Round Eighteen Men’s and Women’s Premier Divisions Match Previews
Written by Michael Shilllito
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We’ve made it to the last round of the regular season. For the finals-bound teams, it’s one last chance to fine-tune the preparations for the business end of the season. For those teams that won’t be playing finals, they’ll be flying the flag one last time; and we’ve seen in the past that non-finals teams with little but pride to play for have knocked off teams that are preparing for finals.
The final five in both Mens and Womens are already known. The Mens minor premier is locked in, while the Womens minor premiership is all but settled unless something truly remarkable happens. The wooden spooners are decided. But the battle for the top three and avoiding sudden death in the finals is still up for grabs in both competitions.
East Coast in the Mens and North Shore in the Womens have the bye this week; and they’ve already had their Mad Mondays. They won’t be playing finals this year, but will be looking to bounce back in 2024.
For St George, Inner West and UTS in the Mens; and for Pennant Hills, UNSW-ES and Southern Power in the Womens; this is one last chance to impress. To finish the season on a high. And then attention will turn to next year.
But for the top five in each competition, the true test is yet to come.
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MENS PREMIER DIVISION
UTS Bats v St George Dragons
Waverley Oval, Saturday 1:00pm
UTS (8th) – Played 15, Won 3, Lost 12, 53.61%
St George (6th) – Played 15, Won 6, Lost 9, 79.45%
The match between UTS and St George at Waverley has no bearing on the finals. Neither of these teams will be in the playoffs this season. But one of them will finish the season on a positive note, with a feeling of positive momentum that will carry them through the off-season.
It hasn’t been a great season for the Bats, and they have only won three games. Last week at Picken Oval they led early but were easily run down by Inner West, going down by 31 points. Ash Backlund fought defiantly to finish with five goals, while James Beasley, Harry Lahy and Josh Lee did plenty of work around the ground. But it was an all too familiar tale for the Bats, as they were unable to capitalise on the work they did and failed to get maximum reward for effort. Just one game remains, and they’ll be wanting to make it count.
The Dragons fell out of finals calculations last week when they went down to Manly at Olds Park by 20 points. Once the Wolves got on top in the second quarter, the Dragons were never able to bridge the gap; and with the loss, their finals hopes were gone. Tim Coenen, Ben Hodgson and Ben Jones kept putting the effort in, but it wasn’t enough to get the Dragons over the line. After such an encouraging year last year, when they made the Preliminary Final and won the Reserves premiership; the Dragons had high hopes for 2023 that weren’t realised. But there’s still plenty of quality in that club, and they’ll be ready to put things right next season.
These teams met at Olds Park in round 11, and the Dragons took out that game by 51 points. At that stage, the Dragons were building momentum for a push at the finals; but in the end that push fell short. There’ll be no finals for either of these teams in 2023. But Mad Monday will feel so much better if they can at least finish strongly in their last game. That’s some consolation, and one of these teams will achieve that. Then both clubs will be planning how to make next year better.
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Sydney University v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 1:00pm
Sydney Uni (4th) – Played 15, Won 11, Lost 4, 119.55%
UNSW-ES (2nd) – Played 15, Won 11, Lost 4, 183.27%
There’s always plenty of feeling when the University derby comes around, when Sydney Uni takes on UNSW-ES. In recent years these clubs played three Grand Finals in a row against each other, and there’s been no shortage of thrilling contests between them. And there’s plenty on the line in this clash, when they’re playing off for the finals double-chance. If you can’t get to Sydney Uni for this one, the next best thing is to tune in live on Kayo Sports and the AFL Sydney Facebook page, where you can catch all the action live as it happens.
UNSW-ES got themselves back up to second on the ladder at Henson Park last week when they were 69 points too strong for East Coast, a margin that could have been even greater but for some inaccurate goalkicking; something they can’t afford to risk again this week. Cooper Kilpatrick, Brandon Jack and Will Foster were in the thick of the action for the Bulldogs as they took control of proceedings and signalled they’re back in form ahead of the finals. But this game will be a tougher test and will give us an indication of how their readiness for the quest of back to back premierships is going.
Sydney Uni meanwhile put up a credible performance against North Shore at Gore Hill last week but went down by 16 points. Tim Barton, Max Kozlik and William Gibbs picked up plenty of the ball for the Students, who refused to let North Shore run away with the contest but without ever looking likely to pull off the upset win. But it was a result that will give the Students some comfort that, should they take on the Bombers in the finals, they aren’t that far from matching it with them; and that’s the sort of confidence they’ll need to take into this match.
The ladder has UNSW-ES, Pennant Hills and Sydney Uni level on games; with only percentage separating them. Whoever wins this will make the finals double-chance. If Sydney Uni lose, they are in the sudden death Elimination Final. If UNSW-ES lose, they’ll need Pennant Hills to lose their game to avoid the same fate. Last time these teams played, Sydney Uni got up by a point. With such high stakes, you can expect a close contest again this time and this game has the makings of a classic.
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North Shore Bombers v Inner West Magpies
Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 1:40pm
North Shore (1st) – Played 15, Won 14, Lost 1, 225.07%
Inner West (7th) – Played 15, Won 4, Lost 11, 90.97%
North Shore already have the minor premiership wrapped up. Inner West won’t be making the finals. On paper it’s a dead rubber, but in practice there’s plenty to be played for at Gore Hill on Saturday.
The Bombers returned to the winning list last week, bouncing back from their first loss the week before to record a 16-point win over Sydney Uni. In a low-scoring contest, the Bombers gradually drew away from the Students; led by the efforts of Sam Barkley, Jack Woodman and Tom Meacham. It wasn’t always pretty to watch, but the Bombers found a way to get the win. They’ve been the benchmark all season, but as they know all too well, the real test is yet to come; but in this game they’ll be looking to build the momentum for their upcoming finals campaign. Just falling over the line won’t cut it, they’re looking for a big win to make a statement and put fear into the other finalists.
The Magpies won’t be replicating last year’s finals appearance, and their season comes to an end when the final siren blows here. But despite the disappointments of 2023, they can finish on a roll. Last week they broke through for their fourth win of the year when they were 31 points too good for UTS at Picken Oval. Ben Zoppo was the star of the show with six goals, while Lachlan Tiziani and Pat Wilmot also featured prominently. If the Magpies can pull off the upset here, a two-game winning streak at the end of the season will massively boost the club morale. Even a competitive performance will give them some hope for next year.
When these teams met at Picken Oval in round 5, North Shore dominated from start to finish to win by 82 points. A part of their 13 game winning streak that made it clear they would be minor premiers. But the Bombers won’t want to limp into the finals. They’ll be looking for a big win, making a statement that they’re ready for the big test to come. While the Magpies are looking for one last fighting effort, flying the black and white flag one more time and laying the foundations for a return to the playoffs in seasons to come.
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Manly-Warringah Wolves v Pennant Hills Demons
Weldon Oval, Saturday 3:40pm
Manly (5th) – Played 15, Won 7, Lost 8, 109.20%
Pennant Hills (3rd) – Played 15, Won 11, Lost 4, 136.93%
Both these teams are finals-bound, and this is an important hit-out for both clubs ahead of the playoff action to come. The Wolves booked their place in the finals last week and will be playing in the Elimination Final; while the Demons need a win here to avoid having to play Manly again in that sudden-death game.
Manly ensured they would be a part of this year’s finals when they were 20 points too good for St George at Olds Park last week. After an even first quarter, the Wolves established a break in the second term and were able to maintain it for the rest of the afternoon. Taine Wright, Ky McGrath and Frane Babic starred for the Wolves in a performance that was enough to get the Wolves back into the finals after missing out in the last few years. But the Wolves aren’t finished yet, and a good performance here will make a statement that they’re not just in the finals to make up the numbers.
Pennant Hills return to the field after last week’s bye, refreshed and ready for action. Their last start was a triumph, as they were the first team to knock off North Shore; doing it in style by 44 points at Mike Kenny Oval. Josh Boag, Christian Webster and Mitch Kunigiskis led the way for the Demons, as they showed that they’re able to match it with the top side in the competition. Then a well-timed week off to recover from any little niggles they may have; and now it’s time to make their move and push deep into the finals.
When the two sides met in round 9, the Demons took the honours by 34 points. This time it’s on Manly’s turf. The Wolves have their tails wagging after getting themselves into the finals. But this game will test their readiness for the playoffs; as they’re up against a Pennant Hills side looking for the double-chance. The Demons have had a great year, and they won’t want to risk it all coming to an end in the first week of finals.
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WOMENS PREMIER DIVISION
Manly-Warringah v Pennant Hills
Weldon Oval, Saturday 2:00pm
Manly (4th) – Played 15, Won 10, Lost 5, 174.52%
Pennant Hills (7th) – Played 15, Won 5, Lost 10, 79.86%
A crunch game at Weldon as Manly takes on Pennant Hills. The Wolves are having a shot at the double-chance; but they need a win here and then hope Macquarie Uni lose. The Demons won’t be playing finals, but hoping to finish the season on a positive note.
Manly kept themselves in the race for the double-chance last week when they held bottom side Southern Power scoreless, recording a comprehensive 146-point win. Kaitlyn Manning spearheaded the charge with five goals, while Hannah Woolf, Jayda Kennedy and Ashleigh Carter were in the thick of the action around the ground. It’s been a topsy-turvy season for the Wolves. If the Wolves can get on top, someone at the club is sure to be hitting the phone to someone at Kanebridge to find out what’s going on up there.
Pennant Hills’ last hope of making the finals came to an end last week when they went down to Macquarie Uni by 33 points. Needing a win to have any chance, the Demons were jumped at the start and never looked like getting back into the contest, despite the best efforts of Rebecca Ives, Elly Rudd and Hayley Lowe. A season that promised much hasn’t really delivered; but with one last final push and nothing to lose, they’ll be looking to save their best performance for last.
When the two clubs met at Mike Kenny in round 9, the Wolves got up by 11 points. If they are to avoid sudden death in the finals, they’ll need to get up again. But the Demons, after their season of tribulations, would love to finish on a high. To claim the scalp of a finalist in the final round would leave an air of positivity into the Demon camp. The Demons won’t make it easy for the Wolves; and even if the Wolves can get up, the double-chance is not guaranteed.
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East Coast Eagles v Macquarie University Goannas
Kanebridge Oval, Saturday 2:00pm
East Coast (2nd) – Played 15, Won 13, Lost 1, Drawn 1, 476.04%
Macquarie Uni (3rd) – Played 15, Won 10, Lost 4, Drawn 1, 232.20%
Second v third in a blockbuster clash at Kanebridge to finish the regular season. The Eagles can mathematically finish top, but even if they win this game they’ll be looking for a miracle result at Waverley to get ahead of UTS. Almost certainly the Eagles will play the Qualifying Final. But for the Goannas to join them there, they need to win this one or hope that Manly lose. Otherwise the Goannas have sudden death in the finals.
The Eagles sit comfortably in second spot. Having only lost once, they’re unlucky not to be in top spot; but they’ll enjoy the double-chance when finals come around. Last week they barely raised a sweat and still got a comfortable 47-point win over UNSW-ES at Henson Park. The win was built around the dominant efforts of Alicia Anderson, Annaleise Barton and Bailee Hourigan. It’s been a steady-as-she-goes performance for much of the year by the Eagles; and they still remain a great chance to defend their premiership title when the business end of the season comes around.
Macquarie Uni stay in third place for the moment, after the Goannas got the early jump on Pennant Hills last week to win by 33 points. Chloe Davis, Lauren Easton and Caitlin Fletcher were magnificent for the Goannas as they did what they had to and were able to maintain their ladder position. But this will be a tough test for the Goannas, at a ground where the Eagles haven’t lost for a very long time.
When these teams met in round 9, it finished in a thrilling draw. Another draw would be enough for the Goannas to stay third, their percentage is much better than Manly’s. If the Goannas can stay third, these teams will meet again in the Qualifying Final; and for the winner of this clash, there would be a big psychological edge in knowing they have done before what they would need to do again. Finals preparation doesn’t come better than this.
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Sydney University v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 3:25pm
Sydney Uni (5th) – Played 15, Won 7, Lost 8, 106.07%
UNSW-ES (8th) – Played 15, Won 2, Lost 13, 46.60%
The passion always boils to the surface when the University Derby is fought out between the Students and the Bulldogs. Sydney Uni are fifth, their finals spot is assured; while the Bulldogs are eighth and will not be playing finals. But when these two clubs face off, it’s never a dead rubber; and you’ll be able to catch all the action live on Kayo Sports and on the AFL Sydney Facebook page.
Sydney Uni booked their place in the finals last week when they defeated North Shore by 27 points at Gore Hill. In a low-scoring game, the Students repelled North Shore at every opportunity, holding the home side to just two goals. Led by Keily Mead, Arabella Price and Lily Race, the Uni team did what they needed to go to get the win and put the issue of their finals qualification beyond doubt. They will be in sudden death for as long as they are in the playoffs; but the season will remain alive for at least one more week.
It’s been a disappointing season for the Bulldogs, with their only two wins for the year coming at the expense of the winless Southern Power. Last week at Henson Park they were no match for East Coast, scoring only one goal and going down by 47 points. They’ve had their moments and their champion players, with Hayley Stanford and Chloe Anderson in particular featuring regularly among their best players. But they’ve struggled to put a winning score on the board, with Emily Conlan leading their goalkicking with just 11 goals. They won’t be playing finals, but they have the chance to disrupt Sydney Uni’s finals preparation.
Whatever happens in this game, the Students will be playing in the Elimination Final next week, while the Bulldogs will go to Mad Monday. But the Students will be keen to have some winning form on the board as they go into the playoffs; and have the opportunity to do just that. While for the Bulldogs, this is their last chance knock off someone who isn’t Southern Power, and boost the mood of their end of season celebrations knowing they have claimed a big scalp. The Bulldogs will want to fly the flag one last time and make life difficult for Sydney Uni.
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UTS Bats v Southern Power
Waverley Oval, Saturday 3:30pm
UTS (1st) – Played 15, Won 14, Lost 1, 287.42%
Southern Power (9th) – Played 15, Won 0, Lost 14, Abandoned 1, 3.71%
The final game of the Womens Premier Division regular season is top v bottom, the likely minor premier against the wooden spooner. It looks like a mismatch; but it’s an important hit-out for the Bats as they prepare for their upcoming finals campaign.
The Bats had the bye last week, a chance to get over any little niggles as they fine-tune their preparations for the finals to come. Their last start was in round 16, when they comfortably got past Sydney Uni by 37 points. Charlotte Owen, Eloise Carey and Georgia Knight were the standouts for the Bats on that occasion, as they got themselves into pole position for the minor premiership. All that remains is this clash against the winless Power. But they still have to turn up and get it done.
The Power’s difficult season comes to an end in this game. Without a win, a percentage of less than hour; they’ve copped some horror losses this season. Last week was another heavy defeat, when they were held scoreless and went down to Manly by 146 points. Amy Kowski, Georgia Doherty and Jessica Cox worked hard, but the Power weren’t able to match it with their opponents. One final game, one last chance to put up a credible performance.
The Bats are the hottest of favourites to win, and with that comes the minor premiership, the week off and straight through to the Major Semi-Final. All they have to do is win. The Power last year won their only game of the season in the final round. It would take something extraordinary for history to repeat. But it’s their last chance to impress; to turn the season from hell into a slice of heaven. Otherwise it’s just a pre-finals training run for the Bats.
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