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.
In this week’s talking points we talk about the Giants on the cusp of Premiership glory, how good are the Saints at the moment and has the Golden Boot been laced up?
One win away!
If the Central Giants beat the Southern Saints during round 7 of the Premiership this weekend, they will become the 2018 Premiers!
The Giants currently sit on six wins for the season and are three games ahead of second placed Western Crows.
With only three weeks left in the season, a win over the Saints this weekend will mean that the Crows won’t be able to catch them and give them their first Premiership title.
Saints on fire.
The Southern Saints have won their last two games of the season and are looking like the 2017 Premiership team of old.
With a much more settled line up, the Saints take on title favourites, the Central Giants in round 7 this coming weekend at 11.30am.
If they can produce the same effort as they have done in the past two weeks, they will push the Giants and could potentially put a dent in their Premiership hopes.
Sun’s missing attacking flair.
The Northern Sun’s are sorely missing their attacking flair we saw them play with during the 2017 season.
In 2017, the Suns amassed 809 points on attack at an average of just under 90 points per game. This season has only seen them average 41 points per game and making it hard to secure consistent victories.
They take on the Western Crow’s this weekend at 1.30pm.
Has McKenzie laced up the Golden Boot?
Golden Boot favourite James McKenzie (19 goals) kicked another five goals for the Central Giants over the weekend and opened up a six goal lead over squad member James Bowden (13 goals).
With three rounds remaining in the season and McKenzie averaging a touch over three goals per game, it will be hard for Bowden to chase him down.
Crows headed in the right direction.
The Western Crows have had an up and down season so far this year and head coach Andrew Crighton can be happy with what he is seeing out on the field.
Crighton has brought back the fun element of playing footy and working hard on developing the younger playing group within the Crows squad.
With experienced players Shane Leat, Jay Johnson and Ty Smith all playing well. The Crows are headed in the right direction to make a big impact in the final three rounds.
*The views expressed in this in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of AFL New Zealand.
