In a new addition to the 2018 AFL New Zealand Premiership, each week we will delve into some of the key talking points from the previous round.
This week, we talk about the upcoming game of the season, Suns Captain ready to fire and will the Giants go through the season undefeated?
Game of the season?
In undoubtedly the biggest game of the season, the Central Giants will come up against the Western Crows in round 5 this Sunday at 1.45pm.
The result could go a long way to see which team will become the 2018 AFL New Zealand Premiers!
Last time they met, it was a 22 point margin in favour of the Giants but the Crows are flying and ready to take on anything that comes there way!
Sam McKenzie vs Jay Johnson…
James Bowden vs Sam Burdett…
Josh Cunliffe vs Shane Leat.
It’s going to be one blockbuster of a game!
Ruck worries over for Saints?
20 year old, Tevita Taginavualu made an impressive start to his Premiership career after a best on ground performance playing in the ruck for the Southern Saints during round 4.
Without picking up a specialised ruckman in last year’s National Draft, the Saints have struggled with centre clearances during the first four rounds this season.
This could now change as Taginavulau made an impact in his first game and will only form a better combination with his Saints midfielders.
Will the Giants go undefeated?
The Giants have made the perfect start to the season and beaten every team that has come up against then… but can they become the first Premiership team to go through a season undefeated?
In recent years, it has been the teams at the bottom of the ladder that have caused an upset so the Giants will have to be weary next time they come up against the current fourth place side, Southern Saints.
Kusel ready to fire!
Northern Suns Captain James Kusel is fired up!
The Suns sit third on the ladder with one win from their first four games.
After finishing second in 2017, Kusel is determined and driven in 2018 and knows that this weekends game against the Southern Saints is crucial if they are to make themselves contenders and become Premiers for the first time.
Small forwards could sneak home.
If Western Crows small forwards Zac Maio, Joey Alesich-Tamariki and Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas keep their consistent form in front of goal, they could cause an upset in the race for the Golden Boot.
The trio have been slowly chipping away during the first third of the season and if Maio (8), Alesich-Tamariki (7) or Tipene-Thomas (6) kick a handful of goals in the next 5 rounds, it could just put them in line for the Golden Boot.
*The views expressed in this in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of AFL New Zealand.
