ROUND 1
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Clubs with a Bye
NEAFL ROUND 18
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Sydney University (6th) v Canberra Demons (7th)
Blacktown International Sportspark, 12pm
SUMMARY
Sydney University and the Canberra Demons will be preparing
for one of their hardest challenges in this year’s competition when they come
head-to-head for a spot in the finals this Saturday.
With a top six ranking on the line it will be the most
important game of the year for the two sides. They will not be shy of each
other with already having met three times, with one draw and two wins to
Canberra set to give the Demons a confidence boost.
But Sydney University has found some form, beating Aspley by
seven points last week in an upset to put even more pressure on Canberra. The
Demons simply must win to give themselves a shot of a second consecutive finals
series.
We can expect nothing less than a physical and gruelling
encounter when these two sides meet on Saturday. Bring it on!
RECENT ENCOUNTERS
Round 14, 2019: Canberra 15.13 (103) drew. Sydney 15.13
(103) at Phillip Oval
Round 9, 2019: Canberra 13.10 (88) def. Sydney 8.16 (64) at Phillip Oval
Round 4, 2019: Canberra 10.5 (65) def. Sydney 8.12 (60) at Henson Park
TALKING POINTS
1. This week’s decider will be the most anticipated game of
the 2019 season for both of these sides. Sitting in sixth (Sydney Uni) and seventh
place (Canberra) on the NEAFL ladder, both teams are separated only by percentage
but the Students have a game in hand with Canberra set to have the bye next
week. Adding extra spice to this clash is only a few weeks ago they played in a
dramatic draw at Phillip Oval. The next chapter in this growing rivalry is
expected to go down to the wire once again.
2. Last week’s win against Aspley was something special for Sydney
University. Out-muscled in nearly every key statistical area, the Students were
more efficient going forward and opened the Hornets up on the rebound. Josh
Stern was the star up forward with six goals. If they can replicate last week’s
performance they’ll be hard to stop.
3. One of the foundations of Canberra’s success in 2019 has
been the performances of its young stars. Currently with five NEAFL Rising Star
nominees his season – headlined by star defender Angus Baker – it will be the
biggest test for the Demons’ youthful line-up to see how they perform when
their season is on the line.
ROOKIE WATCH
Sydney University midfielder Bailey Stewart doesn’t mind
playing against the Demons. A NEAFL Rising Star nominee this year, Stewart has
averaged 24 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 5.3 clearances and nine
tackles against Canberra in 2019.
STATS THAT MATTER
Canberra is at its best on the rebound, punishing teams who
turn the ball over. The Demons are ranked second in the NEAFL behind Brisbane for
scores from turnovers, kicking an average of 52 points per game from this
source.
PREDICTION
Sydney Uni by 12 points.
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