Round 9 Men’s and Women’s Premier Division Match Preview
(Photo courtesy of Merrillie Redden Photography)
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Written by Michael Shillito
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Time flies when you’re having fun; and it’s hard to believe we’ve already hit the half-way mark in this year’s home and away season. We’re into winter now, but the sun continues to shine on our footy season and we’ve got another big round of matches to come.
We start with another Friday night Kayo blockbuster, followed by a full round of matches on Saturday. With some critical match-ups in both the Mens and Womens competitions.
This week East Coast in the Men’s and Southern Power in the Womens have the bye. It’s been a challenging year for both, looking down the barrel of back to back wooden spoons unless they can find something in the second half of the season. With this week off, followed by the King’s Birthday long weekend which everyone has off, it’s a long break. Time to regroup, take stock and prepare for an improved effort. The season has been hard, but there’s still plenty of time to put things right.
For everyone else, there’s a fortnight to recover; so no excuse for leaving anything in the tank this week. In what could be a tight battle for ladder positions, there’s no clocking off for the long weekend until this round is played. Plenty of match-ups between clubs with a strong rivalry, and that should get the passion and competitive instincts ready for what should be another big week of footy.
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MENS PREMIER DIVISION
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v UTS Bats
Henson Park, Friday 7:00pm
An Eastern Suburbs derby in the inner west. Our round starts with a Friday night clash between the Bulldogs and the Bats at Henson Park; with the contest to be streamed live on Kayo Sports and the AFL Sydney Facebook page.
It’s the second straight Friday night game for the Bulldogs. Last week they took on Sydney Uni in a game of fluctuating fortunes. There was never much between the two sides all night, with several lead changes; but when the final siren sounded the Bulldogs were one agonising point short of the Students’ score. Brodie Romensky, Ned Hawkins and Mitch Conn had battled gamely all night, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the defending champions suffering their second loss of the season. The Bulldogs sit in third place, it’s not panic stations; but it was a result that showed even the best teams are fallible and they need to keep improving year on year.
The Bats also come into this game on the back of a thriller last week; but in their case they came out on top. Coming from 20 points down at the last change against Inner West Magpies at Waverley, four unanswered goals in the last term got them over the line by seven points. Patrick Gillingham, Will Edwards and Billign Robertson were in the thick of the action for the Bats; who were made to work hard but did enough to get the job done. It was the Bats’ second win of the season, but there’s plenty more work to be done to stay within reach of the top five; and they can’t afford another big hit to their percentage if they want to stay in finals contention.
It’s the second meeting between these clubs so far in 2023. In round four at Blacktown, the Bulldogs dominated from start to finish to take out a 112-point win. One would expect a closer contest this time. There’s no love lost between these two clubs, and you can expect to see plenty of passion on the field in this match-up. The Bulldogs will go in as the hottest of favourites; but the Bats won’t want to make it easy for them this time.
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Sydney University v North Shore Bombers
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 12:30pm
A battle between the top two teams is always keenly anticipated; and this is a match that will have the purists licking their lips with excitement. There’ll be plenty of passion and some very good football played when the Students and the Bombers collide. And if you can’t make it to the Uni campus for this blockbuster, you can catch all the action live on Kayo Sports and the AFL Sydney Facebook page.
Sydney Uni are second on the ladder, having dropped one game so far this year. Last week they placed reigning premiers UNSW-ES at Henson Park. The Students were tested, but passed their test in a thriller, a game with numerous lead changes but the Students won the contest by a point. Spencer Krochmal, Nik Dale and Jack Dimery featured prominently for the Students and Max Bylsma worked his way to a Rising Star nomination, in a game that considerably boosts their flag prospects. But it doesn’t get any easier for the Students; and after prevailing against one of their major rivals, they immediately have to back up and play another.
Their opponents, North Shore, are in imposing form so far in 2023, undefeated on top of the ladder. Last week against East Coast at Gore Hill they showed no mercy as they powered to a 149-point win. The Bombers had goal-scoring options all over, with a staggering 10 multiple-goalkickers; while Ned Campbell, Finn Chalmers and Mitch Crisafulli were unstoppable in general play. The Bombers have looked impressive every week; and if they can get the win here they’ll be two games plus plenty of percentage clear on top of the ladder, and be hard to stop for the minor premiership from there.
These two clubs have had their share of close contest and fierce rivalry over the years; especially in recent seasons. And it looks a near-certainty that they’ll both be there at the business end of the season in 2023. Here is a chance to claim the scalp of a rival, to get four points, deprive the opposition of four points, and gain a key psychological edge for the contests to follow later in the season. In a televised match of the round. If that doesn’t fire up both teams and motivate them to put on the best footy they can, there’s something wrong.
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Inner West Magpies v St George Dragons
Wagener Oval, Saturday 2:10pm
Times are tough for both the Magpies and the Dragons in season 2023, and both have performed short of expectations so far. But when these teams face off at Wagener Oval on Saturday, here is an opportunity to turn their fortunes around, boost the confidence and get the season back on track.
The Magpies let a golden opportunity slip from their grasp last week at Waverley Oval. Leading by 20 points at three quarter time, they were unable to score in the final term as UTS added four goals; and the Magpies finished seven points short when the final siren sounded. Kel Evans, Nick McCormack and Ben Klemke’s efforts couldn’t be faulted; but when the game was there to be won, the Magpies were unable to come up with the match-winning plays. The Magpies have saluted just once this season, sitting two games outside the top five. They need to find their rhythm, and find it fast.
St George also haven’t lived up to the form that took them to the Preliminary Final this season, and have won just twice in 2023. Last week at Olds Park they were never in the hunt against Pennant Hills, going down by 23 points and never looking threatening. Ben Jones, Tyler Gorman-Brown and Patrick Tegg never stopped fighting, but the Dragons lacked the firepower to match it with the Demons. With two wins and a poor percentage, this season is at serious risk of slipping away from the Dragons; but with a win here and other results going their way, they could find themselves within reach of the top five. But they can’t afford to let this game slip.
Both these clubs were in the finals last year; but there’s some work to be done to get into contention for this year’s play-offs. And it starts here. One of these teams will go into the long weekend with a morale boost, and the feeling that they can turn their fortunes around and build some momentum into the second half of the season. But the loser will be in big trouble; and will have to find a circuit-breaker from somewhere during the long weekend. There should be plenty of desperation in this contest, and neither team can afford to give any easy possessions to the other.
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Pennant Hills Demons v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 2:40pm
It’s 4th v 5th at Mike Kenny Oval; but just how big is the game between these two teams? A win for the home side will establish an enormous gap in the ladder, while a win for the Wolves would throw finals calculations wide open. In terms of the finals outlook for 2023, this game will tell us plenty.
The Demons go into this game with a 5-2 record, sitting in fourth spot. Last week they enhanced their prospects for the season when they got off to a quick start against St George at Olds Park; doing enough to get home by 23 points in a low-scoring clash. Harry Maguire helped himself to four goals, while Mitch Blow, Luke Skrivanic and Tim Wales featured prominently all afternoon. It’s been an impressive first half of the season for the Demons, keeping in touch with the leading contenders; but that counts for nothing if they can’t get the job done against Manly this week.
Manly return to action this week after last week’s bye, in fifth place with a 3-4 record. The Wolves started the season strongly, but after dropping four in a row they returned to form in their last start as they slowly but surely got on top against St George to get home in a seven-point thriller. Tane Wright, Kale Gabila and Tom Sheldrick were key performers for the Wolves in a game where they just had to get the job done. They sit in fifth place, but to establish themselves as genuine contenders and not just making up the numbers, the Wolves would like nothing more than to claim a major scalp; and this is their opportunity.
At the moment, there’s two games plus percentage separating these teams. If Pennant Hills win this, and UNSW-ES beat UTS on Friday night; the gulf between 4th and 5th will open up to three games and be almost insurmountable. The top four would be so close to finals safety, leaving the rest of the division to fight for one finals spot. But if the Wolves can get the win, the gap would be reduced to one game, leaving the race for the finals open for the teams chasing the five; and suddenly there would be a challenge for Pennant Hills to respond to. Much of how the second half of the season shapes up will depend on this game.
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WOMENS PREMIER DIVISION
Macquarie University Goannas v East Coast Eagles
Gipps Road Oval, Saturday 12:20pm
It’s been a stellar season to date for both the Goannas and the Eagles, and this clash at Gipps Road Oval on Saturday afternoon has the potential to be a cracker of a contest.
Plenty has gone right for the Goannas this season, and they sit in third place on the ladder. But last week they hit a slight road-bump when they went down to Manly at Weldon by seven points. It was a closely-fought contest all day, and the Goannas proved themselves to be more than competitive against one of the competition heavyweights; well served by the efforts of Katie Fogarty, Caitlin Fletcher and Elisha Williams. In the end they fell just short, but did more than enough to show what an improved side they are in 2023 and they are worthy of being in the top reaches of this year’s ladder.
East Coast have once again proven to be the benchmark in 2023, and continue to sweep all before them. Last week they travelled to Gore Hill to take on North Shore, and were untroubled in cruising to an easy 60-point win. Caitlin Reid, Teagan Germech and Alicia Anderson were the standouts as the Eagles continued their unbeaten run. Few teams have got close to the Eagles, and once again last week they were the dominant force in this division. With the form they have displayed so far in 2023, it will take some exceptional circumstances to beat them.
The Goannas have been a vastly improved side in 2023, and will go into this game ready for the challenge. But opposition doesn’t come any tougher than the Eagles, who have swept all before them this year. This will be the true test for the Macquarie Uni side; and if they can come out of this one with the four points it will make the footballing world sit up and take notice. And it’s not a result that can be ruled out.
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Pennant Hills Demons v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Mike Kenny Oval (lower oval), Saturday 12:40pm
The Demons have made their way into the top five, opening up a two-game break on the teams outside the current finals position. This week they face a test as they take on a Manly team that has worked their way to some solid form in another contest that promises to be close and tight.
Pennant Hills have won their last two, consolidating their grip on a spot in the top five while the teams below them faulter. Last week was an easy win as they led all the way against bottom side Southern Power at Waratah, taking out a 64-point win. Brianna-Lee Wade contributed five goals to the cause, while Kaitlin Noble, Emma Richards and Elly Rudd were prominent around the ground. Now that the Demons are in the five, their destiny is in their own hands; and all they need to do is keep winning. But that is easier said than done.
Meanwhile Manly have built up a five-game winning streak, working their way up to fourth on the ladder. Last week at Weldon they continued their impressive form, but were made to fight for it by a determined Macquarie Uni side. There was never much in it all day, but in the end the class of Lauren Bourgeois, Emily Goodsir and Andrea Roditis was enough to get the Wolves over the line. This is a Manly side with plenty of talent and big name stars, and they’re picking up the pace every week and building their momentum nicely. It will take something special to stop them.
Similar to the Mens’ game, this match is also 4th v 5th. And the destiny of the chase for the finals could well hinge on this game. If the Demons can get up, they’ll be level on games with Manly and two games clear of their nearest challenger and with a two game break between the top five and the rest. But if the Wolves get up, and with North Shore and Sydney Uni playing each other, the Demons will only have one game break and possibly an inferior percentage from the chasing pack and their spot in the top five will become vulnerable. Which will have a major effect on how the second half of the season plays out.
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Sydney University v North Shore Bombers
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 2:55pm
Sydney Uni and North Shore sit two games out of the top five; and now is the time to make a move if either team is going to get into finals contention. The four points on offer will be critical for the destiny of the finals race. This pivotal match-up will be available for viewing wherever you are, with a live stream on Kayo Sports and the AFL Sydney Facebook page.
Sydney Uni have faced their challenges this season, but broke through for their second win of the season last week at Henson Park when they were 36 points too good for Sydney Uni. It was a win built around the efforts of Mikaela Mahony, Finlay Menz and Lily Race, with Race coming in first in line for a Rising Star nomination; and it was a win that sets the Students up for a move up the ladder. But it counts for little unless they can back it up this week against a similarly-matched opponent.
North Shore were unable to keep up with East Coast last week at Gore Hill, going down by 60 points. Lucy Krimmer, Nadja Squires and Maddy Anderson never stopped trying, but the Bombers were well short of the quality that the Eagles had on display last week. The fixture hasn’t been particularly kind to the Bombers, and they’ve already had to play the Eagles twice. But it’s left them well outside the top five, and there’s some work to be done to get back into finals contention. And that work starts in this match.
Both teams are two games out of the five, and to boost their finals prospects will be looking for the win here while looking over their shoulder to the game at Mike Kenny. If Pennant Hills lose, the winner of this one will be only one game outside the five, and if it’s North Shore they’ll have a better percentage. The winner will be back in finals contention, but still with plenty of work to do after the long weekend. The loser isn’t out of the race, but after the long weekend they’ll need to get a winning streak going.
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UNSW-ES Bulldogs v UTS Bats
Henson Park, Saturday 3:00pm
There’s always plenty of passion in an Eastern Suburbs derby, and the Bulldogs and Bats will be going flat out for local bragging rights when the two sides face off at Henson Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Bulldogs haven’t won a game since their opening game this season, and would have been disappointed not to get the job done against Sydney Uni last week. But unfortunately for them, they were never able to get into the contest and were well beaten by 36 points, despite the efforts of Hayley Stanford, Marla Falvey and Gabrielle Wendolin. The season threatens to run away from the Bulldogs unless they can find a spark; and claiming the scalp of a local rival would do wonders for the morale of the Bulldogs.
UTS have had an impressive season to date, winning their first six games before going down to East Coast. With the bye last week, they’ve had a long wait before returning to action and looking to return to their winning ways. The last start against East Coast finished with a 41-point loss; despite the best efforts of Danika Spamer, Tekira Hoffman and Hannah Cerezo. But they remain in second place, and are well placed for a run to the finals in 2023. But they’ll want to return to the winning list in this match and carry that winning feeling into the long weekend.
The two sides have already met once this season, at Waverley in round four. On that occasion the Bats were 20 points too good; a part of the Bats’ impressive winning streak to open the season. But now the Bulldogs are desperate, and they need to lift. The Bats have had a great season, and will go into this one as favourites. But they can’t afford to take the Bulldogs lightly.
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