Round Seventeen Men’s and Women’s Premier Division Match Previews
Written by Michael Shilllito
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Our home and away season is drawing to a close, with just two weeks remaining before the finals. For those teams in contention, there’s tight battles for the best finals positions.
In Mens Premier Division, North Shore had their first loss of the season last weekend. No-one is unbeatable. The Bombers will still finish top, but finals will be a whole new ball game. Pennant Hills, Sydney Uni and UNSW-ES are in a tight battle for second and third; and one of those teams will be playing sudden death in the finals. While Manly and St George face off this week, with the winner having the upper hand in the quest for the finals.
While in the Womens, UTS are so close to wrapping up the minor premiership. Macquarie Uni have the edge over Manly for third, but that battle is still up for grabs. While Sydney Uni are in prime position for fifth, but North Shore’s win over Pennant Hills last week gives them a sniff. If the Bombers can get up over Sydney Uni this week, it gets very interesting. Pennant Hills will need to win both their remaining games and hope for other results to go their way.
This week Pennant Hills in the Mens and UTS in the Womens have the bye. The Demons’ win last week gives them a strong chance of finishing in the top three; especially as Sydney Uni plays North Shore this week and then Sydney Uni and UNSW-ES play each other in the last round. But it will be a nervous wait for the Demons this week to find out what they have to do in the final round.
While the UTS women wait, a game and a half clear of East Coast. If the Eagles stumble this week, the Bats take out the minor premiership without kicking a ball. Otherwise the race for the minor premiership comes down to the last round.
This race for the finals is going to be very tight; and there’ll be quite a few teams in both competitions who will be looking over their shoulders to see what’s happening in other games.
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MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Inner West Magpies v UTS Bats
Picken Oval, Saturday 12:50pm
Inner West (7th) – Played 14, Won 3, Lost 11, 87.58%
UTS (8th) – Played 14, Won 3, Lost 11, 52.58%
The match between the Magpies and the Bats has no bearing on the finals; but for both clubs, it’s a chance to salvage one more morale-boosting win from what has been a challenging season, in which each of these teams have only been able to win three games to date.
Inner West Magpies’ third win came last week, and they did it in style with a 100-point drubbing of East Coast at Kanebridge. Ben Zoppo was the star of the show, with 11 goals in a best-on-ground performance; while Ben Klemke and Lachlan Tiziani also played key roles in the Magpies’ success. All three of the Magpies’ wins this season have been by big margins, and they have a respectable percentage; but when they look back at this season they will reflect on some of the close games that got away.
UTS have also saluted three times this year, but weren’t able to record win number 4 at Waverley Oval last week; going down to Sydney Uni by 38 points. Jarrod Vos, Louis Pribula and Ash Backlund were best for the Bats as they put in a competitive performance but fell short against one of the competition heavyweights. As the 2023 season draws towards its conclusion, the Bats will rue some missed opportunities; but here is an opportunity for a win that they won’t want to pass up.
After singing the song just three times so far this season, the opportunity for another win presents itself to both clubs. For the Magpies, the rare honour of back to back wins beckons. One of these teams will take the opportunity, boosting their morale and having cause for optimism that they are ready to prepare for a rise up the ladder in 2024. But for the other team, the only comfort will be that this season is nearly over and there’s only one more week of training to go.
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UNSW-ES Bulldogs v East Coast Eagles
Henson Park, Saturday 1:50pm
UNSW-ES (4th) – Played 14, Won 10, Lost 4, 176.91%
East Coast (9th) – Played 15, Won 1, Lost 14, 38.54%
Back on the winning list last week, UNSW-ES are looking to re-enter the top three and challenge for the double-chance in the finals when they host the Eagles at Henson Park on Saturday. They’re a game behind Pennant Hills and Sydney Uni, but with a better percentage. As far as ladder positions go, this is one they should win; but they still have to turn up and get the job done. And with Pennant Hills having the bye, their superior percentage would get them ahead of the Demons and into the top three.
After looking shaky for the last few weeks, the Bulldogs bounced back to their best form last week when they demolished St George by 92 points. Kieran Emery was a dominant force, kicking seven goals to be best on ground; while Oscar Peter and Brodie Romensky also featured prominently for the Bulldogs. With the finals just around the corner, the Bulldogs are looking to build up to their best form; and will be looking to this game to fine-tune their preparation for the business end of the season.
East Coast’s difficult season continued last week at Kanebridge when they went down to Inner West Magpies by 100 points. It was a familiar tale for the Eagles, as they were unable to compete against a stronger opposition; and although Jacob Jones, Harry Elbourne and Josaia Delana kept putting the work in, the Eagles didn’t have the firepower to compete. Now they’re up against a strong opponent with plenty to play for. But after a season where little has gone their way; this is one final chance to fly the flag for the club, put up a strong effort and make life difficult for a premiership aspirant.
These teams last met in round 11, and on that occasion the Bulldogs recorded a 77-point win. They’ll be looking for a similar performance this time; and although they already have a better percentage than Pennant Hills and Sydney Uni, they’ll be looking to build up their form and momentum for the finals to come. But the Eagles will be looking for one last effort and leaving nothing in the tank. With the bye in the final round; when the final siren blows in this match, the Eagles’ season will be over.
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North Shore Bombers v Sydney University
Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 2:00pm
North Shore (1st) – Played 14, Won 13, Lost 1, 233.23%
Sydney Uni (3rd) – Played 14, Won 11, Lost 3, 122.84%
Not too many games will be more keenly anticipated than this blockbuster at Gore Hill Oval. North Shore will be welcoming back heroes of the past to their Back to Bears Day; while the present-day Bombers will be keen to return to the winning list and return to winning form, but will be given a test by Sydney Uni who are aiming for the finals double-chance. This match has the ingredients of a classic, and for those who can’t get to Gore Hill, you can catch all the action live on Kayo Sports and the AFL Sydney Facebook page.
North Shore’s unbeaten run came to an end last week when they went down to Pennant Hills by 44 points at Mike Kenny Oval. Nick Hill, Jake Veale and Mitch Crisafulli played key roles for the Bombers, but they were far from their best and never looked like continuing with their winning streak. The Bombers will still finish top after the regular season; but they won’t want to be struggling into the finals short of their best form. One loss won’t hurt them too much, but a couple of losses on the trot could leave the Bombers looking just a bit vulnerable on the eve of the finals. They won’t want to let that happen.
Sydney Uni are in third spot, and will need a win to stay there. Last week they got the job done against UTS at Waverley, recording a 38-point win. William Clark, Tim Barton and William Gibbs featured prominently for the Students as they kept themselves in prime position for the finals double-chance. With an inferior percentage to the Demons and the Bulldogs, the Students also have a tough end to the regular season, facing North Shore this week and UNSW-ES next week. If they want to avoid sudden death in the finals, they’ll have to earn it.
When these teams met at Sydney Uni No 1 in round 9, it was tight for three quarters before the Bombers pulled away in the last to win by 26 points. But the Bombers’ winning streak is no more; and although top spot on the ladder is safe, the Bombers will want to return to form rather than limping into the finals. But the Students will also be primed for a big performance. With plenty of star power on both teams, and the opportunity to land a key psychological blow on a likely finals opponent, this game has plenty of potential to be one of the games of the season.
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St George Dragons v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Olds Park, Saturday 2:30pm
St George (6th) – Played 14, Won 6, Lost 8, 79.69%
Manly (5th) – Played 14, Won 6, Lost 8, 107.64%
It’s almost a play-off for the finals at Olds Park as sixth-placed St George host fifth-placed Manly. Both teams are level on games, with the Wolves having a better percentage. But, assuming it isn’t a draw, one of these teams will move a game ahead of the other and be so close to wrapping up their qualification for the finals. The stakes are high, and the interest will be high as well; so we’re putting on an extra Kayo/Facebook feed to cover this match live. There’s a finals spot riding on it.
St George had an opportunity to move into the top five last week, but it was a dirty day for them at Henson Park as they were never in the contest against UNSW-ES, going down by 92 points. Ben Hodgson, Nelson Carey and Lachlan Cabor tried hard; but the Dragons never got their game going and were outclassed by a dominant Bulldog lineup. With a poor percentage, the gap too much to make up, the Dragons need to record more wins than the Wolves; so a win here is essential. If they drop this one, their finals hopes are all but gone.
Manly come into this game rested after last week’s bye, and in good confidence after a 73-point win over UTS in their last start. That result came back in round 15, on the back of outstanding efforts by Frane Babic, Ryan Wearne and Willem Smit. The Wolves have had enough big wins to establish a strong percentage break over St George; and if they can win this one, that should be enough to get them into this year’s finals. But, on the road, they’ll have to work hard to get that win.
When these teams met at Weldon Oval in round 7, it was a close contest with the Wolves getting up by seven points. But the stakes are so much higher now. In the final round, the Dragons have UTS, who they should beat; while the Wolves have Pennant Hills, who will be tough. The Wolves need to make their move now and establish that one game plus percentage gap break ahead of St George. Otherwise the Dragons move into the five, and they’ll be hard to dislodge. If the race to the finals comes down to one game, this is the season-defining moment.
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WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v East Coast Eagles
Henson Park, Saturday 12:10pm
UNSW-ES (8th) – Played 14, Won 2, Lost 12, 49.28%
East Coast (2nd) – Played 14, Won 12, Lost 1, Drawn 1, 464.45%
We’ve got a lunchtime start at Henson Park when the Bulldogs host the Eagles. The Bulldogs won’t be playing finals, while the Eagles need a win to keep themselves with a chance, albeit a remote chance, to finish with the minor premiership.
The Bulldogs have had their challenges this season. But last week they broke through for their second win of the season when they overcame Southern Power by 86 points. Sophie Phillips, Hayley Stanford and Elizabeth O’Callaghan were the pick of them; but as the game went on, confidence returned to the Bulldog camp as they finally had the sweet scent of victory in their nostrils. After a 12 game losing streak, winning again felt so good. And they wouldn’t mind another win before the season is out.
East Coast return to action after the bye last week. Their last start was in round 15, when they were 41 points too good for Pennant Hills. Caitlin Reid, Summer Hall and Alicia Anderson were the standouts in a return to form for the Eagles. They’re unlikely to finish top of the ladder, but they can’t fall below second. They’ll have the double-chance in the finals, and can build some positive momentum their way as they build up to the business end of the season.
With UTS having the bye this week, the Eagles can get to within half a game of the Bats. It’s unlikely the Bats will lose the last round, but the Eagles will need to win their last two games to give themselves a chance. And even if they don’t finish top, wins in their last two games will see them carrying some winning form and momentum into the finals. Which they’ll need if they are to take out back to back premierships.
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Southern Power v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Waratah Oval, Saturday 2:00pm
Southern Power (9th) – Played 14, Won 0, Lost 13, Abandoned 1, 4.06%
Manly (4th) – Played 14, Won 9, Lost 5, 139.76%
The Power take on the Wolves at Waratah Oval. In a challenging season for the Power, they will take out the wooden spoon in 2023. While Manly are on the back foot in the race for the double-chance, and need a win to keep themselves in with a chance of avoiding sudden death in the finals.
Last week was another tough outing for the Power, as they went down to UNSW-ES by 86 points at Waratah Oval. Sienna Smith, Ella Van den Borne and Grace Langkjar kept working hard; but the Power weren’t able to keep up with a Bulldogs team on a roll. Just two rounds remain, two more chances to salvage something from this season. They’ve got to find a way to get something out of this season. And with their last round being against top side UTS, it’s now or never.
Manly’s quest for the double-chance in the finals copped a hit last week when the Wolves went down to Macquarie Uni by 10 points at Mac Uni Oval. The Wolves led at half time, but were over-run in the second half, despite the efforts of Holly Wickham, Madi Hyde and Lauren Bull. The Wolves are half a game behind Macquarie Uni, the race for the double-chance is not over yet; but a win last week would have helped.
The Power’s lowest point of this difficult season came when they were unable to field a team when they were last scheduled to play the Wolves. This time we have a game, and it’s one the Wolves will need to win. All they can do is win their remaining games and hope the Goannas fall over in one of theirs. The Goannas have Pennant Hills and East Coast to come; so all is not lost yet for the Wolves.
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Macquarie University Goannas v Pennant Hills Demons
Macquarie Uni Oval, Saturday 3:10pm
Macquarie Uni (3rd) – Played 14, Won 9, Lost 4, Drawn 1, 234.26%
Pennant Hills (7th) – Played 14, Won 5, Lost 9, 83.82%
Macquarie Uni have given themselves their best shot at qualifying for the double-chance in the finals. But to seal the deal, they need to get past a Pennant Hills side that, after a shock loss last week, are on their last hope of getting into the finals. The Goannas have the whip hand, but they need to win to stay there.
The Goannas took the upper hand in the quest for the double chance when they over-ran Manly at Macquarie Uni Oval last week. Ably led by Sera Kaukiono, Paige Pirotta and Michala Ford, the Goannas came from behind to record a 10-point win; moving ahead of Manly on the ladder into third. It’s been quite a ride for Macquarie Uni. Coming from just two wins last year, joining forces with the Goannas as a joint venture and moving up the ladder. And it’s not over yet.
Meanwhile, Pennant Hills go into this game in a spot of bother. Last week at Mike Kenny, they had their chances against North Shore; but squandered numerous shots at goal, and after an inaccurate afternoon of kicking 3.14, they went down by six points. Elly Rudd, Eliza Matthews and Rebecca Ives were strong performers for the Demons; but in the end they would fall short. The loss sees the Demons drop to seventh, and with North Shore and Sydney Uni playing each other, if the Demons don’t win this game the finals are out of reach.
Back in round 5, these teams met at Mike Kenny Oval. The Goannas held the Demons goal-less to record a comprehensive 65-point win. Now they meet again, and their finals destiny is on the line. It won’t be easy for the Goannas to stay in third. They need to win this one. But it’s also imperative for the Demons that they can get the four points out of this. If they don’t, their finals hopes are over.
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North Shore Bombers v Sydney University
Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 4:20pm
North Shore (6th) – Played 15, Won 5, Lost 9, Abandoned 1, 94.79%
Sydney Uni (5th) – Played 14, Won 6, Lost 8, 100.43%
Our broadcast game this week is a twilight encounter from Gore Hill Oval, as North Shore plays host to Sydney Uni. Sydney Uni are in the box seat for the finals, but the Bombers have given themselves the slightest chance of being part of the playoff action. There’s plenty at stake, and for those who can’t get to Gore Hill for this match, you can catch all the action live on Kayo Sports and the AFL Sydney Facebook page.
North Shore kept their mathematical finals hopes alive last week when they got past an inaccurate Pennant Hills side in a six-point thriller at Mike Kenny last week. The Bombers were well served on the day by the efforts of Lucy Yates, Elle Carroll and Ava Barraclough. The win saw the Bombers move past Pennant Hills into sixth, just half a game behind Sydney Uni. A win this week and the Bombers leap-frog the Students into fifth; but with the Bombers having the bye in the last round, they’ll have a nervous wait stay there. In all probability, not getting the game against Southern Power in earlier in the season may have cost the Bombers a shot at the finals; but they’ve given themselves some chance.
Sydney Uni go into this game in fifth place, half a game ahead of North Shore and a game plus percentage clear of Pennant Hills. They could have wrapped up their finals spot last week, but weren’t able to get over UTS at Waverley Oval, going down by 37 points. Amelia Causley-Todd, Mikaela Mahoney and Megan Ashford worked hard for the Students, but it wasn’t enough to get them over the line. But despite the loss, the fate of the finals is in their hands. All they have to do is win and they’re in.
Even if North Shore gets up here, the finals will be out of their hands. The Bombers have the bye in the last round, while Sydney Uni has a game against the struggling UNSW-ES. It would be a nervous wait for the Bombers, hoping for a miracle over which they have no control. For Sydney Uni, it’s much more straightforward. They can book their finals spot right here right now.
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