NEAFL ROUND 12
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Sydney University (6th) v Brisbane Lions (1st)
Blacktown International Sportspark, 12pm
SUMMARY
Sydney University is set to host a huge clash with NEAFL ladder leaders the Brisbane Lions at Blacktown International Sportspark at noon on Saturday.
Fresh from their Round 11 bye, the Lions will head into the match as the cream of the crop and there are high expectations for them to continue the impressive form on display this season and remain undefeated.
There is no doubt that Sydney University has their work cut out for them, but that doesn’t mean that they should be underestimated.
The Students are more than capable of surprises and that’ll make for an interesting watch for spectators come Saturday.
TEAM
In: 44. A Smith 1. B Keays 20. C Cox 38. C Ballenden 14. J Walker 24. M Adams 18. N Robertson 21. S Skinner 33. Z Bailey 53. B Reville
Out: 3. A Christensen 4. R Bastinac 35. R Lester 46. O McInerney (all AFL) 50. J Quint 55. J Currie 53. S Crozier 54. T Jeffrey 52. A Christensen (all omitted) 56. T Matthews 48. T Wischnat (both injured).
New: 24. M Adams
| Position | Player | Player | Player |
| B | #40 Payne | #41 Eagles | #37 Starcevich |
| HB | #33 Bailey | #14 Walker | #51 Coleman |
| C | #22 Hinge | #32 Joyce | #1 Keays |
| HF | #20 Cox | #21 Skinner | #34 Wooller |
| F | #13 T Berry | #47 Fullarton | #45 McFadyen |
| FOL | #44 A Smith | #39 C Lyons | #18 N Robertson |
| INT | #24 M Adams | #38 Ballenden | #42 Madden |
| #53 Reville | #56 Matthews |
RECENT ENCOUNTERS
Round 15, 2018: Brisbane 12.14 (86) d Sydney Uni 9.21 (75) a Blacktown International Sportspark
Preliminary Final, 2017: Brisbane 16.19 (132) d Sydney Uni 8.12 (60) at the Gabba
Round 14, 2017: Brisbane 21.6 (132) d Sydney Uni 10.7 (67) at Blacktown International Sportspark
TALKING POINTS
- Sydney University will take to the field following an unpleasant loss to the Aspley Hornets at Voxson Oval on Saturday. Though there were some positives for the Students, their struggle to find clean possessions and lack of conversion was only made worse by their struggle to play some solid football for four quarters. Nothing short of a four-quarter performance will be good enough to beat Brisbane this week.
- The Brisbane Lions have dominated the 2019 NEAFL season, seemingly unstoppable with a small injury list as they soar to a new heights in each round. Coming straight from a bye, one can only imagine that the Lions will be very prepared and rearing to get out there and play some quality football, particularly with a long list of quality ‘ins’ as they search for another minor premiership.
- Marcus Adams will make his long-awaited debut in Brisbane colours this week after overcoming a long-term knee injury. The 25-year-old played 27 games for the Western Bulldogs before being traded last off-season. Now he's ready to go and it will be a welcome sight for Lions fans.
ROOKIE WATCH
Brisbane Lions academy member and NEAFL Rising Star nominee Keidean Coleman continues to display how he is a valuable asset for the side. In the Lions last match against the Gold Coast SUNS in Round 10 at Metricon Stadium, Coleman was spectacular with 26 disposals at 80.8% efficiency, eight marks, four inside 50s and a goal.
STATS THAT MATTER
Brisbane’s scoring power has been one of their big assets this season. They lead the competition in inside 50s per goal (3.8) and scores from stoppage clearances, with an average of 52 per game.
PREDICTION
Brisbane Lions by 30 points.
