MATCH PREVIEW: Sydney v Gold Coast

NEAFL ROUND 20

Saturday 17th August, 2019
Sydney Swans (3rd) v Gold Coast SUNS (8th)
Tramway Oval, 12pm

SUMMARY 

The Swans are locked into finals, and the SUNS are locked out, but there is still plenty to watch out for as a Sydney or Gold Coast fan, with plenty of youngsters making big impressions at NEAFL level.

Sydney’s finals campaign is now a certainty after an impressive win away from home against finals contender Aspley, and now have the chance to jump straight to a preliminary final if they can overtake Southport for second spot.

The SUNS may be out of the finals race but gave the seemingly unshakable Brisbane Lions a serious run for their money at the Gabba last week. Already with a taste of senior football, players like Josh Corbett, Brad Scheer and Jesse Joyce all have personal missions to prove themselves as AFL-quality players for seasons to come.

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS 

Round 13, 2019: Gold Coast 16.9 (105) defeated Sydney 12.5 (77) at BISP
Round 8, 2019: Sydney 17.14 (116) defeated Gold Coast 8.10 (58) at Metricon Stadium
Round 2, 2019: Sydney 17.8 (110) defeated Gold Coast 10.12 (72) at Metricon Stadium

TALKING POINTS

1. Since the mid-season draft, the Swans now boast a ruck duo enviable to the competition. 19-year-old Sandringham product Joel Amartey and 26-year-old mid-season draftee Michael Knoll combine for 402cm of centre-bounce prowess and both have plenty of upside as the Swans look to bolster their ruck stocks. While Knoll is the better pure ruckman, Amartey has a marked ability to impact the scoreboard, with two goals last week against Aspley.

2. The Swans ran afield with 12 listed players last week against Aspley, while the SUNS managed 13 listed players against the Lions. These clubs feature some of the most exciting Academy prospects across country, and having such little disparity in senior experience on-field, a hopefully close encounter should ensue.

3. The SUNS gave the Lions a genuine scare last week. With a five goal to one opening quarter, Gold Coast lead until early in the third term, by far the biggest and longest deficit the Lions have faced in 2019. The SUNS will likely count their performance at the Gabba as win considering their 12 AFL-listed players to the Lions’ 22, and should fancy themselves to seriously challenge the Swans.

ROOKIE WATCH

Sydney mid-season draftee Cody Hirst was sublime in his outing against Aspley last week. The Eastern Ranges product kicked four goals from six scoring shots and collected 16 disposals, five tackles and six inside 50s along the way. The 19-year-old blonde bombshell excited spectators with his stunning speed and clever ball use and is making a strong case for senior football in 2020.

STATS THAT MATTER 

In his two NEAFL matches against the Swans, SUNS forward Josh Corbett has managed hauls of three and six goals respectively. Corbett was named best on ground in the SUNS’ Round 13 comeback win over Sydney, and was subsequently called up to the seniors, and given his recent form against the bloods, expect no. 19 to make an impact once again.

PREDICTION 

Sydney to be too strong around the contest. Swans by 24.

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