AFL Sydney Premier Division Men’s and Women’s – Round 1 Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
A new season is upon us. After all the hard work of the pre-season, finally it’s time to get the campaign for 2021 premiership glory under way.
If you can’t be optimistic in the week before the season starts, you never will. But there’s always plenty of cause for optimism. There’s gun recruits, youngsters who are ready to step up, plenty of star power, players who have trained the house down and are ready for their best season yet.
Last year we were wondering if we would ever play again. Now we’re ready to go, and hopeful of a full season. And the first round of footy has plenty to excite.
Mens Premier Division
Manly Warringah Wolves v Inner West Magpies – Weldon Oval
Tune in LIVE via the AFL Sydney Facebook Page from 4:20pm this Saturday for AFL Sydney Men’s Premier Division ‘Match of the Round’ from Weldon Oval, Curl Curl.
At Weldon Oval, we’ve got a clash between two teams with genuine hopes of rising up the ladder in 2021 when Manly Wolves play host to Inner West Magpies. The Wolves fell short of expectations in a shortened season last year, but have the personnel to make a serious crack at the finals in 2021. For the Magpies, last year showed promise as they were in the five for most of the season but a three-game losing streak cost them a spot in the playoffs.
The Magpies won the only clash between the two sides last year, getting up by 13 points at Weldon Oval. With the incentive of getting the season off to a flying start, there shouldn’t be much in this contest.
North Shore Bombers v Sydney Uni Students – Gore Hill Oval
There’s always a keen sense of rivalry about this fixture; but even more so this year, where both teams are expected to be thereabouts at the business end of the season. Last year the Bombers took the honours by 40 points at Gore Hill in the final round of the season to seal the minor premiership, only for the Students to turn the tables in the Preliminary Final by 15 points to make their way into the Grand Final.
There’s plenty of star power in this matchup, and no shortage of big names ready to press for selection. For the Bombers, they need to get it done in finals; but they have to make the finals first. The Students have a premiership to defend. Expect a no-holds-barred contest where the four points could make a serious difference to how the final ladder unfolds.
UTS AFC v Camden Cats – Waverley Oval
The shortened 2020 season wasn’t kind to either of these teams, with UTS being unable to record a win while the Cats only got to sing the song twice. But both clubs have worked hard to bolster their lineups for 2021 and have hopes and expectations of moving up the ladder this season.
The Cats were 59 points too good for the Bats in last year’s only meeting, at Fairfax Reserve. This time it’s the Bats with the home advantage. Expect to see plenty of hard work around the ball and some high-stakes desperation. A first-up win has the potential to get some momentum behind the 2021 campaign; and the four points on offer are worth their weight in gold.
Pennant Hills Demons v UNSW-ES Bulldogs – Mike Kenny Oval
Both these clubs are regulars in the finals but suffered heartbreak last season. The Demons’ finals campaign ended in the first week, while the Bulldogs’ quest for a premiership three-peat fell at the last hurdle. Both clubs have a point to prove, and this will be a keenly fought battle.
When the two sides played off last year, it took the Bulldogs until the last quarter to shake off a determined Demons side but in the end they took out a 27-point result at Henson Park. This time the Demons are at home; and with the lure of a first-up victory, they won’t be making it easy for the Bulldogs.
East Coast Eagles v St George Dragons – Kanebridge Oval
The Eagles had a disappointing 2020, with only two wins in the shortened campaign. With a new coach, some quality recruits and a fresh enthusiasm, they’ll be ready for a lift up the ladder in 2021. But it won’t be an easy first-up contest, as they take on a St George side who returned to finals action last year and are ready to make a push towards premiership honours.
The only meeting between the two sides last year was a one-sided affair at Olds Park, with the Dragons running out convincing 97-point winners. It will be closer this time, and the Dragons will need to start strongly this time to hold the Eagles at bay and record first-up honours in 2021.
Women’s Premier Division
Manly Warringah Wolves v Inner West Magpies – Weldon Oval
Tune in LIVE via the AFL Sydney Facebook Page from 2:20pm this Saturday for AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division ‘Match of the Round’ from Weldon Oval, Curl Curl.
The Wolves will unfurl their premiership flag before a Grand Final replay at Weldon Oval. Last year was a remarkable season for Manly, replicating what their men’s team did in 2013 and taking out the premiership in their first year in Premier Division. There’s plenty of big names in the Manly lineup, and they have high hopes of doing what their men did in 2014 and going back to back.
The Wolves and Magpies played off twice last season. At Weldon Oval it was a 30-point win to the Wolves, and they repeated the dose with a 21-point result in the Grand Final. But it won’t be easy this time round; and the Magpies are pumped and ready, with hopes of pulling off the first upset of the new season.
East Coast Eagles v Southern Power – Kanebridge Oval
A keenly-fought battle is expected as East Coast play host to Southern Power under lights at Kanebridge Oval. The Eagles are in their third season at this level, and have already shown themselves to be serious contenders. But they are up against an experienced Southern Power lineup who have a long record of consistently taking it up to the top sides.
The two sides played twice last year. The Eagles recorded the victory by 19 points during the regular season; and in the first week of the finals, they again took the honours by 23 points. But expect the Power to come out fighting this time. There shouldn’t be much in this contest.
North Shore Bombers v Sydney Uni – Gore Hill Oval
North Shore are in their second season at this level. Last year saw a successful season, with a six-game winning streak seeing them make their way into the finals. Last year’s only meeting between the two sides was in the last round of the season; and North Shore’s 13-point win cost Sydney Uni a spot in the finals.
For Sydney Uni, they’ll be desperate to bounce back; and there’s an opportunity to claim a scalp of a contender first up. There’s sure to be plenty of spice and rivalry in this contest; and you can expect a keenly-fought tight contest here.
Pennant Hills Demons v UNSW-ES Bulldogs – Mike Kenny Oval (Bottom Oval)
2021 is the Demons’ second season at Premier Division level. It was a tough campaign last year as the Demons adjusted to the higher level of competition, but this year they’re ready to go and have a serious crack at moving up the ladder; with some strong recruiting and lessons learned. They’re ready to go.
Last year’s only meeting between the two sides saw the Bulldogs defeat the Demons by 24 points. But it would be their only win of the season, a fall from grace for a side that won the premiership just two years previously and historically have usually been strong finals contenders. This time the Bulldogs will be fired up and ready to lift their way up the ladder. The chance of a first-up win should see a closely fought, spirited contest between two clubs ready to make the next step.
UTS AFC v Macquarie Uni Warriors – Waverley Oval
Both clubs will go into this match keen to atone for a disappointing 2020 season and get the 2021 campaign off to a flying start. The Warriors’ defence of the 2019 premiership didn’t go their way, and they would win just one game in the shortened 2020 campaign; a win tally matched by the Bats, who couldn’t build the momentum they were looking for.
Last year’s only contest between the two clubs was a thrilling draw. With so much to play for, there shouldn’t be much separating the teams this time round.
And now it’s time for action. The forecast for Saturday looks good, and we’re ready for a big season of footy. Let the games begin!
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