Round 2 William Buck Premier Men’s Preview
UNIVERSITY BLACKS vs ST BERNARD’S (Melbourne University Oval)
They return to the scene of Joey Agresta’s last-gasp heroics in a bid to start their 2025 campaign 2-zip on the road, full of confidence and belief that they can get the job done away from the Snake Pit.
Steve Alessio’s group is better prepared for the rigours of Premier Men’s footy after a solid year of learning throughout 2024. One of those lessons came at the hands of Uni Blacks in Round 4, where they were brought back to earth with a thud after hammering St Kevin’s the previous week.
Consistency will be key for the Dogs in 2025 and games such as this one are a prime example. If they bring their best, they’ll be right in it. But if they’re off the boil, the Blacks are more than capable of making them pay.
Dale Bower’s team had the uphill task of Brighton at Brighton in the opening round, and, after a promising first quarter when their pressure around the ground prevented the hosts from getting on top, they were ultimately put away once the Tonners’ machine got up and purring.
The Blacks will be determined to prevent the Snowdogs from racking up the touches like the Tonners did against them in Round 1. Given that the Blacks went at just 54% disposal efficiency and 50% by foot last week, a key focus will surely have been ball protection.
They took just 2 Marks Inside 50 in the opening round, so if they can maintain the pressure they exerted early against Old Brighton, win their share of footy and retain it with better ball use, they can give their forwards better chances to kick a winning score.
Where do these two teams sit in pecking order? We’re about to find out a little bit more about both of them.
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