Round Fourteen Men’s and Women’s Premier Division Match Previews

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Written by Michael Shillito

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We’re ready for another big weekend of footy, as the run home towards the finals continues to build up. In both the Men’s and Womens comps, the top four look safe to make the finals; but the battle for fifth spot, and for the double-chance for coming in the top three; looks like it will go down to the wire.

We’ve got some shorter game days this weekend. Unlike last year, the lower divisions haven’t missed any games and the catch-up round scheduled for this weekend isn’t needed; so the lower divisions get the week off. But the Premier Division comps play on.

North Shore in the Mens and Southern Power in the Womens have the bye this week. The fortunes of these sides couldn’t be more different; with the Bombers men undefeated while the Power women haven’t yet sung their song in 2023. The Bombers will be looking to get over any niggles before resuming their quest for the minor premiership; while the Power will be playing to restore some pride in the final weeks of their season.

And for everyone else, there’s some important games to be played.

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MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION

UNSW-ES Bulldogs v Pennant Hills Demons

Henson Park, Saturday 12:20pm

UNSW-ES (2^nd) – Played 11, Won 9, Lost 2, 196.43%

Pennant Hills (3^rd) – Played 12, Won 8, Lost 4, 118.08%

As the race for the double-chance in the finals heats up, two of the teams striving to be in the Qualifying Final lock horns at Henson Park on Saturday as UNSW-ES plays host to Pennant Hills.

UNSW-ES are returning to the field after the bye last week. The week off gave them a week to reset, which they probably needed after being given an almighty scare by Inner West Magpies at their last start. The Magpies took the lead late in the game, and in the end the Bulldogs just fell over the line by a point. Brodie Romenski, Oliver Rouse and Ned Hawkins were there at the key moments to get the Bulldogs home; but it was a far from convincing performance, and they’ll need to put in a lot more this week against one of their likely finals rivals.

Pennant Hills continued on their winning ways last week, doing what Pennant Hills do best; doing the one-percenters and just quietly and efficiently getting the job done. Last week they got the early jump and barely raised a sweat in a comfortable 57-point win over UTS. Harry Maguire kicked five in a best-on-ground performance, while Ben Matthews and Christian Webster also featured prominently for the Demons. This will be a tough test for them, but they’re up for this challenge and their hopes of the finals double-chance are riding on it. These teams could well meet again in the finals, and a win for the Demons here will plant those little seeds of doubt in the Bulldogs’ minds.

When the two sides met at Mike Kenny Oval in round 7, the Bulldogs took out a comfortable 30-point win. But it could be a lot closer this time. The Demons have hung in well to keep pace with the university powerhouse clubs and remain in contact with the double-chance. But the Bulldogs, after looking vulnerable at their last start, will be keen to hit back hard. The loser will have some hard work to do to avoid sudden death in the finals; so there’s plenty to play for.

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UTS Bats v East Coast Eagles

Waverley Oval, Saturday 12:45pm

UTS (8^th) – Played 11, Won 2, Lost 9, 48.24%

East Coast (9^th) – Played 12, Won 1, Lost 11, 38.17%

Unlike the Womens clash that will follow, this clash between the Bats and the Eagles has no bearing on this year’s finals; and these teams will be battling to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon. But both are desperately looking for that morale-boosting drought-breaker, so there’s plenty to play for in this week’s broadcast match. You can catch all the action live on Kayo Sports and the AFL Sydney Facebook page.

It’s been a difficult season for UTS, and the Bats have saluted just twice this year. Last week they suffered their fourth loss in a row when they were never in the hunt against Pennant Hills at Mike Kenny Oval and went down by 57 points. Will Devlin, Josh Lee and Harrie Lahy kept working hard all day, but the Bats weren’t able to keep up with the Demons. Now, back at home against a lower-ranked opponent, it’s time to hit back and hit back hard.

East Coast have also faced a challenging season in 2023, and have just the one win to show for their efforts so far. Last week they hosted St George and were unable to keep pace with the Dragons, scoring just two goals for the afternoon and going down by 78 points. Harry Elbourne, Marshall Poynter and Jacob Jones never stopped trying; but it was an all too familiar tale as the Eagles didn’t have the firepower to keep up. But now, against another team out of finals contention, they’ll be primed for a more even contest.

When these teams met at Kanebridge in round 7, the Eagles took out a 53-point win; their only win so far this year. Both clubs have had their struggles and wins have been hard to come by; but both clubs will have identified this game as an opportunity. For the winner here, singing the song after the game will be like an oasis in the desert; a morale-boosting moment of joy amid the struggle. One of these teams will have that refreshing experience. But for the other, this hard season of toil and trouble continues unabated.

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Sydney University v Manly-Warringah Wolves

Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 1:00pm

Sydney Uni (4^th) – Played 11, Won 8, Lost 3, 117.78%

Manly (5^th) – Played 12, Won 5, Lost 7, 101.51%

Sydney Uni are playing for the double chance. Manly playing for the finals. Both looking to bounce back after disappointing performances last week. The loser here will find themselves in a spot of bother, so there’s plenty to play for at Sydney Uni No 1 on Saturday.

Sydney Uni travelled to Picken Oval last week to play Inner West Magpies, who had only saluted once so far this season. But in a major boilover, the Magpies controlled proceedings from the start and the Students found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard all afternoon. In the end it was a shock 57-point loss for the Students. Monty Krochmal, Riley Fitzroy and Angus McNamara never stopped putting the effort in; but the Students found themselves powerless to stop the Magpies on the day. It was a result that sees the Students fall out of the top three, and unless they can quickly turn their form around they risk sudden death in the finals.

Manly are also looking to bounce back last week after going down to ladder leaders North Shore at Weldon Oval last week. The Wolves were jumped early, with the Bombers landing eight unanswered goals in the first term; and although they played better after quarter time, the damage was done and they went down by 73 points. Willem Smit, Brody Lawford and James Crieghton kept working hard; but Manly were outclassed by the Bombers on the day. The Wolves remain in the five, as they have a better percentage than St George; but they’ll need to record a win to be sure of staying there. They’ve worked too hard this year to fall out of the five without putting up a fight.

These teams have faced off once this season, at Weldon in round 4. On that occasion the Students led all day, but never by much; and got home by 16 points. This time both teams are coming off heavy defeats and need to turn their form around quickly. Another loss here and their finals campaign is in jeopardy. Both sides are going to have to scrap and deny their opposition easy possessions, something that neither side was able to do last week. The stakes are high, and this game is there to be won by the team that rises to the occasion.

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St George Dragons v Inner West Magpies

Olds Park, Saturday 2:30pm

St George (6^th) – Played 11, Won 5, Lost 6, 81.27%

Inner West (7^th) – Played 11, Won 2, Lost 9, 80.45%

The Dragons and the Magpies have fought out some classic battles over the years. Even last year, they met in the Elimination Final. 2023 hasn’t lived up to the heights of last year; but both sides have started to hit some form. It’s come too late for the Magpies, but the Dragons remain in the finals race and a win here could see them move into fifth.

Last week St George travelled to Kanebridge and returned home with the precious four points after locking the Eagles out of the contest and collecting a comprehensive 78-point win. Nelson Carey, Eddie Marning and Ben Jones were in the thick of the action all afternoon for the Dragons. It was a handy win, and a nice boost to their percentage; although their percentage is still well below Manly’s. But if the Dragons get up here, and Manly lose to Sydney Uni, the Dragons will enter the top five; and with a game in hand, having already had their second bye.

It’s come too late for them to be a finals threat, but the Magpies have suddenly found some form; and must be wondering where this has been all year. They pushed UNSW-ES all the way, going down by a point; and then last week they demolished Sydney Uni by 47 points. Kyle Veerhuis, Jack Rule and Luke Jamieson were in control; and the Magpies played with a rhythm and confidence that had eluded them all season. Until the last few weeks the Magpies had struggled; but now they’re flying high and on a roll. The finals look out of reach, it’s come too late; but finally the Magpies are showing the form and skill that we’ve known they are capable of.

These teams played each other in round 9 at Wagener Oval, and the Dragons completed a 23-point win. A couple of weeks ago, you’d have expected a repeat of that; but suddenly the Magpies have hit some giant-killing form. The Dragons can’t afford to drop this game, and they’re going to have to turn up with their best game ready to go. The Magpies have left their run too late to challenge for this year’s finals; but although they won’t make the finals, they could yet pull off some late-season upsets to decide who does.

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WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION

UNSW-ES Bulldogs v Pennant Hills Demons

Henson Park, Saturday 2:40pm

UNSW-ES (8^th) – Played 11, Won 1, Lost 10, 37.23%

Pennant Hills (6^th) – Played 11, Won 4, Lost 7, 87.65%

There’ll be plenty of desperation at Henson Park on Saturday when the Bulldogs play host to the Demons. Both teams will be looking to get back on the winning list. Particularly for the visitors, who need to win to regain their spot in the top five; while the Bulldogs will be looking to salvage something from a disappointing season.

The Bulldogs won their first game this season, but haven’t won since. Last week was a tough trip to Macquarie Uni, which saw them held to a single goal to go down by 59 points. Chloe Anderson, Lara Brennan and Matila Friend never stopped putting the effort in; but the Bulldogs didn’t have the firepower to match it on the day. Now, against another finals contender, they need to find another gear. The finals look out of reach; but planning their move up the ladder in 2024 starts now.

Meanwhile the Demons are looking a bit shaky. They’ve dropped their last four games, to fall out of the top five. Last week at Mike Kenny they were never in the hunt against second-placed UTS, going down by 39 points. Eliza Harvey, Laura Donohoe and Hayley Lowe tried hard, but the Demons never looked a threat against the well-drilled Bats. But against a struggling opponent, here is an opportunity for the Demons to get their mojo back and get back on track for a push to the finals.

When these two sides met at Mike Kenny Oval in round 8, the Demons controlled proceedings for a comfortable 60-point win. If the Demons are to re-enter the five, they’ll need to replicate that performance here and hope Sydney Uni go down. But the Bulldogs won’t want to make it easy for them. It’s been a tough season, but in the remaining rounds, they’ll be looking to turn their fortunes around and build some momentum for the future.

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North Shore Bombers v Macquarie University Goannas

Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 3:00pm

North Shore (7^th) – Played 12, Won 3, Lost 8, Abandoned 1, 88.91%

Macquarie Uni (4^th) – Played 12, Won 7, Lost 4, Drawn 1, 250.97%

An important clash is in prospect on the synthetic at Gore Hill, as North Shore plays host to Macquarie Uni. The Bombers are looking to keep their finals hopes alive, while the Goannas are aiming to stay in the race for the finals double-chance.

North Shore have had their challenges this season, but put up a fight against Manly at Weldon last week, taking a shock lead into the rooms at half time and going down by 10 points. Serena Lienert, Elle Carroll and Maddie Bart were magnificent for the Bombers as they took the fight up to their highly-rated opposition but fell just short. But if they can put up that sort of effort again this week and take the upset win, they don’t play another top-four team again and have games against Pennant Hills and Sydney Uni coming up to determine the fate of the finals race.

Meanwhile the Goannas find themselves only half a game behind third-placed Manly, and the race for the double-chance in the finals remains open to them. Last week they were 59 points too good for UNSW-ES, getting off to a flyer with six goals in the opening term which put the game out of the Bulldogs’ reach. Ably led by Sera Kaukiono, Caitliin Fletcher and Olympia Plummer; the Goannas shut the Bulldogs out of the contest all day. With the bye coming up, the Goannas will need a win this week to keep within striking distance of the double-chance. If they drop this one, third place could slip out of reach.

These teams clashed in round 7 at Macquarie Uni, and on that occasion the Goannas prevailed by 21 points. This time it’s on North Shore’s ground, and the Bombers need to make it count. The Bombers showed some great fight against Manly last week, but they can’t afford any more honourable losses. The finals are still in the Bombers’ reach, but only if they win this. With so much at stake, expect a hard-fought contest with plenty of grit and desperate defending.

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UTS Bats v East Coast Eagles

Waverley Oval, Saturday 3:10pm

UTS (2^nd) – Played 12, Won 11, Lost 1, 324.78%

East Coast (1^st) – Played 12, Won 11, Lost 0, Drawn 1, 578.57%

There’s plenty to get excited about in this clash at Waverley Oval. Top spot is on the line as the Bats host the Eagles. There should be plenty of support at the ground for both these teams; but if a trip down Bondi Road isn’t for you, you can still catch all the action live on Kayo Sports and the AFL Sydney Facebook page in this keenly-anticipated broadcast game.

This has been a season to remember for the Bats, and they’ve done just about everything right so far this season. Only dropped the one game as they’ve raced to second. Last week they made the trip to Mike Kenny to take on Pennant Hills and again triumphed; holding the Demons to a single goal to win by 39 points. Ella Parker, Danika Spamer and Matisse Murray featured prominently for the Bats as they kept on their winning ways. All they need to do is keep doing what they’re doing.

The Eagles have been super-impressive this season, and last week at Kanebridge held bottom side Southern Power scoreless as they powered their way to a 133-point win; and were it not for some wasteful finishing could have won by more. Caitlin Davidson finished with five goals, while Caitlin Rogers, Abbey Martin and Renee Tomkins were ball magnets around the ground. The Eagles have been the benchmark this season, and have led the competition all the way; but this game will test them, and if they stumble here they will be knocked off their perch. Plenty to play for here.

In round 7 these teams faced off at Kanebridge, with the Eagles prevailing by 41 points. This time the Bats are at home, and the stakes couldn’t be higher at this stage of the season. The equation is simple. The winner will be top of the ladder. The loser will not. These teams will likely play off during the finals, maybe even in the biggest game of all. There’s not just the four points the winner gets, but also the four points the loser doesn’t. And the chance to lay a big psychological blow on a big opponent. You’d think every player will be fired up for this game.

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Sydney University v Manly-Warringah Wolves

Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 3:25pm

Sydney Uni (5^th) – Played 11, Won 5, Lost 6, 75.65%

Manly (3^rd) – Played 11, Won 8, Lost 3, 172.92%

The Students need a win to stay in fifth. The Wolves need a win to stay in third. The stakes are high, and this is a pivotal contest at Sydney Uni No 1. This is the last game to start in this round; and there’ll be plenty of other clubs waiting with interest for the result of this game to come up on PlayHQ.

Sydney Uni come into this game refreshed after last week’s bye. They’ve been in impressive form, and in their last start they moved into the five with a heart-stopping two point win over Pennant Hills. Kara Durante, Maryanne Harley and Lucy Gilfedder were prominent for the Students. After a slow start to the season, the Students have lifted and worked their way into the five. But they’ll need to maintain that form and momentum to stay there; and in what will be a tight race for the finals, they can’t let the Wolves take control in this match.

Manly go into this game in third place, but the Wolves were given a solid test by North Shore at Weldon Oval last week. In a tight, low-scoring contest, the Roditis sisters Brooke and Andrea, along with Jessica Layton, were the difference that got the Wolves over the line by 10 points. It wasn’t totally convincing, but when games are close and there to be won, it’s the quality sides that find a way to win. They’ll be tested again this week, and will again need to dig deep against a determined opponent with plenty to play for.

When the two teams played in round 4, the Wolves controlled proceedings to win by 37 points. Surprisingly, it was the Wolves’ first win for the year and the Students hadn’t won one yet. But both clubs have lifted since then; they are in form, fit and firing. Now we have two teams in form, playing good footy, looking to preserve the rise up the ladder they’ve experienced. The stakes are higher now; and whoever loses this one will be vulnerable in their quest for their ladder position. There’s a lot riding on this game.

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