Round 9 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
This week takes us to the half-way point of the season; when everyone has played everyone else once. And we’ve got some epic battles to be fought this week.
In Men’s Premier Division, North Shore are the last undefeated team. Manly and Pennant Hills are a game behind, and they play each other this week. Then a further game behind is Sydney Uni, who play North Shore this week. Then there’s a two-game break to Inner West Magpies, and another two games to a pack of three teams split by a percentage 1.5. Unless a major catastrophe occurs, the top four should be secure for the finals; but positions within the top five are up for grabs.
In Womens Premier Division, East Coast are a game clear on top. Manly, Parramatta and Sydney Uni are a game behind. Then another game to UTS and North Shore, split only on percentage. Then a big gap to UNSW-ES who have the bye this week. Six teams are within range of the finals, but there’s only five spots. Games between these contenders are going to be crucial, and we have a couple this week with Sydney Uni playing North Shore and Parramatta taking on UTS.
Some fascinating games this week; and with some very tight percentage gaps, not just the winners but the margins are important.
MENS PREMIER DIVISION
Sydney University Students v North Shore Bombers
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 1:00pm
Sydney Uni – 4th. Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2, 143.59%. Streak – L1
North Shore – 1st. Played 8, Won 8, Lost 0, 232.92%. Streak – W8
When teams in the top four are playing each other, it’s going to have a material impact on how the ladder shapes up; and we have such a clash at Sydney Uni when the Students to head to head with the Bombers in what’s sure to be a hard-fought clash.
The Students’ winning streak came to an end last week when they went down to Pennant Hills in slushy conditions on a wet Friday night at Mike Kenny. Tim Barton, Declan Fitzpatrick and Jack Hiscox picked up plenty of the ball, but it wasn’t enough to get the Students over the line. But now they’re back on their home turf in what is forecast to be much better conditions, which will suit their running players better than the scrap last week. After such a strong start to the season, the Students are in the running for the top three, but a win here will greatly boost their chances.
North Shore remain undefeated after last Saturday’s encounter with Manly at Gore Hill. The game see-sawed in the first half, with the Bombers leading by a kick at half time; but the Bombers took control in the second half to win by 28 points. Christian Loone, Frane Babic and Luke Robertson were influential for the Bombers as they showed once again they’re among the elite in this competition. But the Sydney Uni campus hasn’t always been a happy hunting ground for the Bombers in recent years, and this is one where they’ll be tested.
Even though we’re only half-way through the season, the top four already look safe for the finals; but positions within the top four are critical. If the Students can take the points here, they’ll go level on games with the loser of the Manly v Pennant Hills game and North Shore’s grip on top spot would be loosened as they would be joined by the winner of that game. But if North Shore prevail, the Bombers will remain outright top and the Students would be at risk of falling off the pace for the double-chance; especially as they have the worst percentage of the teams in the top four. Plenty at stake here.
South-West Sydney Blues v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Rosedale Oval, Saturday 1:30pm
South-West Sydney – 6th. Played 8, Won 2, Lost 6, 69.56%. Streak – L1
UNSW-ES – 9th. Played 8, Won 1, Lost 7, 63.36%, Streak – L6
The competition’s newest team taking on the defending premiers. But a lot has changed this season, and the Bulldogs’ premiership defence is in trouble. On the Blues’ home deck at Rosedale, this is a game in which the South-Western outfit will fancy their chances.
The Blues let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers last Friday night at Monarch. In tricky conditions, when scores were hard to come by with a slippery ball on the massive ground; the Blues were unable to score a goal against Inner West. Bailey Stewart, Kerwin Stuart and Jayden Flanagan tried hard, but it was one of those days when little was going right. Had the Blues got up, they would have been only outside the five on percentage, but instead they find themselves two games behind. But still a game ahead of the Bulldogs, and with the home ground advantage, this is a game where Premier Division’s newest team needs to make their mark.
UNSW-ES’s premiership defence went from bad to worse at Blacktown last Saturday when they were never in the contest against St George and went down by 67 points. William Foster, Jarrod Wachman and Owen Turner were their best; but it was a disappointing display from the Bulldogs, who are far from the dominant force of recent seasons. But there’s still plenty of premiership players in their lineup who, although down on form at the moment, will surely find their mojo at some point during the season and make a move upwards. They’re never a side to be taken lightly.
For the Blues, last week was an opportunity lost. For the Bulldogs, their premiership defence is in trouble. But neither side can dwell on that. Now is a game that is winnable, and it’s full steam ahead. We’re only half-way through the season and it’s not too late to make something out of 2024. But there’s little time for either side to lose, and now is the time to step up and play their best game. Get a win on the board, and it can build some momentum to carry forward to the second half of the season.
Inner West Magpies v UTS Bats
Picken Oval, Saturday 1:40pm
Inner West – 5th. Played 8, Won 4, Lost 4, 97.73%. Streak – W1
UTS – 7th. Played 8, Won 2, Lost 6, 68.51%. Streak – W1
With their hold on a top five position tightened last week, Inner West Magpies return to their home at Picken Oval for a clash with a UTS Bats outfit that is looking to build some momentum, in what is expected to be a tightly-contested and desperate contest. The best place to catch the action is at the ground; but if pedal power alongside the Cooks River to get there isn’t your thing, you can catch the game live on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/3488 ]
When the Magpies travelled to the deep South-West to Monarch last Friday night, it wasn’t easy conditions. But the Magpies made it count, kicking five goals to none to record a 32-point win; ably assisted by the efforts of Will Sabolch, Will Deller and coach Ben Klemke. The win restores the two-game break between the Magpies in fifth and the chasing group from outside the five; and the Magpies can further consolidate their spot in the top five if they can get up in this contest.
UTS broke through for their second win of the season last week when they ran over East Coast at Kanebridge to turn their three quarter time deficit into a 16-point win. Hugo Birks spearheaded the Bats’ charge with eight goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Ryley Walker and Koby Grass also featured prominently. It was a welcome respite for the Bats after several losses in a row; but that win on its own isn’t enough. They need more, and now they have worked out how to kick a winning score, it’s something they’ll need to do on a consistent basis.
With both sides having arrested their losing streaks last week, singing the song felt so good. But there’s plenty more work to be done. Two in a row can build up some serious momentum; for the Magpies to tighten their grip on a spot in the five, or for the Bats to make a move towards bridging the gap and getting back towards finals contention. Both these sides love a hard, physical contest and they can expect to get one here in what will be a desperation stakes encounter.
St George Dragons v East Coast Eagles
Olds Park, Saturday 2:20pm
St George – 8th. Played 8, Won 2, Lost 6, 68.05%. Streak – W1
East Coast – 10th. Played 8, Won 1, Lost 7, 45.77%. Streak – L7
It’s the Dragons and the Eagles in action at Olds Park on Saturday afternoon. Two teams that have had their shares of trials and tribulations in 2024. But one of these teams will receive a much-needed morale boost on Saturday.
The Dragons, after a slow start to the season, have shown some improvement in recent weeks to win two of their last three. Last Saturday at Blacktown they dominated from start to finish to record a 67-point win over UNSW-ES. Tye Gander was at his unstoppable best on the forward line, spearheading the charge with seven goals and, along with Nelson Carey and Nathan McKenzie-Hicks was among the Dragons’ best. It’s a long way back to finals contention after the start they had, but the Dragons have taken the first step along the road. The second step is to get the job done here.
For the Eagles, it’s been a tough ride since the opening day of the season and they’ve dropped their last seven games. They led at the last change against UTS at Kanebridge last week, but were unable to last the distance, despite some stiff resistance from Daniel Gauci, Jacob Jones and Marshall Poynter. It was a close call for three quarters, but this time round they’ll need to keep it going for a full four-quarter effort. If they can do that, an end to the losing run is in sight.
It’s two teams in the bottom three in action, in a season when wins have been hard to get. But now is an opportunity for the team that can step up and take it. The Dragons have had a couple of wins lately, and will be hungry for another. The Eagles haven’t won since the opening day of the season; and for them it’s now or never. Opportunity is knocking, but only one team will answer.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v Pennant Hills Demons
Weldon Oval, Saturday 3:30pm
Manly – 2nd. Played 8, Won 7, Lost 1, 214,97%, Streak – L1
Pennant Hills – 3rd. Played 8, Won 7, Lost 1, 172.83%. Streak – W7
We’ve got a potential cracker of a contest at Weldon Oval, a sundown spectacular as the Wolves host the Demons. It’s second v third, separated only by percentage; and here is a chance to get an edge over a potential finals rival.
Manly’s winning run came to an end last week when they went down to North Shore by 28 points at Gore Hill. There was only six points in it at half time, but the Wolves were unable to keep up with the Bombers in the second half, despite the valiant efforts of Aiden Adams, Lachlan Beehag and Nick Marsh. But the Wolves won’t want to let that result disrupt the momentum that has taken them so far this season; and on their home deck they’ll be looking to hit back hard.
Pennant Hills lost their opening game but since then have won seven on the trot. Last Friday night in tricky conditions at Mike Kenny, they were able to find goals at critical moments to shake off Sydney Uni by 25 points. Josh Boag, Michael Carroll and Nick Hey were in the thick of the action as the Demons went through their paces and got the job done. But Weldon Oval against Manly will be another big test for them.
There’s plenty to like about the match-ups in this clash. The Demons have plenty of star power who have been here before; while Manly is a team on the rise in 2024. The winner will go a game ahead; and if North Shore go down to Sydney Uni in their game, the result of which will be known before this match starts, the winner will go to joint ladder leadership while only percentage will keep the loser in third. There’s plenty of quality talent on display in this match, and all the ingredients are there for a closely-fought high-quality contest between two clubs embracing the challenge.
WOMENS PREMIER DIVISION
Parramatta Goannas v UTS Bats
Gipps Road Oval, Saturday 12:30pm
Parramatta – 3rd. Played 7, Won 5, Lost 2, 202.38%. Streak – W3
UTS – 5th. Played 7, Won 4, Lost 3, 174.44%. Streak – L1
With a tight battle between the top six teams in Womens Premier Division, any game between teams within the top six will be of crucial importance. And we have such a clash at Gipps Road on Saturday when the Goannas and the Bats go head to head. This is one not to be missed; and to ensure you don’t miss it, even if you can’t get to Gipps Road, it will be shown live on Streamer [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/3489 ]
The Goannas go into this game refreshed, having had the bye over the long weekend round. Their last start was a fortnight ago at Gore Hill against North Shore, where the Goannas trailed at the long break but came out strongly in the second half to record a 16-point win. Mostyn Medallist Sera Kaukiono was back to her brilliant best, while Jenna Whitehead and Abbie Lewis also featured prominently. The Goannas are well placed, with five wins and a strong percentage; but the battle for positions within the finals is very tight and there’s plenty more work to be done.
UTS dropped to fifth last week when they went down to East Coast at Kanebridge, replicating the result from last year’s Grand Final. The Bats fell behind early and never looked like getting back into the contest, despite the tireless efforts of Georgia Knight, Hannah Cerezo and Aiofe Berry. They’re still in the top five, thanks to having a better percentage than North Shore; but the Bats will need a win this week to be sure of staying there. Which means a big effort is required on the road against one of the form teams in the competition this week.
This is a match that could be of pivotal importance to how the finals take shape. The Goannas have won their last three, and if they can extend that winning streak to four games, they will establish a two-game break over the Bats. But the Bats won’t be going down without a fight; and still have ambitions of replicating last year’s Grand Final appearance. Plenty of quality players in both lineups, plenty to play for; and this match should be a cracker.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v Pennant Hills Demons
Weldon Oval, Saturday 1:40pm
Manly – 2nd. Played 7, Won 5, Lost 2, 207.87%. Streak – W2
Pennant Hills – 8th. Played 7, Won 1, Lost 6, 48.37%. Streak – L1
A couple of big wins for Manly sees them move up to second. Only a game behind the Eagles and not much percentage gap. The Wolves are making their move, and will be looking to continue that momentum as they host Pennant Hills at Weldon Oval on Saturday.
Last week at Gore Hill, the Wolves held North Shore to a single goal on their way to a 42-point win. The efforts of Zara Hamilton, Olivia Cameron and Hannah Woolf were pivotal to the Wolves’ success; as they continued their rise up the ladder. All they have to do at the moment is keep winning and wait for the Eagles to slip up; and if that happens top spot on the ladder is theirs for the taking. The Wolves have hit some impressive form, but they have to keep that momentum going and can’t afford to take risks with their form at this stage of the season.
It wasn’t a great day for the Demons at Mike Kenny last Saturday, when they were held to one behind against Sydney Uni and went down by 39 points. Tara Coopman, Sheridan Baker and Kaitlin Noble battled tirelessly against the odds, but the Demons never looked like getting into the contest. It hasn’t been an easy season for the Demons, and this is another tough opponent for them. But persist and improve they must, with each passing week.
The Wolves are flying high, while the Demons are struggling. But it all comes down to what happens on the day. Although the Wolves go into this game as hot favourites, they still have to get the job done. They have the firepower to do it. But the Demons need to come and scrap and make it hard for the Wolves. If they can back themselves, put the Wolves under pressure and keep fighting all the way, stranger things have happened. And the Demons need to get themselves a break if they are to get themselves up the ladder before the season is out.
Sydney University Students v North Shore Bombers
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 3:40pm
Sydney Uni – 4th. Played 7, Won 5, Lost 2, 137.78%. Streak – W2
North Shore – 6th. Played 7, Won 4, Lost 3, 87.34%. Streak – L3
A crunch game at the Uni campus on Saturday afternoon. Both these teams are in the tightly-congested top six. The Students have hit some form while the Bombers have dropped their last three; but form and momentum can be turned around in a single game.
Last week the Students won their second game on the trot when they took out a 39-point win over Pennant Hills, holding the Demons to a solitary behind. Daisy George, Saskia Johnson and Asha Goddard were in the thick of the action for the Students as they completed another impressive result. It’s been a good first half of the season for the Students to see them in the top five; but there are challenges to come, and this will be one of them. They need to keep the intensity going, and can’t afford to let up here against what will be a determined opponent.
It was a tough afternoon for North Shore last Saturday, as they marked the passing of Kate Minchin who had played just the week before. On the field, they kicked the first goal against Manly but were unable to score another and went down by 42 points; despite the valiant efforts of Lila Micheletti, Charlotte Tidemann and Kara Selvarajah. Three losses in a row for the Bombers after a bright start to the season sees them out of the five; but it takes just one big effort for a win to get the season back on track.
The Students have form and the home ground advantage, while the Bombers have dropped their last three. But only one game separates these sides on the ladder, and if the Bombers can lift and take the points, the two teams draw level. The Bombers will come out swinging, looking for the spark to re-start their momentum. But the Students have hit some good form and will be keen to continue their momentum. Their survival in the top five needs them to take the points here; and they won’t be making it easy. This should be a keenly-fought contest between two sides desperate for a win.
St George Dragons v East Coast Eagles
Olds Park, Saturday 4:40pm
St George – 9th. Played 7, Won 0, Lost 7, 6.75%. Streak – L7
East Coast – 1st. Played 7, Won 6, Lost 1, 211.26%. Streak – W4
The Dragons are winless with a poor percentage, while the Eagles are flying high and come into this game on top of the ladder. The Eagles will go into this game as the hottest of favourites, and the Dragons are going to need to find something special here.
Last week at Blacktown No 2, the Dragons slumped to their seventh straight loss when they were never in the hunt against UNSW-ES and went down by 49 points. There were small positives, as they kicked their highest score to date in their short Premier Division history; but it was never enough to threaten the Bulldogs. Now they’re up against the competition’s toughest opponent. This is the true test, and the Dragons have plenty of work ahead of them to be ready for this contest; and must come into this with self-belief and a relentless desire to put their highly-fancied opposition under pressure.
The Eagles last week won their fourth game on the trot, when they were never threatened by UTS at Kanebridge. Jess Whelan, Michelle Foscarini and Renee Tomkins were key performers as the Eagles stretched their lead in every quarter, and there was no way for the Bats to get into the contest. Confident, in form, plenty of star power; and it’s going to be hard tor anyone to stop the Eagles while they continue their current run of form. At half way, it’s so far so good.
On paper, this game should be an easy win for the Eagles. But footy games aren’t won on paper, they’re won on the field. The Eagles still have to turn up and get the job done. If they’re even slightly off their best, the Dragons need to be ready to pounce. It’s been a tough initiation to Premier Division for the Dragons, and they need to claim a major scalp to prove themselves at this level. And this is the opportunity. But the Eagles will do anything in their power to deny the Dragons a sniff. The Dragons will need to do something extraordinary.
