By Jess Webster (NEAFL Media)
NEAFL ROUND 18
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Redland Bombers (10th) v Sydney University (5th) at Scottsdale Park, 1.30pm
*Live Champion Data statistics available on the Official NEAFL App
SUMMARY
Sydney University is back on the hunt for a top four finish whilst Redland are aiming to cause some damage for finals-bound clubs in the run home.
It has been a disappointing season for the the last-placed Bombers, who have one last chance this weekend to claim a win on home turf at Scottsdale Park in their last home match of the season.
It’s a different story for the Students, who perhaps have more to play for this weekend with a top four finish – and a home final – up for grabs. But they cannot afford to be complacent, as the Bombers have shown on several occasions this season they are up for a fight.
RECENT ENCOUNTERS
Round 2, 2018: Sydney University 16.13 (109) d Redland 10.13 (73) at Henson Park
Round 21, 2017: Sydney University 17.12 (144) d Redland 10.6 (66) at Scottsdale Park
Round 12, 2017: Sydney University 17.20 (122) d Redland 13.5 (83) at Scottsdale Park
TALKING POINTS
1. A shining light in Redland’s disappointing season has to be the strength of Jackson Paine at centre-half-forward. The former Brisbane Lion had a day out against Aspley prior to the bye last week, with 30 disposals, 12 marks, six tackles, three clearances, six inside 50 entries and five goals in a sublime display. Paine averaged 104 Champion Data ranking points in season 2018, sits third in the competition for contested marks behind Darcy Cameron and Jono Freeman, and ranks fifth for goals. If he can get more supply, it will increase Redland’s chances of winning. Which brings us to our next point..
2. Redland simply has to get some big performances out of their midfielders if they are any chance to causing an upset victory this week. Ranked last in the competition for clearances, Redland is coming up against arguably the best in the business, with the Students ranking first in the competition for clearances, second for hard ball gets and fourth for contested possessions.
3. There is no room for complacency for Sydney University this week after they slipped out of the top four with a loss to the GIANTS last Saturday. They are safely in the top six – for now – but the Students can’t afford to let slip winnable games against Redland and NT Thunder in the run home if they want to host a crucial home final.
ROOKIE WATCH
A decorated junior career with Dalby in the Darling Downs led Tom Matthews to relocate to Brisbane to pursue his AFL dream via the Lions Academy this year. He played two NEAFL games for the Lions earlier this year before representing the Allies at the National Under-18 Championships. Named for his club debut with Redland this week, Matthews will be keen to impress in the lead up to this year’s AFL Draft.
STATS THAT MATTER
Despite being on the bottom of the ladder, Redland rank first in the competition for scoring accuracy with 60.4 per cent, thanks largely to twin towers Matt Hammelmann (53.20) and Jackson Paine (29.12). Sydney University rank last in the competition, operating at 49.7 per cent.
PREDICTION
Sydney University by 12 points.