By NEAFL Media
NEAFL ROUND 12
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Sydney University (2nd) v Gold Coast SUNS (8th) at BISP, 12pm
*This match will be streamed live on NEAFL TV (youtube.com/northeastafl)
*Live Champion Data statistics available on the Official NEAFL App
SUMMARY
After being on top of the ladder a few weeks ago, Sydney Uni slumped to their third-straight loss against Aspley last week and now sit second on the ladder. After being the team to beat, the last three weeks have cast a doubt over the Students’ premiership credentials.
Their opponents in the Gold Coast SUNS have lost their last two matches against the Sydney Swans and the GIANTS by an average 54.5 points and are in need for a win if they want to stay in touch with the top six and qualify for the finals.
Both these sides are currently struggling and a strong win may see the victor return to form.
*Full teams announced Friday morning.
RECENT ENCOUNTERS
Round 5, 2017: Sydney University 17.12 (114) def Gold Coast SUNS 10.7 (67)
Elimination Final, 2016: Sydney University 19.15 (129) def Gold Coast SUNS 7.12 (52)
Round 11, 2016. Sydney University 16.16 (112) def Gold Coast SUNS 15.9 (99)
TALKING POINTS
1. The Students have lost their last three matches after winning their first seven games of the season. Of major concern, Sydney Uni have not played a full four quarter performance in those three losses against Sydney, Southport and Aspley. If Sydney Uni want to get back to their best, they must play out the game and maintain the same level of intensity throughout the contest.
2. With the Gold Coast SUNS underperforming in the AFL, several players have the chance to get called up to the senior side if they put in a good performance this Saturday. Peter Wright, Jacob Heron and Max Spencer all have the opportunity to be elevated into the senior side as long as they can produce a performance worthy of an AFL-listed player.
3. Craig Bird has been a rare highlight for Sydney Uni in the past three fixtures. Bird has averaged 30 disposals along with 12 tackles, 12 clearances and 3.3 clearances a game. If Bird can inspire the rest of his teammates, it will considerably increase Sydney Uni’s chances of victory on Saturday.
ROOKIE WATCH
Cooper Lee was among the best young players for Sydney Uni in their close loss to Aspley last week. In his first game of the season, Lee collected 14 disposals at an efficiency of 86 per cent. Lee also took five marks and had four rebound 50ss which set up a score assist for the Students. If Lee can build upon that solid performance, he can solidify his place in the side.
STATS THAT MATTER
Sydney Uni can be undisciplined at times and that is reflective in the fact that they lead the competition for free kicks against, averaging 20 per game. These free kicks often happen at crucial stages and in the defensive half of Sydney Uni’s ground. Conversely, the Gold Coast SUNS give away the least number of free kicks in the competition at an average of 14.9.
PREDICTION
Gold Coast by eight points.