Round 10 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
Last weekend took us to half-way through the regular season. In both our Premier Division competitions, every team has now played every other team once. And now we go round a second time.
In the Men’s Premier Division, North Shore are a game clear of Manly, who are a game clear of Pennant Hills, who are a game clear of Sydney Uni, who are a game clear of Inner West. They’re the top five. Then it’s two games to South-West Sydney and St George. But that two-game break will be hard to reel in, and it will take something special for a team outside the top five to make their way in.
East Coast are a game clear on top in Women’s Premier Division. A game behind them is Manly, Parramatta and Sydney Uni. They are two games clear of UTS and North Shore; who are a further two games clear of UNSW-ES. But there’s only five teams in the finals, and one of these teams is going to be rather unlucky to miss out.
For a change, the weather forecast looks OK this week. Hopefully no more ground closures and the mad rush to find alternative grounds at the last minute. Because there’s some important games to be played this week.
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
North Shore Bombers v St George Dragons
Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 1:30pm
North Shore – 1st. Played 9, Won 9, Lost 0, 233.98%. Streak – W9
St George – 7th. Played 9, Won 3, Lost 6, 75.81%. Streak – W2
North Shore are on a roll, undefeated at the half-way point of the season. This week they’re up against a St George side that, after a slow start to the season, has finally built some momentum and made their way off the bottom. Two sides with winning form on the board are going head to head.
The Bombers kept their unbeaten run intact last week, in a game hastily relocated to the Gore Hill synthetic after Sydney Uni No 1 was closed at the last minute. When they got under way, the Bombers closed the game out straight away with five goals in the first ten minutes; and there was no way back for the Students. Wayd Blackburne spearheaded the charge with four goals, and along with Ned Campbell and Pat Bolger was among the Bombers’ best. The Bombers are playing some great football at the moment, and it’s going to take something special to stop their momentum.
After five losses to open the season, the Dragons have hit some form in recent weeks, winning three of their last four. Their most recent success came at Olds Park last week, when they ran over the top of East Coast, kicking seven goals in the last quarter to win by 35 points. Tye Gander kicked five for the Dragons and Patrick Tegg four, with Tegg joining Nelson Carey and Dominic Maunder in the Dragons’ best. It’s taken time, but the Dragons are coming good; but there’s a long way to go to get back into finals contention.
The two sides met at Olds Park in round 3, and on that occasion the Bombers dominated to take out an 80-point win. But that was early on, when the Dragons were struggling and before they found their winning form. But now, just when they’re building momentum, the trip to Gore Hill comes up; and away games don’t come much harder than that. The Dragons will need to lift another gear in this contest; and if they can, maybe they can put the Bombers under pressure. But the Bombers have been super-impressive lately, and they won’t want to take any risks with their form. If the Bombers get on a roll, it will be hard for the Dragons to stop them.
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v UTS Bats
Henson Park, Saturday 1:30pm
UNSW-ES – 9th. Played 9, Won 1, Lost 8, 48.38%. Streak – L7
UTS – 8th. Played 9, Won 2 Lost 7; 58.3%, 37.92%. Streak – L1
Henson Park will be the battleground for our second Eastern Suburbs derby for 2024, when the Bulldogs take on the Bats. With both teams well off the pace as far as making the finals is concerned, but keen for some local bragging rights, there should be plenty of desperation in this match.
The Bulldogs’ season lurched from bad to worse last Saturday at Rosedale Oval when they were never in the hunt against South-West Sydney and went down by 74 points. Gus Burgess-Hoar, Patrick Horan and Will Foster never gave up, but it was one of those days for the Bulldogs when nothing was going right and at no stage did they ever look at getting back into the contest. But for the Bulldogs, that’s well and truly in the past now; and this week they take on UTS, an opposition that they usually lift when playing against. And to be competitive in this match, they’ll need to.
UTS, after a win the previous week, were unable to back it up last Saturday at a very wet Picken Oval, going down to the Magpies by 19 points. The game was in the balance for much of the afternoon, with Lewis McCormack, Harrison Dyson and Josh Lee keeping the Bats in the contest; but a late surge by the Magpies saw the Bats go down. They have saluted just twice so far this season to sit in eighth place, still ahead of the Bulldogs but short of their expectations. But the Bats will be eyeing this game off as an opportunity for local bragging rights; and they would love nothing more than to claim the Bulldogs’ scalp in this encounter.
When these two sides met at Waverley Oval in round 3, the Bulldogs recorded a 22-point win. Surprisingly, that has been their only win of the year so far. Will the sight of their Eastern Suburbs rival spur them into action? Or will it be the Bats to return to the winning list? In a season where wins have been hard to come by, there are four points on offer to the team that can reach out and take them. And once someone has the sniff of victory in their nostrils, they won’t be letting go.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v Sydney University Students
Weldon Oval, Saturday 1:40pm
Manly – 2nd. Played 9, Won 8 Lost 1, 211.56%. Streak – W1
Sydney Uni – 4th. Played 9, Won 6, Lost 3, 124.71%. Streak – L2
As we move into the second half of the season, and the race for positions within the top five, the clash between the Wolves and the Students will tell us plenty. The Wolves returned to the winning list in style last week, while the Students are at risk of falling behind the pace set by the top three. Such a crunch game will attract interest from far and wide, and if you can’t be there in person, catch all the action live on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/3522 ]
With second place on the line at Weldon Oval last week, a surge of four unanswered goals in the premiership quarter got the Wolves home against Pennant Hills. Barry O’Connor, Aidan Adams and Ryan Wearne were key performers for the Wolves, as they defied the heavy conditions and got the job done. It was another impressive team effort by the Wolves, and when they play like they did last Saturday, there’s not many teams in this league who are capable of beating them.
Luck wasn’t running the Students’ way last week when Sydney Uni No 1 was closed at the last minute and their game against North Shore moved to Gore Hill. Jumped at the start by the Bombers, the Students were unable to get back into the contest and went down by 57 points. Harry Morrison, Spencer Krochmal and Declan Fitzpatrick kept working hard, but the Students didn’t have the answers to shut down the North Shore game. Two losses in a row for the Students, and they need the win to regain their momentum; and another loss here would see them at risk of falling two games behind the top three and looking down the barrel of sudden death in the finals.
The Wolves and the Students met at Sydney Uni No 1 in round 3, and on that occasion the Wolves announced they were going to be a force in 2024 as they recorded a 30-point win. Since then the Manly campaign has gone from strength to strength, and they’ve only dropped one game to find themselves a comfortable second. On their home deck at Weldon, they’re ready for action. But the Students will need to step up here to regain their winning touch. If they don’t, they could find themselves falling too far behind the top three to catch up.
East Coast Eagles v Inner West Magpies
Kanebridge Oval, Saturday 1:50pm
East Coast – 10th. Played 9, Won 1, Lost 8, 48.38%. Streak – L8
Inner West – 5th. Played 9, Won 5, Lost 4, 102.36%. Streak – W2
It will be a willing contest at Kanebridge Oval on Saturday when East Coast play host to Inner West. The Eagles will be desperate for a circuit-breaking win after dropping their last eight games; while the Magpies, having won their last two matches, will be looking to further consolidate their grip on a spot in the top five.
It hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for the Eagles, but they gave themselves a chance at Olds Park last Saturday when they led by a kick against St George at the last change. But the Eagles were unable to last the distance and conceded seven goals in the final quarter to go down by 35 points. Jacob Jones, Daniel Gauci and Baylee Jones battled against the odds, but it wasn’t enough to break the losing streak. But now they return home, knowing they need an effort for the full four quarters this time to get the job done.
A couple of weeks ago the Magpies’ hold on fifth place was looking vulnerable; but two wins on the trot has strengthened their position. Last Saturday at Picken Oval the Magpies lasted the distance in tricky conditions to get the job done; helped along the way by four goals from Bill Jones, while Leroy Veerhuis, Nick McCormack and Callum McEvoy-Gray were prominent performers. The Magpies sit comfortably in fifth, but depending on other results they could be in the running to rise up further; but that counts for nothing if the Magpies don’t get the job done here.
These sides met at Picken Oval in round 3, and on that occasion the Magpies got up by 35 points. This time we’re on the Eagles’ turf, and they need to make it count. It’s been a long time between drinks for the Eagles, and eight losses in a row is hard to break out of. And this time they’re up against an Inner West Magpies side with plenty to play for. A win will keep the break between the top five and the rest intact; and depending on the result from Weldon, the Magpies could draw level with Sydney Uni.
South-West Sydney Blues v Pennant Hills Demons
Rosedale Oval, Saturday 2:00pm
South-West Sydney – 6th. Played 9, Won 3, Lost 6, 82.80%. Streak – W1
Pennant Hills – 3rd. Played 9, Won 7, Lost 2, 157.18%. Streak – L1
South-West Sydney have had a promising start to their Premier Division existence. After being well beaten in their first two games, they have learned well and made their way up the ladder, now finding themselves sixth. But this will be a test, a re-match against one of the opponents that gave them a hard time at this level.
Last week the Blues won their third game of the season, getting it done in style with a 74-point win over UNSW-ES. Aaron Savage and Matt Story kicked four goals apiece, while Michael Collins, Bailey Stewart and Baily McParland won plenty of the ball around the ground. The Blues have quickly adjusted their game at Premier Division level, having three wins to show for their efforts and generally being competitive since completing their second game. But this will test them, as they have a re-match against the Demons.
Pennant Hills suffered their second loss of the season at Weldon Oval last week when they went down to Manly by 25 points. Tom Edmonds, Nick Eynaud and Lachlan Willey were getting plenty of the ball for the Demons; but it wasn’t enough to overcome Manly’s third quarter assault. Now they travel to Warwick Farm for a clash against a South-West Sydney team who have hit some form in recent weeks and who are not a team to be taken lightly.
In round 3 at Mike Kenny, the Blues were held to two goals by the Demons in a convincing 86-point result. A lot has changed since then, and the Blues now have the ability to take the fight up against one of the competition. But the Demons will be determined to hit back after their loss against Manly last week, and they won’t be making it easy for the Blues. The Demons are in the hunt for a double-chance in the finals; and if they want that top three finish, they can’t afford to drop games like this. If the Blues are to prevail here, they’ll have to earn it.
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
North Shore Bombers v St George Dragons
Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 11:50am
North Shore – 6th. Played 8, Won 4, Lost 4, 85.28%. Streak – L4
St George – 9th. Played 8, Won 0, Lost 8, 6.61%. Streak – L8
Two teams on losing streaks go head to head. The Bombers have lost their last four, while the Dragons are yet to salute in 2024. For one of these teams, that feeling of relief at finally getting to sing the song again will come on Saturday. For the other, heartbreak awaits.
North Shore, after winning their first four games of the season, have dropped the next four. Last Saturday night at Gore Hill, they led Sydney Uni at three quarter time but were unable to last the distance and went down by 10 points. Emily Cleghorn, Serena Lienert and Teigan Collister battled tirelessly, but the Bombers were unable to take the points. It left the Bombers outside the top five, but they will be eyeing this game off as an opportunity to get that drought-breaking win and get the 2024 season back on track.
St George’s debut season in Premier Division has been a tough learning curve, and the Dragons found themselves on the wrong end of a 109-point result against East Coast at Olds Park last week. Grace Parsons, Caydelan Mitchell-Bruce and Caitlin Edmonds kept putting the effort in; but the Dragons didn’t have the firepower to match it with the ladder-leading Eagles. Now another challenge awaits them in the form of a North Shore side that will be desperate and will come out hard in this encounter and the Dragons will need to throw everything they have and more at this contest.
The Bombers and the Dragons met in round 3 at Olds Park, and on that occasion the Bombers led all the way to complete a 46-point win. But now both clubs come into this game with their backs to the wall, nothing to lose and everything to gain. Here is their chance to break the losing run and get that winning feeling back, and seize some momentum for the challenges to come. But only for one of these teams.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v Sydney University Students
Weldon Oval, Saturday 11:50am
Manly – 2nd. Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2, 230.60%. Streak – W3
Sydney Uni – 4th. Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2, 137.86%. Streak – W3
The Wolves and the Students go into this game with winning form on the board, both teams having won their last three; and battling It out for the prime positions within the top five. Only percentage separates these teams on the ladder, and this game could prove pivotal in the race for the finals double-chance. The best place to catch the action is at Weldon Oval; but if you can’t get up to Curl Curl, never fear. You can see everything as it unfolds live on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/3521 ]
Manly won their third game on the trot last week at Weldon Oval when they burst out of the blocks and set up a match-winning lead by quarter time; going on to win by 38 points. Ash Carter, Olivia Cameron and Kate Salmon were in the thick of the action as the Wolves continued their run of mid-season form. Only two losses and an imposing percentage sees them well placed. But this will be a test against a strong opponent who will fancy their chances of knocking them off.
Sydney Uni were made the earn their win against North Shore last week, in a game moved at short notice to a late night game at Gore Hill. The Students were only able to score one goal in the first three quarters, but a four-goal surge in the final term was enough to get them over the line; thanks to the efforts of Kendra Blattman, Saskia Johnson and Frances Walsh. It wasn’t always totally convincing, but the Students found a way to get over the line and put the win on the board; a characteristic that any finals aspirant will need to have on those days when it’s not easy.
These teams met at Sydney Uni No 1 in round 3, and on that occasion it was a low-scoring slog which the Students won by three points. Conditions should be better at Weldon this week, and one goal won’t win the game this time. In a tight race for the top three, the four points in this match are all-important; and they’re there for the team that can rise to the occasion and take them.
East Coast Eagles v Parramatta Goannas
Kanebridge Oval, Saturday 12:10pm
East Coast – 1st. Played 8, Won 7, Lost 1, 275.32%. Streak – W6
Parramatta – 3rd. Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2, 191.84%. Streak – W5
All the ingredients are in place for a cracker of a contest at Kanebridge on Saturday as the ladder-leading Eagles play host to third-placed Parramatta. In the context of this season, it’s a high-stakes encounter; in which the Eagles could further cement a break over one of their likely finals rivals, or the Goannas to draw level with the defending champions.
The Eagles have won their last six games to move to the top of the table. Last week at Olds Park they faced minimal resistance as they made their way to a 109-point win. Caitlin Davidson led the way up forward with six goals, while Brooke Bailey and Amelie Prosser-Shaw helped themselves to five goals each; with Prosser-Shaw joining Summer Hall and Matilda Elbourne in the Eagles’ best. Going through their paces, they were an unstoppable force. But this week they face a much tougher opponent, one that will test them.
The Goannas also go into this contest high on confidence and with a five game winning streak under their belt. They were made to dig deep at Gipps Road last week by a plucky UTS side who led by a point at the last change, but a strong last quarter was enough to get the Goannas over the line. And it was the big names of Amanda Farrugia, Megan Mifsud and Sera Kaukiono who stood up when the game was there to be won; and with them in form the Goannas are going to be hard to stop.
In round 3 these two sides met at Gipps Road, with the Eagles getting up in a thriller by five points. This could be another closely-fought contest, with both sides keen to establish an edge over the other which would stand them in good stead when the finals come round. There’s no shortage of star power on both sides, with plenty of likely Rep squad players to be taken from both these lineups for the Tasmania trip in July. This is a game not to be missed.
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v UTS Bats
Henson Park, Saturday 3:50pm
UNSW-ES – 7th. Played 8, Won 2, Lost 6, 79.77%. Streak – W1
UTS – 5th. Played 8, Won 4, Lost 4, 161.84%. Streak – L3
The Eastern Suburbs derby will be a crunch contest between the Bulldogs and the Bats at Henson Park. The Bulldogs are coming off the bye, but have some work to do to get back into finals contention; while the Bats’ hopes of replicating last year’s Grand Final appearance have hit a snag after their third loss on the trot last week.
The Bulldogs go into this game refreshed after the bye last week. Their last start, in the rescheduled round 1 over the long weekend, saw them 49 points too good for the winless St George, with Gabrielle Wendelin, Senna Gulden and Rani Sossai leading the way. Despite the win, they sit in seventh place, two games out of the finals. There’s no time to lose, and it’s essential they get the job done this week to get within striking distance.
UTS find themselves in a spot of bother, having dropped their last three games. Last week they put up a fight at Gipps Road against the Goannas, and led by a point at three quarter time; but were unable to score in the last quarter. Aoife Berry, Madeleine Quinn and Tallulah Kirk picked up plenty of the ball as the Bats put up plenty of resistance; but were unable to seal the win in the final quarter. They find themselves fifth, two games behind the top four and plenty of work to do to make up that ground; and can’t afford to drop this game if they are to retain their aspirations for the double-chance.
These sides met at Waverley Oval in round 3, and on that occasion the Bats prevailed by seven points. Now the stakes are high. The Bulldogs have two games to make up to get in touch with the top five, and a loss here will make that very difficult. They must win. But the Bats also can’t afford to drop this game if they are to aspire to the finals double-chance. Expect plenty of desperation here, with both sides having their hopes and dreams for the season on the line.
