bombers with a season low of 35. A high number of tackles and pressure from Canberra will help ensure them towards their eighth win for the year.

3. The Canberra Demons will be farewelling defenders Sam Martyn and Ben Halse after they announced their retirements a couple of weeks to go. Two Canberra foundation players, the Demons will be doing everything possible to farewell two club veterans off with a win.

ROOKIE WATCH

Canberra Demons tall forward Riley Corbett announced himself on to the NEAFL stage in a big way last week. With five goals from six disposals last week, look for another commanding performance from the Riverina product.

STATS THAT MATTER

Canberra have won seven out of the 10 contests between these two sides since Canberra’s inception into the NEAFL. It’s a big challenge for Redland this week, but one they are fully of capable of pulling off.

PREDICTION

Canberra by 18.

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