Round 14 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
A week off, and now we’re getting back into it. A week off in which the top Premier Division players travelled to Tasmania, teamed up with Canberra’s elite; and both the Men and Women emerged victorious from their battles against the Tasmanians. While the rest of our Premier Division players had a week off to recover from any little niggles they had, ready for the next stage.
Because now we move into the run-home to the finals. Just five weeks remain.
For our Mens competition, we’re already 99% sure who the finals teams will be. You could make up permutations to get South-West Sydney or St George in ahead of the Magpies; but the odds against it are astronomical. Four games to make up in five weeks seems a bridge too far. But there’s still a battle for positions within the top five, especially for third and the double-chance.
It’s more even in the Womens. The bottom three can’t make it, but six teams are in the race for the finals; and one of them will be unlucky to miss out. UTS have the bye this week, but will be looking over their shoulders to see what Sydney Uni and North Shore can do; with the Bombers’ win over East Coast last week throwing the race for the minor premiership open; and the clash between East Coast and Manly this week will go a long way towards deciding the minor premiers. It’s going to be tight.
Another big weekend of footy coming up. The weather forecast looks good, fingers crossed our grounds will all be open; and it’s time to get back into it as the business end of the season is now in sight.
MENS PREMIER DIVISION
Sydney University Students v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 1:00pm
Sydney Uni – 4th. Played 13, Won 9, Lost 4, 130.78%. Streak – W3
UNSW-ES – 9th. Played 13, Won 2, Lost 11, 66.48%. Streak – L2
It’s always a willing contest when the University derby comes around. These two old learning campuses have a long sporting tradition, and AFL’s version of the derby is no exception. They played off in three straight Grand Finals not all that long ago. This year UNSW-ES are struggling, but they’ll want to lift for this one. If you can’t make your way to this blockbuster on Broadway, the next best thing is to see the action unfold live on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/3804 ]
Sydney Uni keep going on their merry way, clocking up the wins with a minimum of fuss. At their last start, despite some heavy conditions at Sydney Uni No 1, the Students were untroubled in knocking off UTS by a comfortable 75 points. Nik Dale and Harry Morrison helped themselves to four goals apiece, while Felix Rugge-Price, Nick Andreacchio and Nathan Tang were prolific ball-winners around the ground. The Students’ percentage is currently keeping them out of the top three; but as long as they keep winning, that will take care of itself.
Meanwhile UNSW-ES are having a season falling well short of their normal lofty expectations, but got so close to their third win of the season at their last start. In a match moved at short notice to Mike Kenny Oval under lights, a free kick for a deliberate rushed behind cost the Bulldogs their game against St George. Max Rider, Stephen Corbett and Sam Thorne had battled gamely all day for the Bulldogs; but as so often been the case this season, they would fall short. Now they’re off to Sydney Uni, a tough match against a strong opponent; but the Bulldogs will look to rise to the occasion.
The Students have maintained some solid form, while the Bulldogs’ season has gone from bad to worse. But a derby match against an old rival can bring out the competitive juices when nothing else is working. The Bulldogs will relish the opportunity to take on Sydney Uni in this one; and the Students can’t expect to have everything go their own way. The spoils are only there for the club that can rise to the occasion, and the Students can’t afford to take the Bulldogs lightly in this clash.
Inner West Magpies v North Shore Bombers
Picken Oval, Saturday 2:00pm
Inner West – 5th. Played 13, Won 8, Lost 5, 118.10%. Streak – L1
North Shore – 1st. Played 13, Won 13, Lost 0, 238.17%. Streak – W13
Although Inner West Magpies should be safe to make the final five, their hopes of avoiding sudden death in the finals took a hit at their last start. And now they find themselves drawn to play the so far undefeated North Shore. This is a challenge for the Magpies, and one they need to embrace and take on. They can build their season on claiming a top scalp if they can get up here.
The Magpies’ last match didn’t go their way, when they travelled to Mike Kenny Oval. Their five-game winning streak came to an end when, after three evenly-contested quarters, they were unable to match it with Pennant Hills in the final term and went down by 38 points. Michael Tuttle, Jesse Manton and Dan Hillam battled hard all day, but the final quarter fade-out cost the Magpies dearly. They find themselves a game plus percentage behind the Demons and Sydney Uni; and if they drop this match, it will be hard, but not impossible, to make their way to third.
Their opponents in this clash will be North Shore. The Bombers have barely put a foot wrong all season, haven’t lost a game and look well placed two games clear on top of the ladder. Their last start was against East Coast at Gore Hill, and the result was never in doubt as the Bombers cruised to a 66-point win. Ned Campbell, Angus Loebel and Ethan Grace featured prominently for the Bombers. Well represented in the Rep game in Tasmania, the Bombers side has plenty of star power that the Magpies will need to keep quiet this week.
It’s high stakes for the Magpies in this encounter. A loss here will make it difficult to get to the double-chance in the finals, and they’ll be depending on the Demons or Students to fall over to keep them in the race. But it won’t be easy against a North Shore side that hasn’t lost all season. The Bombers won’t be wanting to jeopardise their form; it’s full steam ahead all the way for them. When the two sides met at Gore Hill in round 8, the Magpies were held to two goals. They’ll need a lot more than that in this match if they are to claim the top scalp they need.
UTS Bats v South-West Sydney Blues
Waverley Oval, Saturday 2:20pm
UTS – 8th. Played 13, Won 3, Lost 10, 67.43%. Streak – L2
South-West Sydney – 6th. Played 13, Won 4, Lost 9, 74.21%. Streak – L3
The match between UTS and South-West Sydney at Waverley won’t have any bearing on this year’s finals. But in a season when wins have been few and far between, here is an opportunity to snag four points and sing the song. It’s there for the team that can lift themselves and take it. And even if you’re too far away or otherwise occupied and can’t get down Bondi Road, you can still follow this match as it happens on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/3807 ]
It’s been a long wait since the last game, and for UTS a long time for the opportunity to put things right after a difficult last start against Sydney Uni at the No 1 Oval. The Bats were never in the contest, and despite some tireless work by Lewis McCormack, Matthew Harms and Josh Lee, the Bats would go down by 75 points. 2024 hasn’t been kind to the Bats, but with the home ground advantage against another non-finals team, they must see this as their opportunity.
For South-West Sydney, a three-game losing streak has cost them any realistic chance of a push for the finals in their debut season at this level. But the Blues have shown improvement, as demonstrated at Rosedale Oval in their last start against Manly; which was far more competitive than the 130-point defeat on their Premier Division debut, but not enough to threaten to take the points. The Blues were well served by the efforts of Kain Flynn-Duncombe, Will Edwards and Kohan Prenter. They won’t be playing finals, but they’ll be looking for a strong finish to the season and to add to their tally of wins this season; laying the groundwork for future success.
When the two sides met at Rosedale in round 4, the Bats just hung on against a fast-finishing Blues side to win by 11 points. This time the Bats have the home ground advantage, and will again be looking to get off to a quick start and build up a buffer. While neither team will feature in this year’s finals, to put their frustrations behind them and finish the last few weeks of the season strongly will be an ambition for both sides. Laying the platform for future success. It all starts here.
St George Dragons v Pennant Hills Demons
Olds Park, Saturday 2:30pm
St George – 7th. Played 13, Won 4, Lost 9, 72.29%. Streak – W1
Pennant Hills – 3rd. Played 13, Won 9, Lost 4, 158.90%. Streak – W2
The Dragons meet the Demons at Olds Park on Saturday afternoon. Both these sides were in a double-header at Mike Kenny in the last round, so both had the opportunity to scope each other out. The Dragons won’t be playing finals this year, but will be looking to finish the season strongly in the next few weeks; while the Demons need a win here to keep their grip on the double-chance.
St George found themselves moved at short notice to Mike Kenny in the last round for their clash against UNSW-ES. And it would go down to the wire, with a free kick for a deliberate rushed behind deep in time on getting the Dragons across the line. Luke Arendse scored four goals for the Dragons, while Nathan McKenzie-Hicks, Lachlan Cabor and Jonathan Pearson were prolific ball-winners around the ground. It was a welcome win for the Dragons; and they’d love to claim a few more scalps before the season is done and dusted.
Pennant Hills have put on a solid season so far, sitting in third place with a better percentage than the chasing Students and Demons. Their last start was against the Magpies, and the game was in the balance for three quarters before the Demons lifted a gear in the last quarter to take out a 38-point win. Riley Hawes contributed four goals, while Josh Boag, Mitch Blow and Lachlan Willey were in the thick of the action. When the game was there to be won, the Demons stood and delivered; a characteristic which will take them a long way this season.
These sides have met once previously this season, in round 8 at on a heavy track at Mike Kenny; and on that occasion the Demons prevailed by 28 points. This time round it’s on the Dragons’ turf, but the Dragons will need more than home ground advantage here. The Demons are playing to keep in pole position for the double-chance in the finals; and the Dragons are going to have to find something special to knock them off. But if they can find that extra edge within them, they can trouble one of the competition heavyweights; and if they can pile on the pressure, anything can happen.
East Coast Eagles v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Kanebridge Oval, Saturday 4:00pm
East Coast – 10th. Played 13, Won 2, Lost 11, 50.16%. Streak – L1
Manly – 2nd. Played 13, Won 11, Lost 1, 187.87%. Streak – W1
A twilight encounter at Kanebridge Oval will see East Coast play host to Manly. The Eagles have saluted just twice this season, and have a big job to do here as they take on a Wolves side who are riding the wave of confidence and preparing themselves for a big finals effort ahead.
It’s a tough part of the fixture for the Eagles, to find themselves taking on Manly in the game after they played North Shore. The Eagles were never in the hunt at Gore Hill, going down to North Shore by 66 points, despite the valiant fighting efforts of Nathan Fox, Daniel Gauci and Harry Elbourne. They’ve beaten the defending premiers twice this year but haven’t won anything else; and this will be a massive mountain to climb. But climb it they must, and a big effort is needed from the Eagles here.
Manly remain in second spot on the ladder; and in their last match they returned to the winning list with a comfortable 56-point result against South-West Sydney. Cameron Manuel scored four goals, and along with James Lugsdin and Ky McGrath was among the Wolves’ best. The Wolves have had an impressive season, but will be looking to the rest of the home and away season to fine-tune their performance and get themselves set for a run through the finals. A significant opportunity awaits them if they are good enough to take it.
When the two sides met at Weldon Oval in round 4, the Wolves dominated from start to finish to win by 95 points. It would take something extraordinary for the Eagles to turn that result around and get the win this time. The Eagles will need to find some fighting spirit for the day and take the contest up to the Wolves; make them scrap for every possession and deny them any easy use of the ball. If they can’t do that, this could be a long, hard afternoon for East Coast against a Manly side that is looking to ensure the finals double-chance for the first time since their back-to-back premierships on entry to Premier Division a decade ago.
WOMENS PREMIER DIVISION
East Coast Eagles v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Kanebridge Oval, Saturday 10:30am
East Coast – 1st. Played 12, Won 10, Lost 2, 253.10%. Streak – L1
Manly – 2nd. Played 11, Won 9, Lost 2, 242.46%. Streak – W6
A preview of the finals to come. First v second. You’ll want to be up bright and early for the Metro ride to Rouse Hill; this is one you won’t want to miss. Plenty of our successful Rep team will be backing up this week to play in this one.
East Coast come into this clash on top, a game plus not a lot of percentage ahead of Manly. But the Eagles’ quest for a third straight premiership suffered a slight hiccup last start when they went down to North Shore by six points at Gore Hill. Caitlin Reid, Bryany Parker and Jess Whelan had solid games for the Eagles; but when the game was in the balance the Eagles were unable to get the job done. Now they find themselves under some pressure, and if they drop this game they will likely fall off top. But a win would put them two games clear on top and they’d be hard to dislodge from the minor premiership from there. The stakes are high.
It’ll be the first time we’ve seen Manly on the field for a few weeks, they had the bye on the weekend before the Rep game. Their last start was on a wet Weldon Oval against North Shore, and it was a thriller, with the Wolves hanging on by five points. Ash Carter, Kate Salmon and Hannah Woolf were the standouts on the day; when they were able to show that even when not everything is going their way, the Wolves can find a way to win. And that’s something they’ll need to demonstrate again this time, as they are matched up against a quality opponent on the rebound.
Plenty of star power in both teams, top spot up for grabs. This game has the ingredients of an absolute cracker. When the two teams met at Weldon in round 4, Manly got the win by 37 points. But this time it’s on the Eagles’ turf, and they drop many at home. Not just four points and top spot, but a key psychological edge for the finals to come is on the line. It’s an early start, it’ll be all over by lunchtime; but this is a morning that could make or break the season.
Parramatta Goannas v North Shore Bombers
Gipps Road Oval, Saturday 10:45am
Parramatta – 3rd. Played 11, Won 8, Lost 3, 239.89%. Streak – W2
North Shore – 6th. Played 12, Won 7, Lost 5, 127.35%. Streak – W1
Third v sixth, both teams with some winning form on the board. And so tight is the ladder that only one win separates these teams, plus a fair bit of percentage. The Goannas can create some space and tighten their grip on a finals spot if they can get the points here. But if the Bombers put on a repeat of last round’s giant-killing form, it throws the race for the finals and the double-chance wide open.
Parramatta will be hoping the weekend off didn’t hurt their momentum, as they were on a roll before the Rep weekend came around. Their last start was up at Mike Kenny against Pennant Hills, and it was one-way traffic as the Goannas recorded a convincing 86-point win. Lauren Easton and Sophie Kavanagh were unstoppable as they landed four goals apiece, and along with Chloe Davis were among the Goannas’ best. They’re in imposing form, but will need to maintain that form to retain their place in the top three.
North Shore also come into this game with plenty of confidence under their belt after a stirring win against East Coast at Gore Hill. Everything looked to be going to script when the Eagles led by 14 points at half time; but the Bombers turned the tables in the second half as they lifted another gear and stopped the ladder leaders in their tracks, hitting the lead in the dying minutes and hanging on for their best win of the year; spearheaded by the heroics of Zoe Hurrell, Emily Bliss and Lucy Yates. Now the Bombers have an opportunity to challenge for a finals spot; but one stirring win isn’t enough, and they know all too well they have to follow up that performance with another big effort here.
The two sides met at Gore Hill in round 8, and on that occasion the Goannas completed a 16-point win. But the stakes are higher now, and the battle for finals spots is tighter. There’s no sure winner here, and both sides know they will have to scrap and fight for this one. Both clubs have winning form behind them, but they’ll have to work hard and earn the premiership points in this one.
Sydney University Students v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 3:25pm
Sydney Uni – 5th. Played 11, Won 7, Lost 4, 135.59%. Streak – L1
UNSW-ES – 7th. Played 12, Won 3, Lost 9, 77.96%. Streak – W1
Sydney University and University of NSW have a long tradition of sporting rivalry over many sports. And this clash is the AFL’s version of this sporting rivalry as these two learning institutions’ teams meet up at the Sydney Uni campus. It’s always a big occasion when these teams clash; and if you’re not able to get to Sydney Uni to watch in person, the next best thing is to watch live on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/3805 ]
Sydney Uni go into this clash in fifth place, level on games with UTS and North Shore but with a game in hand. But the Students missed an opportunity to move ahead when some inaccurate finishing against UTS saw them go down to the Bats by six points. Jasmine Smith, Ash Dribbus and Frances Walsh make important contributions to the Students’ cause, but in a finish, the Students were unable to come up with the winner. In a tight battle for positions within the top five, getting the points here is vital for Sydney Uni.
UNSW-ES won’t be playing finals this year; but the Bulldogs are having a shot at back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Their last start was up north at Mike Kenny, and it was one-way traffic as the Bulldogs demolished St George by 70 points. Emily Conlan was unstoppable up forward to kick five; while Georgia Voura, Hayley Stanford and Ahlani Eddy were in the thick of the action around the ground. It was a confidence-building result for the Bulldogs, and they’ll be keen to carry that self-belief into this encounter and take the fight up to one of the competition’s high flyers.
When these sides met at Henson Park in round 8, the Students took control early to record a 29-point win. Being in the race while the Bulldogs are not, the Students will go into this game as favourites and need to get the job done. But the Bulldogs won’t go down without a fight and will be determined to contest every possession and make life difficult for the Students. The sight of a keen rival will lift the Bulldogs for the occasion; and the Students can’t take the risk of taking them lightly.
St George Dragons v Pennant Hills Demons
Olds Park, Saturday 4:50pm
St George – 9th. Played 12, Won 0, Lost 12, 5.32%. Streak – L12
Pennant Hills – 8th. Played 11, Won 1, Lost 10, 26.96%. Streak – L5
Two sides desperate for a win will meet up at Olds Park as the Dragons play host to the Demons. The Dragons are yet to taste the spoils of victory this season, while the Demons’ only win for the year to date was their last game against the Dragons. But in this game, one team’s losing streak will finally come to an end.
St George are a team that badly need a circuit-breaker; and this game gives them that opportunity for the elusive breakthrough result. Last start was a tough one, as they went down to the Bulldogs by 70 points; despite the fighting spirit of Isabella Katzakis, Jordan O’Neill and Caitlin Edmonds. Winless and with a poor percentage, this is the opportunity to put things right and salvage something from their challenging first season in Premier Division.
Pennant Hills also faced plenty of trials and tribulations at their last start, when they were well beaten by Parramatta. Hayley Lowe, Kaitlin Quinlan and Kaitlin Noble never stopped trying, but the Demons didn’t have the firepower to match it with a star-studded Goannas lineup. But now they travel to Olds Park to take on a non-finals opponent, and will be keen to make this one count.
Back in round 8, the Demons won the last clash between these teams by a 27-point margin. For both these teams, 2024 has fallen short of their hopes and dreams. But for one of these teams, a welcome respite will come; and as the scent of victory becomes stronger, the confidence will grow. Singing the song will feel so good. It’s a long-awaited prize for the team that can make their efforts come to fruition in this game. This is the opportunity that both clubs have been waiting for. But an opportunity that only one club will take.
