MATCH PREVIEW: Sydney University v Aspley

NEAFL ROUND 1

Saturday, April 6

Sydney University v Aspley Hornets

Blacktown International Sportspark, 12pm

SUMMARY

The 2019 season has finally arrived, and it kicks off with two finals contenders from last year clashing at Blacktown on Saturday.

Sydney University hosts Aspley in an intriguing matchup from 12pm, with both sides are looking to build on impressive 2018 campaigns. Sydney University, under the leadership of Tom Morrison, will field a vastly different team from the one which suffered a shock loss to Canberra Demons in the first round of finals last year.

Meanwhile, Aspley, which was knocked out in the Preliminary Final by Southport last year, will be looking to make their case towards the big dance and a flag in 2019.

It’ll be an interesting watch for spectators as both sides showed some good practice match form. Sydney University’s younger players look exciting whilst the big names that made Aspley a force in 2018 will look to start the season off in style.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 11, 2018: Aspley 13.10 (88) d Sydney Uni 11.9 (75) at BISP

Round 7, 2018: Sydney Uni 11.19 (85) d Aspley 11.9 (75) at Voxson Oval

Elimination Final, 2017: Sydney Uni 19.12 (126) d Aspley 11.10 (76) at BISP

TALKING POINTS

1.  Where do Sydney University sit coming out of the practice matches? Sydney University’s two trial matches against the GIANTS and Swans returned differing results for the side, holding on for a good victory against the Swans in their first practice match before losing to the GIANTS in their second week. But the signs were overall positive for a young, new team in their first hitouts. Aspley will be a tough test first up for the Sydney based side, but the advantage is they’ve played quality opposition in the lead-up.

2.  Is Aspley able to pick up where it left off from last year? Despite falling a game short of a Grand Final last year, Aspley should be pleased with its 2018 efforts and look on in 2019 with optimism with a new coach in Daniel Webster. Some early practice match form from the Hornets looks promising, 2019 and the Hornets will be keen to set the ascendancy with a good road win in Round 1.

3. How will Sydney University look with a new looking list? The off-season saw Sydney Uni lose a plethora of experienced players in the form of Xavier Richards, Craig Bird, Jake Derickx and Shaun Edwards amongst others. Tom Morrison’s side will line up much younger as a result and will be an interesting proposition come Saturday when premiership points are up for grabs.

ROOKIE WATCH

There will be no greater test for 19-year-old Sydney University midfielder Bailey Stewart on Saturday, making his club debut against one of the strongest midfields in the competition. A NEAFL Rising Star nominee last year, and eligible for the award again this season, Stewart has built a solid foundation after playing 18 matches for Sydney in the NEAFL in 2018 and averaging 17 disposals and five tackles per game. He’ll carry a bit of responsibility on his young shoulders this year, but watch for this young talent to grab his opportunity with both hands.

STATS THAT MATTER

Aspley and Sydney University were ranked No.1 and No.2 respectively for total clearances in 2018. Expect a tough battle in the midfield right from the opening bounce on Saturday.

PREDICTION

This will be a close contest, but Aspley should get the job done on the road. Hornets by 20.