MATCH PREVIEW: Redland v Southport

NEAFL ROUND 16

Saturday, July 20, 2019
Redland Bombers (9th) v Southport Sharks (2nd)
Scottsdale Park, 1.30pm

SUMMARY

There’s only six rounds remaining, and this matchup looms crucial for Southport to secure a top two finish and for Redland to rock the boat and get some reward for effort in the back end of the year.

Southport currently sit in a tight battle with Sydney to stay in second place and a win would go a long way towards being guaranteed that all important first week off in finals.

A lot has been made of Redland’s ability to match it with the better sides and this was exemplified earlier this year when the Sharks narrowly escaped with a six-point victory despite being the favourites on paper. This will be Redland’s first game back at Scottsdale Park since that very match in May and they’ll de determined to get a win on home turf in what will be a special day for the club, with Matt Thomson (200th club match) and Craig Malone (100th NEAFL game) celebrating milestones.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 8 2019: Southport 7.15 (57) d Redland 6.15 (51) at Scottsdale Park
Round 1 2019: Southport 16.14 (110) d Redland 7.6 (48) at Fankhauser Reserve
Round 21, 2018: Southport 21.7 (133) d Redland 4.11 (35) at Fankhauser Reserve

TALKING POINTS

1. Southport was brave in defeat last week to the Swans with an undermanned outfit matching the Swans through three quarters of footy before a six goal to one final term settled the match in Sydney’s favour. The returns of names such as Lee Dale and Seb Tape amongst others will be welcomed by the Sharks who will be looking to turn the tables.

2. Redland’s loss to the Demons in Canberra was disappointing for the Bombers making their hunt for finals as good as over. The match no doubt held great enthusiasm for Redland faithful as the Bombers defeated the Demons earlier this year, however the result was not to be, and the Bombers will face a very tough test this week. 

3. Prolific ruckmen Craig Malone hits 100 NEAFL games played this weekend and what a season he is having. Malone already has the most hit outs in NEAFL history and just this year registered 71 hit outs in a single game against Sydney University. Still only 26, Malone has plenty of years to well and truly blow that hit-out record and games total out of the water. Look for a big game from the man they call “Tiny” this Saturday.

ROOKIE WATCH

Lions Academy member Samson Ryan will make his NEAFL debut for Redland this week after splitting his time between the academy and a handful of QAFL games for Western Magpies. Originally from Pambula on the New South Wales south coast, Ryan played for Brisbane in this year’s NAB League and was selected in the initial Allies squad.

STATS THAT MATTER

Redland has had the yips in front of goal in recent weeks. After kicking 0.8 in the first quarter against the Lions in Round 13, the Bombers have continued to lack in front of goal kicking at 35% and 38% accuracy over their last two matches. Even in their last matchup with the Sharks, Redland led by two goals at three-quarter time but kicked 0.6 in the last quarter to lose the game by six points.

PREDICTION

Southport to bounce back, Sharks by 30 points.

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