Sydney Uni produced a spirited performance in their convincing rout of the visiting Canberra Demons in Round Fifteen. In Tim Barton’s 100th NEAFL game, the Students played their way back into the winner’s circle in style. Maintaining complete control of the match from the outset, they came away with a colossal 18.25 (133) to 4.8 (32) victory.
Coming out of the blocks firing, Sydney Uni’s, Jake Derickx and Matt Wilson each kicked a goal in the first five minutes of the opening quarter. The Students continued to pepper the goal, producing plenty of scoring opportunities, with their accuracy in front of goal increasing substantially as the quarter progressed. They controlled 75% of possession and kept the visiting Demons goalless, heading into the first break with a 36-0 lead.
The Demons came out after quarter time looking inspired and kicked the first goal of the second quarter. The Students, however, quashed this quickly producing a 47 point second term to take a match-winning 70-point lead into half time.
The Students didn’t let up and continued to dominate throughout the second half, comfortably winning all the key indicators for the match- disposals (439-318), clearances (45-26), marks (130-81) and inside 50’s (68-30).
Head coach Tom Morrison was pleased with his team’s performance, but also mindful that they must not become complacent. “We obviously had a much improved performance this week. But (we) are very aware that there was a significant change in opposition from the previous fortnight, where we have been beaten. We won’t be getting ahead of ourselves. We are reviewing the game closely, working on areas that we have identified require our focus and will be sure to replicate these improvements in our next match after the bye,” Morrison said.
“I was really pleased that we were able to translate our improved training performance at Wednesday’s main session into Saturday’s match. The boys have been working really hard at fine tuning some elements of both our offensive and defensive method over the past month and we were able to display these on Saturday, which was rewarding for the group.”
With a few changes in the line-up this week, each player took on their given role, really buying into the team first approach coach Morrison has drilled into them this season. “It was a strong team first performance across the board, but I was particularly pleased with Matt Wilson, Kane Murphy and James Loneragan, who came into the side this week and fitted in seamlessly. Xavier Richards added great value to the group at the back with his body work in contests and defensive shape behind the ball in offence. Will Sierakowski was dominant down back with his positioning and ball use, Aaron Day worked himself back into good form and Mitch Thompson was really effective for us in both defence and offence.”
The Students were also dominant through the midfield with Tom Young (35 disposals, 14 marks and 1 goal) and Zac O’Brien (34 disposals and 1 goal) outstanding around the ball. “Youngy’s team first mentality in front of goals was brilliant, he handed off multiple opportunities to his team mates when he could have looked to shower himself in glory. Jake Derickx was dominant up forward (with 4 goals) and Matt Wilson put on a defensive pressure clinic that caused numerous turnovers and resulted in repeat entries for the team, complementing his 4 goals,” Morrison added.
With a tough few weeks of football behind them and finals just over a month away, the Students will use the bye week to freshen up and look forward to finishing the regular season strongly.
NEXT UP
Following the bye this week, Sydney Uni will take on the GWS Giants at Blacktown International Sportspark in Round 17. The match is scheduled for 2pm on Saturday 22nd July.
SYDNEY UNI 5.6 11.17 15.20 18.25 (133)
CANBERRA 0.0 2.1 2.4 4.8 (32)
GOALS
Sydney Uni: J Derickx 4, M Wilson 4, N Cooper 2, M Thompson 2, J Dimery, R Hebron, T Young, Z O’Brien, C McFadden, T Barton
Canberra: L McKay, A Bruce, L Harper, C Palombi
BEST
Sydney Uni: T Young, Z O’Brien, M Wilson, W Sierakowski, X Richards, A Day
Canberra: L McKay, J Harper, L Meline, M Vardanega, C Palombi, A Bruce