MATCH PREVIEW: Sydney Uni v Redland

NEAFL ROUND 7

Saturday, May 18, 2019
Sydney University (4th) v Redland Bombers (8th)
Henson Park, 12pm

SUMMARY

The NEAFL Round 7 kicks off with Sydney University taking on the Redland Bombers at Henson Park at noon on Saturday.

Fresh from their Round 6 bye, the Redland Bombers will head into the match keen to jump back onto the winners list by breaking their three-match losing streak.

Similarly, Sydney University will be eager to play some good footy after losing their last three matches, including a narrow 22-point loss against the Sydney Swans last week.

With both teams clearly on the hunt for their next win, the contest will be an interesting one to watch for spectators.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 18, 2018: Sydney Uni 17.15 (117) d Redland 6.14 (50) at Scottsdale Park.
Round 2, 2018: Sydney Uni 16.13 (109) d Redland 10.13 (73) at Henson Park.
Round 21, 2017: Sydney Uni 17.12 (114) d Redland 10.6 (66) at Scottsdale Park.

TALKING POINTS

1. It is a testing time for Sydney University’s new young side ,whose first loss has led to a three match losing streak despite their best efforts. The Students showed a lot of promise in the opening rounds of the season, but it is how they get themselves on to the winners list that will determine whether or not they are true contenders for the premiership in 2019.

2. Soaring to new heights in Round 6, both Jake Bartholomaues and Adam Gulden will be major threats against the Redland Bombers on Saturday. A Rising Star nominee last year, Bartholomaues was impressive against the Sydney Swans with 23 disposals (11 contested), four clearances, seven inside 50s, two goals and 11 tackles. Meanwhile, defender Adam Gulden leads the competition in effective kicks with an average of 15.8 per game.

3. Turning to the Redland Bombers, they started their last match against the Aspley Hornets in red-hot fashion but failed to carry that form throughout the game. If the Bombers can recapture that form which produced a 17-point lead at quarter time, they’ll give Sydney University a run for their money.

ROOKIE WATCH

Given his outstanding performance against the Sydney Swans last week, this match will be another great opportunity for Sydney University young gun Jake Bartholomaues to make his mark and take another step towards establishing himself as a top midfielder in the NEAFL.

STATS THAT MATTER

These two sides are at polar opposites in the hit-out count so far. Redland is ranked No.1 in the competition for average hit-outs per game with 60.2, with Sydney Uni a distant 10th with 29.8. Curbing the influence of Bombers ruckman Craig Malone – who is in career-best for – will be a big task for the Students.

PREDICTION

Sydney University by 30 points.

Don’t forget to download our free NEAFL App, featuring live Champion Data stats, player bios and more! Available now from the Google Play and Apple stores.

Have your say! Follow the NEAFL on Twitter (@neaflofficial), Instagram (@neaflofficial) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/neaflofficial).