MATCH PREVIEW: Sydney v Redland

NEAFL ROUND 3

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Sydney Swans v Redland Bombers

Blacktown International Sportspark, 1:30pm

SUMMARY

The Sydney Swans will host the Redland Bombers at Blacktown International Sportspark this Saturday at 1:30pm in a highly anticipated battle as fourth takes on fifth.

Interested in continuing their winning streak, the Sydney Swans will want to move from strength to strength whilst the Bombers came alive last week.

Whilst the taste of victory is still fresh in their mouths after defeating the Canberra Demons, the Bombers will want to continue their impressive form and keep their hopes of an improved 2019 season campaign alive.

There is no lack of motivation for either team this early in the season, so the highly anticipated battle will deliver an interesting watch for spectators.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 10, 2018: Sydney 16.9 (105) d Redland 6.9 (45) at Coorparoo

Round 20, 2017: Sydney 26.17 (173) d Redland 6.10 (46) at the SCG

Round 3, 2016: Sydney 23.11 (149) d Redland 7.10 (42) at Leyson Park

TALKING POINTS

1. The Sydney Swans will be a stronger side succeeding a see-sawing affair against the Gold Coast SUNS. As the team out in front changed five times in the first three quarters, Sydney was forced to find another gear to stop the Gold Coasts’ momentum and they did in the fourth quarter. Now aware that Sydney has tapped into another gear, it’s anyone’s guess what they’ll unleash next.

2. The Redland Bombers will be adopting an “onwards and upwards” outlook moving into Round 3, after defeating the Canberra Demons at Scottsdale Park on Saturday. Coached by Phil Carse, Redland put on a show offering promise for their 2019 NEAFL season.

3. Tom Salter and Jack Rolls starred for Redland last week with a combined 53 disposals. The Bombers’ will need a similar output from their midfield group this week if they are to get past the might of the Sydney Swans.

ROOKIE WATCH

Caleb Franks continues to grow as a footballer and he put in another solid performance last week. The former Lions Academy member had 20 disposals against the Demons, and the young gun will relish the chance to test himself against AFL-listed opposition this week.

STATS THAT MATTER

Redland has never beaten Sydney in four attempts, dating back to 2015.

PREDICTION

Sydney Swans by 20 points.