The beginning of the AFL season has seen a number of players across all sides become struck with injury. Whilst most unfortunate, state league players look to not only secure a win for their side but also secure a spot in their affiliated AFL teams.
NEAFL
NT Thunder 5.5 (35) def. by Brisbane 13.22 (100)
With the Brisbane Lions' NEAFL side hosting a number of AFL experienced players, NT Thunder was no match for the strong and experienced team. Thunder held on tight for the first half but was no match for the Lions as they got away with a brilliant 65-point win.
Experience from Ryan Lester, Sam Skinner, Toby Wooller and Mitchell Hinge assisted in the Lions' win against NT Thunder.
Allen Christensen continues to prove his worth with yet another impressive performance. The midfielder remained composed as he collected 34 disposals and a goal, despite the wet conditions. Christensen‘s efforts will see the Lions' AFL selection team rethink their decisions over the coming weeks.
Tom Cutler also finished strongly with 22 disposals and four goals, whilst teammate Cedric Cox kicked three.
Brisbane looks to make it two from two as they go head to head with the GWS Giants this Saturday.
Canberra 14.10 (94) def. by Gold Coast 13.5 (83)
Gold Coast fought hard to hold Canberra to only one goal in the final term as they attempted to come back from a 40-point deficit at three-quarter time. Whilst they fought fiercely, it was not enough as Canberra walked away with an 11-point win.
Despite being the club's leading goalkicker, Sam Day has not yet received a call up for the senior side. The side’s six-goal fight back in the final quarter, led by Day, helped him continue to press for contention with another excellent performance, booting five goals and collecting 18 disposals in the Suns’ loss.
Tom Nicholls’ ruck work worked in favour of the midfield group. Will Brodie was a ball magnet, gathering 38 disposals whilst Michael Rischitelli and Aaron Young also got their hands on the ball, finishing with 29 and 27 disposals respectively. Young also kicked a goal whilst key position player Brayden Crossley finished with three.
Gold Coast will host the Sydney Swans at Metricon Stadium in round two of the NEAFL 2019 season.
GWS Giants 12.8 (80) def. by Sydney 15.19 (109)
Sydney ran away with the lead early in the game, they followed up every quarter with more and more pressure allowing them to secure the win. Trailing at every break, the GWS Giants fell short, surrendering to a 29-point loss in the end.
Aiden Bonar, pick 11 in 2017, and Jackson Hately, pick 14 in 2018, led the way for GWS Giants, both putting on a strong performance in their side’s loss to Sydney. Bonar finished with 30 disposals and a goal, whilst Hately placed strong defensive pressure, being rewarded for his six tackles with 27 disposals.
Lachie Keeffe returned to the NEAFL side after Shane Mumford returned to the senior side after being completing his two-match ban handed down by GWS Giants. Keeffe did not let this omission affect his game as he remained composed and solid in the ruck, collecting 19 touches.
Rookie Zach Sproule was the leading goal scorer with three goals.
GWS will attempt to redeem themselves in round two of the NEAFL 2019 season as they face the Brisbane Lions who enter the round with a 65-point win under their belt.
It was an exciting day for the Sydney Swans, with a number of young Swans stepping up to the plate and delivering. Youngster James Rowbttom, in particular, received praise for his class and composure, finishing with 31 disposals and a spot in the best.
“‘Rowy’ is an absolute bull around the contest. His inside stuff is really special and so is his follow-up stuff; his second and third efforts have been the most pleasing things about his game. But he’s adding a few strings to his bow now,” Sydney development coach Jeremy Laidler told Swans Media.
James Rose’s hard work over the past year and through pre-season has paid off as he took on every opportunity that was presented to him. Rose dominated the game with 39 disposals and four goals to assist the Swans with their 29-point victory.
Kieren Jack suffered a knee injury late last year seeing him miss part of the pre-season however the veteran player continues to build and improve, finishing with 22 disposals on the weekend.
Sydney Swans will travel to Metricon Stadium as they enter round two with a win under their belt and hoping for another against Gold Coast.
