MATCH PREVIEW: Gold Coast v Sydney

NEAFL ROUND 2

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Gold Coast SUNS (6th) v Sydney Swans (4th)

Metricon Stadium, 10:45am

SUMMARY

The Gold Coast SUNS host the Sydney Swans in this Round 2 matchup of the 2019 NEAFL season. The Swans tasted victory last week in their opening round against the GIANTS whilst Gold Coast went down to Canberra Demons on the road.

The SUNS were slightly understrength with only 13 listed players as well as some talent missing as they participate in the NAB League, whilst the Swans had 16 listed for their match against the GIANTS. Leading into the this week, the SUNS will be looking to string together some consistent football after an impressive final term last week against Canberra nearly saw them steal the chocolates.

Sydney, on the other hand, will be striving for much more of the same after recording a relatively comfortable win in Round 1.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 21, 2018: Sydney 12.10 (82) d Gold Coast 4.6 (30) at BISP

Round 16, 2018: Gold Coast 11.10 (76) d Sydney 8.5 (53) at the SCG

Round 11, 2018: Sydney 15.17 (107) d GoldCoast 6.4 (40) at Metricon Stadium

TALKING POINTS

It was a case of so close, yet so far for the SUNS last week when they trailed Canberra by 40 points leading into the final quarter, before four unanswered goals in nine minutes brought them to within 11 points. Canberra ultimately held on to win, but Gold Coast proved it can certainly pack a punch. Coach Nick Malceski will want to see four quarters of that form coming in to battle against the Swans this week.

The Swans led at every change in their opening matchup against the GIANTS, despite the hosts remaining close with Sydney, they were able to close out the match 29 point victors with relative ease. They’ll field a similar side this week against Gold Coast, with speedster Ryley Stoddart and Matthew Ling coming in to the side with Justin McInerney and Kieren Jack elevated to the AFL. They showed plenty of class in Round 1, and are in a good position to continue their winning ways against the SUNS.

What about the dominance of James Rose? Not a bad game for the 22-year-old last week with 39 disposals, nine clearances, 11 inside 50s and four goals. He missed out on an AFL call-up, but this young gun will make life difficult for Gold Coast if they cannot contain his dominance.

ROOKIE WATCH

Swans draftee James Rowbottom was brilliant on his NEAFL debut with 31 disposals and six tackles last week. Justin McInerney and Zac Foot as well were both impressive as well with both hitting the scoreboard and being around the 20-disposal mark for the game. For the SUNS, both notable draftees Ben King and Jez McLennan were relatively quiet. McLennan finished with 13 disposals and eight marks whilst King was only able to find the seven possessions for the game.

STATS THAT MATTER

There is promise for the SUNS with the Gold Coast getting 56 inside 50s in their opening match. The alarming stat, however, is their 32 per cent efficiency going inside forward 50. SUNS coach Nick Malceski will be happy with the amount of inside 50s, however will be looking to work on their efficiency going forward ahead of Round 2.

PREDICTION

Sydney Swans by 30 points.