AFL Canberra Round 3 Preview
Written By Cameron Longfield
Eastlake Demons Vs Belconnen Magpies
Where: Football Park
When: Saturday 30th April 2016 2:15pm
Last time they met: Round 13 August 1st 2015 : Eastlake Demons 2.4-16 - Belconnen Magpies 25.17-167
Belconnen walloped the Eastlake Demons in a massive win beating the lowly Demons by 151 points in their last meeting last year. The Demons could only muster 2 goals in the whole game sinking them to a new low in the 2015 campaign. The Belconnen Magpies showed their power up front with both Dominic Bunyan and Chris York dominating their opponents kicking bags with 7 and 6 goals respectively.
With just over 100 days since their last meeting, a lot has changed for both teams. The Demons have won and lost one game so far this season and Belconnen have lost their solitary game against the strong Tricolours.
Both teams will be itching to get onto the field after the bye last round and get out to a strong start from the minute the siren blows. The Demons have improved greatly so far this year, performing well in both matches. Belconnen showed glimpses of brilliance against the Tricolours in their first match but were a little rusty.
Prediction:
The Demons will face a stern test against the Magpies this week who will be looking to bounce back after the defeat against Ainslie. It will be a close game but I see the Magpies winning their first game of the 2016 season.
Magpies by 24 points.
Gungahlin Jets Vs Tuggeranong Hawks
Where: Gungahlin Enclosed Oval
When: Saturday the 30th of April 2016 - 2:15pm
Last time they met: Round 14 2015 Gungahlin Jets 6.6.42 - Tuggeranong Hawks 21.13.139
The Hawks smashed the Jets by 97 points in a dominant display at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval during their last encounter in 2015, dominating in every facet of the game all over the park. Jay Kickett was a stand out, kicking four goals.
So far in the 2016 AFL Canberra season, the Tuggeranong Hawks have won and lost one game and the Jets have lost both their matches. The Jets showed major improvement in their loss to the Tigers in round 3, starting slow in the first quarter but came back in the other three quarters lifting their intensity and being competitive.
The Hawks beat the Demons in a solid first win of the home and away season for the year. Both teams will hope that the bye for the Anzac Day round has helped refresh heading into Round 5, honing in on what is needed to improve and what game plans they need to take into the match.
Prediction:
Seeing improvement in the Jets was pleasing in comparison to their first dismal effort in round one. If they can stay competitive in this and keep close to the Hawks they could snatch a win. The Hawks will go in as favourites and have weapons all over the field to get over the top of the Jets.
Hawks by 22 points
Ainslie Tricolours vs Queanbeyan Tigers
Where: Allan Ray Oval
When: Saturday 30th of April 2016 - 2:00pm
To Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMDVCv1W9J7i3gvfJm8Qrow
Last time they met: Semi Final 1 Sunday 6th September 2015: Queanbeyan Tigers 14.15-99 - Ainslie Tricolours 5.8-38
In Semi-final 1 last year the Tigers pounced on the Tricolours early having a quarter time lead of 7.5-47 to 1.1-7. The Tricolours never recovered and the Tigers went on to win empathically by 61 points and through to the preliminary finals. Matthew Grocott was a notable standout, scoring 3 majors in a solid display.
In Round 5 in the 2016 AFL Canberra season, both teams come into the match undefeated for the year. So far, the Tigers have played only one game against the Jets, while the Tricolours have taken on the Tuggeranong Hawks and Belconnen Magpies.
Both teams have shown fine form in the early few rounds of the season, ensuring this will be an entertaining, tight contest.
Both teams are strong attackers and will be interesting to see if it will be a shootout or if the defensive mechanisms put in place will make it a lower scoring affair.
Prediction:
These two combatants have started the season well and are looking good all over the park. Hard to know how this will turn out as it should be a close one.
Tricolours will continue their impressive early season form and just pip the Tigers by 10 points
Last Modified on 28/04/2016 09:48