{"id":72418,"date":"2020-09-21T09:07:12","date_gmt":"2020-09-20T23:07:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/afl.draftcentral.localhost\/?p=72418"},"modified":"2021-10-05T10:26:24","modified_gmt":"2021-10-05T00:26:24","slug":"draft-central-all-star-team-matchup-northern-knights-vs-swan-districts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2020\/09\/21\/draft-central-all-star-team-matchup-northern-knights-vs-swan-districts\/","title":{"rendered":"Draft Central All-Star Team matchup: Northern Knights vs. Swan Districts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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\n\n\nOUR next All-Star Team battle is the final one of the Round of 16 between a Victorian club and a West Australian club, in the Northern Knights and Swan Districts. The two captains voted in by the public as the All-Star Players of the AFL Draft era were AFL games record holder, Brent Harvey <\/strong>(Northern Knights) and Richmond full-back, Alex Rance<\/strong> (Swan Districts).\r\n\r\nTEAMS:<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThese clubs are seeded fifth (Northern Knights) and 12th (Swan Districts) respectively, forming another Round of 16 clash in our draw. The winner will qualify for the quarter finals, set to face the Murray Bushrangers\/Oakleigh Chargers.\r\n\r\nSTRENGTHS:<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Knights have a really underrated squad when it comes to this series simply because there are not too many weaknesses. The Knights’ spine is A-grade quality from the key defenders in Simon Prestigiacomo<\/strong> and Michael Hurley<\/strong>, to the key forwards in Anthony Rocca<\/strong> and Lance Whitnall<\/strong>. Though that is not to take anything away from the midfield with Marcus Bontempelli<\/strong>, Trent Cotchin<\/strong> and Adam Simpson<\/strong> a really well balanced core with different strengths.\r\n\r\nFor the Swans, they have an elite starting midfield. Nic Naitanui<\/strong> in the ruck, with Stephen Coniglio<\/strong>, Michael Walters<\/strong> and Andrew Embley<\/strong> at the stoppages, you would back them in to win the midfield battle. Up forward, the likes of Charlie Cameron<\/strong> and Jeff Garlett<\/strong> would create havoc at the feet of their key forwards, while Lewis Jetta<\/strong>‘s elite kicking and Rance’s intercepting ability means they have some strong players across the field.\r\n\r\nWEAKNESSES:<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThere are not really any weaknesses with the Knights. If you had to be picky you could argue the lack of wingers, given Leigh Montagna<\/strong> and Paul Licuria<\/strong> are more inside ball winners, and while both Blake Caracella<\/strong> and David Zaharakis<\/strong> could play on the wing, it leaves the forward line a little short. Overall though, the depth is pretty sound.\r\n\r\nFor the Swans, it is that depth and little pockets in different parts of the field where they just fall short. They could match it with the Knights in the midfield, but outside of that, they would be stretched in different areas of the field.\r\n\r\nSUMMARY:<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Knights would be favoured in this one for a bit more balance across the ground. Swan Districts has an elite midfield, and some star talent around the ground, but the depth of the Knights would be a bit too much.\r\n\r\n\"\"\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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