MATCH PREVIEW: Sydney Uni v GIANTS

NEAFL ROUND 13

Friday, June 28, 2019
Sydney University (6th) v GIANTS (4th)
Henson Park, 6:30pm

SUMMARY

The NEAFL Round 13 will kick off under lights when Sydney University and the GIANTS go head-to-head on Friday night at Henson Park.

Sydney University will head into the match seeking redemption after an enormous 128-point loss – their biggest loss of the season – to undefeated ladder leaders the Brisbane Lions.

Meanwhile, the GIANTS will head into the match keen to earn their fourth consecutive win to rack up a total of seven wins for the season after their Round 12 bye.

There is no doubt that both teams will have to dig deep for the win that they desire, making the match an interesting watch for spectators and setting the tone for a jam-packed weekend of quality football.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 17, 2018: GIANTS 20.12 (132) d Sydney Uni 11.11 (77) at GIANTS Stadium
Round 17, 2017: GIANTS 12.12 (84) d Sydney Uni 11.5 (71) at BISP
Round 2, 2017: Sydney Uni 20.8 (128) d GIANTS 12.13 (85) at BISP

TALKING POINTS

1. Sydney University will take to the field following their biggest loss of the season to the Brisbane Lions at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday. It was a bruising encounter physically and mentally, but no doubt the young side took a lot of learnings and positive out of the match. The Students will relish the chance to test themselves against an AFL side two weeks in a row.

2. Despite Sydney University’s unpleasant loss last week, the Students pair Bailey Stewart, 20, and Jake Bartholomaues, 22, were outstanding and are amongst the best in the competition when it comes to the important contested possession count. Stewart (32 disposals, 18 contested) and Bartholomaues (31 disposals, 19 contested) now sit fourth and fifth respectively in the league.

3. The GIANTS lost five AFL-listed players to injury ahead of their last match against Redland in Round 11, coming away with a 10-point win over Redland with 11 listed players. They are expected to gain a few more this week to really test the Students, and more importantly for GIANTS fans, give themselves a big chance to consolidate a place in the top four.

ROOKIE WATCH

Livewire Ian “Bobby” Hill is inching closer towards an AFL debut after producing a consistent season so far at NEAFL level. The 19-year-old forward is electrifying to watch, and will present a headache for the Students defenders on Friday night. Blessed with pace and exquisite skills, he is one young player you cannot take your eyes off.

STATS THAT MATTER

Both these sides are neck and neck when it comes to efficiency going inside their respective forward 50 arcs. The GIANTS and Students both average four inside 50s per goal (equal second best in the competition) and score just shy of 50% of the time they are inside 50 (GIANTS 48.9% and Students 48.6%).

PREDICTION

GIANTS by 20 points.

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