The stakes are high as clubs across VFL, NEAFL and WAFL leagues begin their 2019 campaigns with the season openers set in place for this weekend. Final practice matches saw a number of player push for contention in their respective senior sides, with many showing promising signs and strong cases.
NEAFL
Gold Coast 7.5 (47) def. by Brisbane 14.13 (97)
Six new faces took the field for Gold Coast in their 50-point loss to Brisbane at Metricon Stadium. New recruit Ben King, the No. 6 pick in last year's draft, played a solid game down forward, finishing up with two goals.
Adding to the disappointment to their loss, former Richmond half-back Corey Ellis sustained an ankle injury whilst first year Jez McLennan also suffered an injury to his knee in the opening term.
Will Bodie, Aaron Young, Brayden Crossley and Connor Nutting all hit the scoreboard with a goal apiece, but it was not enough to defeat the strong Brisbane Loins.
Gold Coast will face Canberra Demons in their NEAFL season-opener, hoping to redeem themselves with a win at Alan Ray Oval.
After kicking only two goals in the opening half, Brisbane dug deep to come back and defeat Gold Coast by 50-points. Cedric Cox helped lead the side to victory, bagging three goals in the second half. Allen Christensen and Lewis Taylor also rose to the occasion with relentless effort and hard work in the midfield whilst also adding a couple goals to the scoreboard.
First-round draftee Ely Smith showed promising signs as he tackled ferociously and won plenty of ball.
Brisbane will travel over to the Northern Territory for round one as they face NT Thunder, a match they lost in the corresponding round last year, in their season opener.
GWS Giants 5.6 (36) def. by Sydney 11.13 (79)
Behind from the beginning, Greater Western Sydney Giants were unable to compete with Sydney as they fell to a 43-point loss over the weekend.
Shane Mumford returned in the ruck for the final week of his club-imposed suspension. The 32-year-old found himself up against Sydney’s Darcy Cameron, the two engaging in a hard fought battle. Mumford will be eligible for selection in round three of the 2019 AFL season.
Unable to be beaten in defence, rookie Jake Stein remained strong and outstanding despite the constant pressure up back. Across the midfield, Aiden Bonar and Nick Shipley worked vigorously to try and salvage their side’s poor performance, but were unable to in the end.
A combination of young and experienced players helped Sydney secure a win against GWS Giants in their final practice match.
Veteran player Kieren Jack produced a second consecutive stand-out performance as he continues to step up his workload coming back from a knee injury. Playing 70 minutes of the match, Jack attacked the footy showing off his extensive football knowledge in game smarts.
Tom McCartin led with attack scoring two goals and excelling in contested play. First-year player, James Rowbottom spent the majority of time in the midfield where he found plenty of the footy, continuously attacking the contest.
Darcy Cameron’s second game back from injury saw him improve from last week. Rotating through the ruck, Cameron sealed the deal with two goals despite coming up against strong competition.
GWS Giants will have the opportunity to redeem themselves as they face Sydney once again in their NEAFL season opener.
