MATCH PREVIEW: Sydney University v NT Thunder

NEAFL ROUND 2

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Sydney University (3rd) v NT Thunder (9th)

Blacktown International Sportspark, 12pm

SUMMARY

Sydney University will host NT Thunder at Blacktown International Sportspark at noon on Saturday in a battle that will truly test how the teams measure up.

Itching to win two from two, Sydney University will be willing to prove that their surprise win against the Apsley Hornets at Henson Park with nine players on debut was not beginners luck, but the thirst of a new young side.

Meanwhile, NT Thunder will be wishing to redeem themselves and land their first win of the 2019 NEAFL season after a tough initiation match against the Brisbane Lions at TIO Stadium in Round 1.

As Sydney University and NT Thunder have something to prove, everything to gain and nothing to lose, it will be an interesting match to watch for spectators.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 21, 2018: Sydney University 19.19 (133) d NT Thunder 3.6 (24) at BISP

Round 8, 2018: Sydney University 18.11 (119) d NT Thunder 9.7 (61) at BISP

Round 3, 2018: Sydney University 14.14 (98) d NT Thunder 12.11 (83) at TIO Stadium

TALKING POINTS

1. Sydney University started their 2019 NEAFL season campaign running with the ball in a shock 47-point win against the Apsley Hornets at Henson Park last Saturday. Led by coach Tom Morrison, the Students sported their new young side, including nine players on debut, who showcased impressive attacking and running football in the first half of the match to set the tempo for the win. It is anticipated that they will be quite a force to reckon with again on Saturday if they can continue this form.

2. In spite of the outcome, NT Thunder underwent an unrivaled initiation match on Saturday night when they played host to the Brisbane Lions at TIO Stadium in wet conditions. Against the Lion’s strong line-up of 18 AFL-listed players, NT Thunder relished the opportunity to contest themselves against the best and will be interested to see how they fair in Round 2.

3. Sydney University has become NT Thunder’s bogey side. NT Thunder won three out of the first four encounters between the two sides, but the Students have turned it around to currently be on a seven-match winning streak against the Territorians since losing the 2015 Preliminary Final by 70 points in Darwin, a week before NT Thunder went on to win the flag. Sydney University have also been quite dominant in those seven games, winning by an average of 64 points.

ROOKIE WATCH

Sydney University’s Josh Stern is who our eyes will be on when Saturday comes around. Joining the Students after 12 games and 13 goals for the NEAFL Swans side in 2018, the former Swans Academy member is capable of playing up forward and through the middle of the ground. Last week, he booted four goals and collected 23 disposals and 11 marks on debut for his new club against Aspley, narrowly missing out on the NEAFL Rising Star nomination for the round.

STATS THAT MATTER

Blacktown International Sportspark hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for NT Thunder, who have never won at the venue. They’ve lost all five games they’ve played there dating back to 2011.

PREDICTION

Sydney University by 20 points.