SYDNEY AFL ROUND 12 2014
Article by Michael Shillito
June has turned into July, the cold winter winds are blowing; and the season moves relentlessly onwards. We’re reached the two-thirds mark of the season, preparing to run home to the finals.
Every year’s ladder throws up some interesting quirks, this year’s one especially so. If we’d had a final four this year, we could just about fast-forward to the finals now; but with a final five, there’s still plenty of interest to come.
A four-game gap had opened up between fourth and fifth, a split that looks too big to bridge with just six rounds to go. But the battle for fifth has opened up, with teams that looked out of the race just a few weeks ago now back in contention.
Premiers just two years ago, the first half of the season had been a disaster for UNSW-ES. But the Bulldogs re-entered the race for this year’s finals when a strong start against Sydney Uni at the Village Green on Saturday afternoon was enough to record a 19-point win.
Bursting out of the blocks and hitting the ground running, the Bulldogs took control of the contest from the start; ensuring the Students would be chasing the game. Five goals to one in the opening term opened a 22-point quarter time lead.
Confidence and spirit were burning brightly in the Bulldog camp, and they continued their impressive display of footy in the second term with a run of four goals to two, leading by 38 points at half time.
In the first half, the Bulldogs had exhibited their attacking flair. But the third quarter showcased their defensive abilities. Scores were hard to come by in the third quarter, and neither side was able to penetrate the big sticks. It was tough, tight, accountable football from both sides; but worked to the Bulldogs’ advantage as the Students were only able to wipe one point from the half time deficit, and time was running out for the Sydney Uni side to get back into the game.
The Students had no time to lose, and had to throw caution to the wind in the final term. And they gave it their best shot, pumping the ball into the forward line and keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Six goals in the final quarter was an impressive return for their carefree, flowing football in the last quarter; but throwing their energies into attack left their defences vulnerable. And the Bulldogs scored three goals in the final quarter, keeping the contest out of the Students’ reach.
In the end, the Bulldogs had built up enough of a lead during their first half to take the game by 19 points. Jeremy Kiel spearheaded the Bulldog forward line to finish with four goals; and along with Tom Williamson and Ed Kiel was among their best. Aron Everett, Ben Taggart and Sam Crichton were ball magnets for the Students all day.
Sydney Uni, despite winning just one of their last seven games and only four from 12 games this season, are still clinging on to a spot in the top five. But the Bulldogs, thanks to their competitive percentage, lead a pack of teams that are now just half a game behind the Students. The battle for fifth place is far from over.
Uni NSW-Eastern Suburbs 5.1 9.6 9.9 12.12 (84)
Sydney University 1.3 3.4 3.8 9.11 (65)
Goals : UNSW-ES – J Kiel 4, T Dickson 2, E Kiel 2, F Rowe, T Cummins, J Pascoe, P Kefalas.Sydney Uni – S Crichton 3, J Melville 3, B Taggart, B Fitzpatrick, J Smith.
Best : UNSW-ES – T Williamson, E Kiel, J Kiel, A Foote, T Dickson, H Nichols. Sydney Uni –A Everett, B Taggart, S Crichton, G Smith, J Caspersonn, J Monk.
At Village Green, Saturday 5th July 2014.
Last Modified on 10/07/2014 14:02