MATCH PREVIEW: Canberra v Southport

NEAFL ROUND 3

Friday, April 19, 2019

Canberra Demons (6th) v Southport (3rd)

Phillip Oval, 12pm

SUMMARY

A Good Friday clash between the rising Canberra Demons and reigning premier Southport is sure to be an entertaining and see-sawing match.

Southport will be traveling to the nation’s capital off the back of two wins; a strong victory over Redland in Round 1 and a hoodoo-defying win over Aspley at Voxson Oval last week.

Canberra will be playing its first game this year at traditional home ground Phillip Oval. The Demons have a 1-1 record after a win over the Gold Coast and a disappointing loss against Redland last week, which they were widely expected to win.

This match comes as a big opportunity for the Demons, after two heavy defeats to Southport last year they can really test themselves against the reigning premiers.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 18, 2018: Southport 26.14 (170) d Canberra Demons 10.7 (67) at Fankhauser Reserve

Round 2, 2018: Southport 17.13 (115) d Canberra Demons 7.11 (53) at Allinsure Park

Round 21, 2017: Canberra Demons 14.12 (96) d Southport 13.12 (90) at Manuka Oval

TALKING POINTS

1. Canberra will have an emphasis on looking after the ball heading into this key match-up as they conceded 66 points off turnovers in their 60-point defeat to Redland last week. If they are able to reduce the number of turnovers, and the damage which ensues, it will go a long way towards helping them find a result this Friday.

2. Southport will be looking to improve their goal kicking after narrowly defeating Aspley in a tight game at Voxson Oval for the first time in seven years. Southport will want to make the most of their opportunities for goal after kicking 8.21, including seven behinds in the third quarter.

3. This week will be about restoring a little bit of pride for Canberra after a lackluster performance last week against the Bombers. They were outclassed and outplayed by a Redland side who simply wanted victory more. This week will be the perfect opportunity to take down one of the best sides in the competition in Southport.

ROOKIE WATCH

Canberra forward Rhys Pollock is proving to be a handy pick-up so far this season for the Demons. The former GIANTS Academy member has booted five goals in the opening two rounds, and averaged 15 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency. The young gun will be aiming to secure a NEAFL Rising Star nomination before the season is over.

STATS THAT MATTER

The team that is able to take hold of their opportunities inside 50 and in-front of goal will likely grab the four points out of the match. Both teams rank 8th (Canberra) and 9th (Southport) so far this season for inside 50s per goal.

PREDICTION

Southport by 20 points.