MATCH PREVIEW: Redland v Sydney Uni

NEAFL ROUND 20

Saturday, August 17, 2019
Redland Bombers (9th) v Sydney University (6th)
Scottsdale Park, 12pm

SUMMARY

With two rounds to go in the NEAFL season this matchup looms to be a big match in the scheme of the NEAFL finals race. Sydney University currently trail Aspley and the GIANTS by just two points, with a win this weekend catapulting them from sixth to potentially fourth.

For Redland, the rest of this season represents preparation for the 2020 season. The Bombers still have a lot to play for as the NT Thunder currently sit on the same points with two games to play. With percentage placing them above the Thunder in the race to avoid the wooden spoon, the Bombers will want to avoid dropping to last place before season’s end.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 7, 2019: Sydney University 17.8 (110) d Redland 12.18 (90) at Henson Park
Round 18, 2018: Sydney University 17.15 (117) d Redland 6.14 (50) at Scottsdale Park.
Round 2, 2018: Sydney University 16.13 (109) d Redland 10.13 (73) at Henson Park.

TALKING POINTS

1. For Sydney University the odds are against them for a top four place, however it is still well achievable. A win this weekend could them leapfrog the GIANTS who have the tough ask against the undefeated Lions. If Aspley loses to Canberra, it would then see the Students go into fourth heading into the last round.

2. Redland have led at quarter-time of their last three matches against Southport, Aspley and NT Thunder respectively with the Bombers going on to lose all three games. Redland’s hot starts have become much a trend, for coach Phil Carse it seems to be a four-quarter performance he is seeking from his team to get the four points this weekend.

3. The last time these two sides met saw Redland ruck Craig Malone register a season-high 71 hit-out performance against the Students. Sydney University’s regular ruckman Sam Tagliabue was missing in the match, however if the Bombers are looking to taste victory against the Students it will largely start on the back of Malone’s shoulders.

ROOKIE WATCH

Harry Morrison had a day out against the Thunder last week, kicking five goals to go alongside 17 disposals. Morrison has kicked 14 goals in his last four games and is in some impressive form leading into finals.

STATS THAT MATTER

Sydney University have three players inside the top 10 goal kickers for the season with Tristan Davies, Josh Stern and Harry Morrison kicking 96 goals between the trio for the season to date, which accounts for just under half of Sydney University’s goal tally for the season. If Sydney Uni are going to go deep into finals it’ll largely be off the back of these three up forward.

PREDICTION

Students to push on towards a top four finish. Sydney Uni by 30 points.

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