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SYDNEY AFL ROUND 14 2011 
Article and Photos by Michael Shillito
One of the noteworthy stories of the 2011 season has been the rise of Balmain up the ladder. The Dockers were last in the finals in 2001, and there’s been plenty of heartache and disappointment during the last decade as they’ve often struggled to be competitive against the top teams. But 2011 has been different. Coach Nic Fosdike has drawn together a mix of ex AFL players, recruits and local juniors and turn them into a team that finds itself top of the ladder.
But the Dockers can’t quite pop the champagne corks yet. There’s still some work to be done in 2011 for them to reach their full potential. And they were served a stark reminder at Drummoyne Oval on Sunday when they took on Pennant Hills.
The last decade for the Demons couldn’t be more different to Balmain’s. They’ve made the finals every year since 2004, have won two premierships, and know how to be there at the business end of the season. And again the Demons have pulled off an important win, boosting their chances of again being part of the 2011 playoffs.
Drummoyne Oval on Sunday had sunshine and blue skies, but a chilly westerly wind kept the temperatures cold. A dry week kept the surface in reasonable condition. The Dockers won the toss and elected to kick to the Lyons Road end in the first quarter.
The Dockers started brightly, with two goals in the opening three minutes. James Howard got the first, snapping over his shoulder; and the second was a copybook lead, mark and goal from Jason Saddington. But then the Demons began to snap into action, and it didn’t take long to plug back the deficit.
The advantage rule worked well for the Demons, with Daniel De Looze and Jay Lewis playing on after receiving frees to goal. Then from the centre break the Demons went forward again. Josh Keen kicked long to the square, but Chris Bolt put on a sensational defensive spoil to prevent Bilbe from marking. But the ball spilled free, the Demons gathered and chipped in short to Keen who had followed the ball to the goalsquare. The goal gave the Demons the lead, and they would not be headed again.
The Dockers would often get the ball into their star-studded forward line, but the Demons had the answers; with Tim Scoular or Kieran Wright on the spot to repel and Docker attacks. And the Demons would work relentlessly to get to where the ball was, as best exemplified by Cameron Smith. Bombing long to a vacant goalsquare, Smith chased the ball and only just failed to keep the ball in play before it dribbled through for a point. And forcing a turnover from the kick-in, the Demons found Robert Watts and a goal that gave them a 12-point lead at the first change.
The Dockers had chances to peg back the deficit at the start of the second term, but were unable to make use of their opportunities. Some silly free kicks to James Howard and then Matt Edwins created a shot at goal from 25 metres out, but Edwins missed the shot. An attempt to run into an open goal was thwarted by a brilliant goal-saving tackle from behind.
The Demons had kicked the last four goals of the first term, and they would kick the first four of the second, setting up a lead that they would comfortably maintain. Three of the four goals would come from playing on after receiving marks or free kicks, catching the Balmain defenders off-guard. And with the precision of a micro-surgeon, Daniel De Looze went straight and accurate with a set shot from a virtually impossible angle next to the behind post. Even with Edwins and Nick Davis scoring for the Dockers during time-on in the second term, the Demons led by 24 points at the long break.
The third quarter began at breakneck speed, with the scoreboard quickly ticking over. Josh Keen took advantage of a lucky bounce to grab the ball and score for the Demons. The Dockers had an instant reply, with a clever snap over the shoulder by Troy Osland. But the Demons had the answers, with Luke Bilbe outmarking two opponents for an easy set shot and then sharking a boundary throw-in to snap truly.
It was the trend for the remainder of the game. Whenever the Dockers tried to get back into the contest, to mount a challenge, the Demons had the answers. The Demons were able to get better numbers around the ball, doing the one-percenters well and shutting down any Balmain attacking creativity.
The Demons led by 39 points at three-quarter time, and by the final siren the margin had extended to 58 points. Best on ground was Keiran Wright, a tower of strength in defence; while Damien Dell’Aquila and Brandon Jack were also prominent. For the Dockers, Josh Ryder, Jerome Farrell and Tim Schmidt were handy contributors.
The Dockers remain top of the ladder, a game clear of East Coast; but the Eagles have a game in hand. A win today would have strengthened their hold on top of the ladder; but the loss makes it easier for the Eagles to take top spot from the Dockers.
But the win was important for Pennant Hills, putting them ahead of North Shore into fourth place. The Demons in the last two rounds have beaten the top two teams. A fortnight ago, the Demons looked no certainties to qualify for the finals; but although a push for the top three may be beyond them, the last fortnight has ensured the gap between the top five and the challengers outside the finals remains intact.
If any team currently outside the top five is going to make a run at the finals, Illawarra established their credentials as top challenger after hanging on to edge out UNSW-ES by four points in a thriller at North Dalton Oval on Saturday afternoon.
It was a low-scoring clash played in cold conditions, with a biting wind blowing through. But although the Bulldogs had more scoring chances during the first quarter, the Lions made better use of their opportunities to lead by two points at the first change. There were four points in it at half time, and the Lions made a move in the third term with two goals to one to extend their lead to 12 points.
But the Bulldogs weren’t beaten yet, and came back strongly in the final term, again keeping the ball locked in their forward line for much of the quarter to produce plenty of scoring chances. But the Bulldogs could only convert two of those chances into goals, and the Lions would hang on for dear life to take the win.
Barron Hanson, Jimmy Weavers and Jeremy Daniher would be among Illawarra’s best; while Max Collett, Ben Woods and Thomas Heath worked hard all afternoon for UNSW-ES. The Lions have a bye next week, and will then need to string some more wins together to be finals contenders; but if North Shore or Pennant Hills struggle for form in the next few weeks, and they play each other next week, the Lions may get themselves in a position to pounce. But after a five game losing streak, time is running out for the Bulldogs, their hopes of returning to finals action in 2011 at risk of slipping away.
East Coast Eagles bounced back from last week’s loss, ending North Shore’s winning streak with a 56-point victory over the Bombers at Bruce Purser Reserve on Saturday afternoon. The Eagles’ defence was at its miserly best in the first quarter as they held the Bombers goal-less to lead by 21 points at the first change. This ensured the Eagles would always have the lead, and although the Bombers made attempts to get back into the contest during the second and third quarters, the pressures of playing catch-up football would prove beyond them.
The Eagles led by 25 points at the long break, and by three-quarter time the lead had been extended to 44 points. By then the game was safe, but the Eagles took no chances and ensured their percentage would stay strong by holding the Bombers scoreless in the final term.
Ash Moeller contributed five goals to the Eagle cause, while Jamie Vlatko would score four; and along with Jack Dimery they were among the Eagles’ best. The Bombers were well served by Pat Codling, Teddy Strudwick and Lachlan Pryor; but it was East Coast’s day, a day in which the difference in class between the Bombers and the top two was all too clear.
It was Past Players Day at Olds Park when St George hosted Sydney Uni on Saturday afternoon. And the stars of St George’s past would have been impressed with the fighting spirit displayed by the present-day Dragons, who didn’t win but took the fight right up to the high-flying Sydney Uni.
In a see-sawing first half, the Students led by two points at quarter time, and at half time by six points. The Students had chances during the first half, and especially in the third quarter, to take the game out of St George’s reach, but some poor finishing kept the Dragons in the contest. It was one goal apiece in the third term, the Students leading by 11 points at the last change.
The game opened up in the final quarter, as the Dragons threw caution to the wind and attacked hard. But the Students had the answers, and with five goals to four in the final quarter the final winning margin extended to 20 points.
For Sydney Uni, Tom Elkington, Tim Barton and Nicholas Lye were prominent around the ground; in a performance which, combined with North Shore’s loss, strengthens the Students’ claims to a top-three berth. For St George, it wasn’t quite the result they wanted in a milestone match that saw veteran Jon Shineberg bring up his 200th appearance for the club; but debutant Jordan West, Mitchell Edwards and Nick Ryan could hold their heads high.
Wests won their third game on the trot, the Magpies hanging on in the final quarter to hold out the winless Campbelltown at Monarch Oval on Saturday afternoon, taking the game by nine points.
The Magpies started promisingly, kicking the only three goals of the first term to lead by 19 points at quarter time, and after an evenly-contested second quarter the lead was 21 points at half time. And when the Magpies kicked three goals to two in the premiership quarter, it looked like it would be enough to secure victory.
But Campbelltown continued to fight, and would cause the Magpies some nervous moments in the final term. The Magpies were unable to trouble the scorers, the ball rarely entering their 50 metre arc. But for all Campbelltown’s efforts, there would be only three scoring shots for the quarter. The Blues converted all three of them into goals, bringing the margin back to single figures. But the Wests’ defence held firm in the final stages, and the Blues’ brave charge would fall short.
Bill Lafferty, Dwain Watkins and Clinton McGrath would be among Wests’ best; in a performance that wasn’t pretty but continues their revival that has seen them win three games straight. Campbelltown found worthy warriors in Marcus Linsen, Matthew Moore and Scott Hardy; but the quest for the breakthrough of their first win in 2011 will have to continue for another week.
Pennant Hills 4.2 8.6 13.7 17.8 (110)
Balmain 2.2 4.5 6.8 7.10 (52)
Goals : Pennant Hills – D De Looze 3, L Bilbe 3, Brandon Jack 3, J Keen 2, S Boughton, J Gourlay, J McInerney, J Lewis, R Watts, C Setford. Balmain – J Saddington 2, T Osland, M Edwins, N Davis, L Freemantle, J Howard.
Best : Pennant Hills – K Wright, D Dell’Aquila, Brandon Jack, B Beaston, S Parker, D Witt. Balmain – J Ryder, J Farrell, T Schmidt, C Bolt, J Coulloupas, T Stevens.
At Drummoyne Oval, Sunday 10th July 2011.
Illawarra 2.0 3.4 5.7 6.10 (46)
Uni NSW-Eastern Suburbs 1.4 2.6 3.7 5.12 (42)
Goals : Illawarra – R Price 3, K Ewen-Chappell 2, J Weavers. UNSW-ES – T Garrett 2, P Kefalas, R Pert, L Lavery.
Best : Illawarra – B Hanson, J Weavers, J Daniher, E Hailey, D Goodley, R Woodward. UNSW-ES – M Collett, B Woods, T Heath, T Garrett, J Robbie, R Pert.
At North Dalton Oval, Saturday 9th July 2011.
East Coast Eagles 3.6 8.9 13.13 14.19 (103)
North Shore 0.3 4.8 6.11 6.11 (47)
Goals : East Coast – A Moeller 5, Jamie Vlatko 4, B Physick, B Rogers, R Fitton, D Spiteri, J Dimery. North Shore – L Pryor 2, S Paynter, R Wason, T Strudwick, B Sykes.
Goals : East Coast – Jamie Vlatko, J Dimery, A Moeller, A Savage, B Bourke, A Foxall. North Shore – P Codling, T Strudwick, L Pryor, R Wason, Z Manley, L Kilpatrick.
At Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 9th July 2011.
Sydney University 3.3 4.8 5.14 10.17 (77)
St George 3.1 4.2 5.3 9.3 (57)
Goals : Sydney Uni – T Elkington 3, D Worrell 2, T Barrett 2, A Turco, C Wells, M Krochmal. St George – J Shineberg 2, D Napper 2, N Ryan 2, D Ryan, D Lycakis, A Wynn.
Best : Sydney Uni – T Elkington, T Barton, N Lye, M Higgins, J Cole, D McKay. St George – J West, M Edwards, N Ryan, S Wilsen, D Donohue, B Jones.
At Olds Park, Saturday 9th July 2011.
Western Suburbs 3.3 5.5 8.7 8.7 (55)
Campbelltown 0.2 2.2 4.4 7.4 (46)
Goals : Wests – S Hudson, M Eurell, K Walford, R Barrett, L Roehrig, C Specha, J Zoppo, J Morgan. Campbelltown – L Coughlan 2, B Yakimov 2, M Moore, B McCrossen, F Brown.
Best : Wests – B Lafferty, D Watkins, C McGrath, S Hudson, R Barrett, K Walford. Campbelltown – M Linsen, M Moore, S Hardy, H Sherwood, B Joynson, T Sims.
At Monarch Oval, Saturday 9th July 2011.
Black - Confirmed finalists
Green - Currently in a finals position, but not yet guaranteed a place in the finals
Blue - Not currently in a finals position, but still a chance to qualify
Purple - Will not be competing in the finals
Red - If the season ended now, would be relegated.
First Division:
East Coast 13.9 (87) d North Shore 9.7 (61)
UNSW-ES 16.11 (107) d Illawarra 8.8 (56)
Manly-Warringah 14.17 (101) d Western Suburbs 7.6 (48)
Southern Power 14.8 (92) d Sydney Uni 8.2 (50)
Pennant Hills 8.4 (52) d Macquarie Uni 5.7 (37)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Manly-Warringah (84.62, 261.35%), Southern Power (83.33, 155.54%), Sydney Uni (69.23, 103.50%), Macquarie Uni (61.54, 177.42%), East Coast (50, 124.27%), Pennant Hills (50, 75.26%), UNSW-ES (46.15, 79.46%), UTS (45.45, 98.43%), North Shore (33.33, 70.76%), Wests (16.67, 59.89%), Illawarra (7.69, 46.26%).
Second Division:
Sydney Uni 15.7 (97) d St George 6.0 (36)
Manly-Warringah 14.7 (91) d Moorebank 12.12 (84)
Penrith 15.20 (110) d Camden 3.3 (21)
Auburn 13.11 (89) d NorWest 7.3 (45)
Balmain 4.14 (38) drew Holroyd-Parramatta 5.8 (38)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Penrith (76.92, 186.85%), Holroyd-Parramatta (73.08, 153.67%), Balmain (73.08, 137.15%), Sydney Uni (69.23, 132.39%), Auburn (61.54, 110.14%), NorWest (53.85, 107.18%), Manly-Warringah (30.77, 71.63%), St George (30.77, 60.88%), Moorebank (23.08, 82.12%), Camden (7.69, 47.08%).
Third Division:
Southern Power 13.6 (84) d Campbelltown 9.5 (59)
Sydney Uni 9.9 (63) d Western Suburbs 5.5 (35)
UNSW-ES 16.9 (105) d East Coast 8.8 (56)
UTS 24.24 (168) d North Shore 1.7 (13)
Saints AFC 8.12 (60) d Macquarie Uni 10.4 (64)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – UNSW-ES (92.31, 256.35%), UTS (81.82, 195.74%), Sydney Uni (76.92, 143.73%), Saints AFC (58.33, 160.03%), Southern Power (58.33, 108.98%), Macquarie Uni (38.46, 103.73%), East Coast (37.5, 68.78%), Wests (33.33, 74.73%), Campbelltown (23.08, 45.95%), North Shore (7.69, 28.65%).
Fourth Division:
Manly-Warringah 9.16 (70) d Moorebank 7.7 (49)
Auburn 8.14 (62) d UNSW-ES 4.5 (29)
UTS 18.13 (121) d Holroyd-Parramatta 7.3 (45)
Macquarie Uni 20.15 (135) d NorWest 8.8 (56)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Macquarie Uni (100, 184.13%), Penrith (90.91, 220.58%), UTS (55.56, 129.17%), Moorebank (50, 96.16%), UNSW-ES (50, 92.07%), Holroyd-Parramatta (41.67, 95.92%), Manly-Warringah (27.27, 70.45%), NorWest (22.22, 76.59%), Auburn (16.67, 46.56%).
Fifth Division:
Macquarie Uni 11.15 (81) d Camden 7.5 (47)
Southern Power d Holroyd-Parramatta – forfeit
Manly-Warringah 9.15 (42) d Sydney Uni 3.4 (22)
Moorebank 8.15 (63) d Saints AFC 5.8 (38)
Ladder – Southern Power (52, 293.23%), Moorebank (36, 168.64%), Manly-Warringah (32, 92.59%), Sydney Uni (28, 135.92%), Saints AFC (28, 120.11%), Macquarie Uni (24, 103.36%), Camden (8, 54.47%), Holroyd-Parramatta (0, 25.86%).
Under 18s Premier:
East Coast 16.12 (108) d North Shore 6.9 (45)
Illawarra 13.14 (92) d UNSW-ES 2.4 (16)
Sydney Uni 7.5 (47) d St George 4.4 (28)
St Ignatius Riverview 10.5 (65) d Western Suburbs 9.6 (60)
Pennant Hills 7.13 (55) d Penrith 4.4 (28)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – East Coast (96.15, 243.87%), North Shore (79.17, 171.72%), St Ignatius Riverview (69.23, 118.79%), Pennant Hills (66.67, 112.48%), Sydney Uni (61.54, 129.89%), Illawarra (37.5, 95.90%), St George (30.77, 91.78%), Wests (29.17, 73.93%), Penrith (23.08, 49.76%), UNSW-ES (7.69, 40.23%).
Under 18s Challenge:
Mac Uni Warriors 18.10 (118) d Moorebank 5.6 (36)
Campbelltown 17.21 (123) d Manly-Warringah 7.2 (44)
Southern Power 29.17 (191) d Mac Uni Kookas 1.2 (8)
Holroyd-Parramatta 12.9 (81) d Balmain 6.7 (43)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Campbelltown (100, 333.96%), Mac Uni Warriors (81.82, 170.22%), Manly-Warringah (58.33, 131.69%), Holroyd-Parramatta (58.33, 124.89%), Southern Power (50, 129.50%), Balmain (46.45, 93.79%), East Coast (27.27, 62.30%), Moorebank (25, 66.13%), Mac Uni Kookas (8.33, 21.58%).
NEXT WEEK’S MATCHES
Premier Division (Lurker’s Kiss of Death in bold):
Saturday 16th July
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Western Suburbs (2:10pm)
Henson Park – UTS v St George (2:10pm)
Village Green – UNSW-ES v Campbelltown (2:10pm)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v Pennant Hills (2:30pm)
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval – Sydney Uni v East Coast (7pm)
BYE – Illawarra.
First Division:
Saturday 16th July
Trumper Park – UTS v Southern Power (11:30am)
Village Green – UNSW-ES v Manly-Warringah (12pm)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v Pennant Hills (12:30pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Western Suburbs (2:10pm)
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval – Sydney Uni v East Coast (3pm)
BYE – Illawarra.
Second Division:
Saturday 16th July
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Auburn (12pm)
Bensons Lane – NorWest v Penrith (2:10pm)
St Pauls Oval – Sydney Uni v Manly-Warringah (2:10pm)
Gipps Rd Oval – Holroyd-Parramatta v St George (2:30pm)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Camden (3:30pm)
Third Division:
Saturday 16th July
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v Saints AFC (8:30am)
Trumper Park – UTS v Southern Power (9:30am)
Picken Oval – Western Suburbs v Campbelltown (12pm)
St Pauls Oval – Sydney Uni v UNSW-ES (12pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v East Coast (12pm)
Fourth Division:
Saturday 16th July
Bensons Lane – NorWest v Penrith (12pm)
Henson Park – UTS v Manly-Warringah (12pm)
Gipps Rd Oval – Holroyd-Parramatta v UNSW-ES (12:30pm)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Macquarie Uni (1:30pm)
BYE – Auburn.
Fifth Division:
Saturday 16th July
St Pauls Oval – Sydney Uni v Camden (10am)
Gipps Rd Oval – Holroyd-Parramatta v Manly-Warringah (10:30am)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Macquarie Uni (11:30am)
Pioneers Park – Saints AFC v Southern Power (2pm)
Under 18s Premier:
Saturday 16th July
Picken Oval – Western Suburbs v Penrith (10am)
Village Green – UNSW-ES v St George (10am)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v Pennant Hills (10:30am)
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval – Sydney Uni v East Coast (5pm)
Sunday 17th July
Riverview First Field – St Ignatius Riverview v Illawarra (2:30pm)
Under 18s Challenge:
Saturday 16th July
Gipps Rd Oval – Holroyd-Parramatta v East Coast (8:30am)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Campbelltown (9:30am)
University Oval – Mac Uni Warriors v Manly-Warringah (9:30am)
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Mac Uni Kookas (10am)
BYE – Southern Power.
Article and Photos by Michael Shillito
One of the noteworthy stories of the 2011 season has been the rise of Balmain up the ladder. The Dockers were last in the finals in 2001, and there’s been plenty of heartache and disappointment during the last decade as they’ve often struggled to be competitive against the top teams. But 2011 has been different. Coach Nic Fosdike has drawn together a mix of ex AFL players, recruits and local juniors and turn them into a team that finds itself top of the ladder.
But the Dockers can’t quite pop the champagne corks yet. There’s still some work to be done in 2011 for them to reach their full potential. And they were served a stark reminder at Drummoyne Oval on Sunday when they took on Pennant Hills.
The last decade for the Demons couldn’t be more different to Balmain’s. They’ve made the finals every year since 2004, have won two premierships, and know how to be there at the business end of the season. And again the Demons have pulled off an important win, boosting their chances of again being part of the 2011 playoffs.
Drummoyne Oval on Sunday had sunshine and blue skies, but a chilly westerly wind kept the temperatures cold. A dry week kept the surface in reasonable condition. The Dockers won the toss and elected to kick to the Lyons Road end in the first quarter.
The Dockers started brightly, with two goals in the opening three minutes. James Howard got the first, snapping over his shoulder; and the second was a copybook lead, mark and goal from Jason Saddington. But then the Demons began to snap into action, and it didn’t take long to plug back the deficit.
The advantage rule worked well for the Demons, with Daniel De Looze and Jay Lewis playing on after receiving frees to goal. Then from the centre break the Demons went forward again. Josh Keen kicked long to the square, but Chris Bolt put on a sensational defensive spoil to prevent Bilbe from marking. But the ball spilled free, the Demons gathered and chipped in short to Keen who had followed the ball to the goalsquare. The goal gave the Demons the lead, and they would not be headed again.
The Dockers would often get the ball into their star-studded forward line, but the Demons had the answers; with Tim Scoular or Kieran Wright on the spot to repel and Docker attacks. And the Demons would work relentlessly to get to where the ball was, as best exemplified by Cameron Smith. Bombing long to a vacant goalsquare, Smith chased the ball and only just failed to keep the ball in play before it dribbled through for a point. And forcing a turnover from the kick-in, the Demons found Robert Watts and a goal that gave them a 12-point lead at the first change.
The Dockers had chances to peg back the deficit at the start of the second term, but were unable to make use of their opportunities. Some silly free kicks to James Howard and then Matt Edwins created a shot at goal from 25 metres out, but Edwins missed the shot. An attempt to run into an open goal was thwarted by a brilliant goal-saving tackle from behind.
The Demons had kicked the last four goals of the first term, and they would kick the first four of the second, setting up a lead that they would comfortably maintain. Three of the four goals would come from playing on after receiving marks or free kicks, catching the Balmain defenders off-guard. And with the precision of a micro-surgeon, Daniel De Looze went straight and accurate with a set shot from a virtually impossible angle next to the behind post. Even with Edwins and Nick Davis scoring for the Dockers during time-on in the second term, the Demons led by 24 points at the long break.
The third quarter began at breakneck speed, with the scoreboard quickly ticking over. Josh Keen took advantage of a lucky bounce to grab the ball and score for the Demons. The Dockers had an instant reply, with a clever snap over the shoulder by Troy Osland. But the Demons had the answers, with Luke Bilbe outmarking two opponents for an easy set shot and then sharking a boundary throw-in to snap truly.
It was the trend for the remainder of the game. Whenever the Dockers tried to get back into the contest, to mount a challenge, the Demons had the answers. The Demons were able to get better numbers around the ball, doing the one-percenters well and shutting down any Balmain attacking creativity.
The Demons led by 39 points at three-quarter time, and by the final siren the margin had extended to 58 points. Best on ground was Keiran Wright, a tower of strength in defence; while Damien Dell’Aquila and Brandon Jack were also prominent. For the Dockers, Josh Ryder, Jerome Farrell and Tim Schmidt were handy contributors.
The Dockers remain top of the ladder, a game clear of East Coast; but the Eagles have a game in hand. A win today would have strengthened their hold on top of the ladder; but the loss makes it easier for the Eagles to take top spot from the Dockers.
But the win was important for Pennant Hills, putting them ahead of North Shore into fourth place. The Demons in the last two rounds have beaten the top two teams. A fortnight ago, the Demons looked no certainties to qualify for the finals; but although a push for the top three may be beyond them, the last fortnight has ensured the gap between the top five and the challengers outside the finals remains intact.
If any team currently outside the top five is going to make a run at the finals, Illawarra established their credentials as top challenger after hanging on to edge out UNSW-ES by four points in a thriller at North Dalton Oval on Saturday afternoon.
It was a low-scoring clash played in cold conditions, with a biting wind blowing through. But although the Bulldogs had more scoring chances during the first quarter, the Lions made better use of their opportunities to lead by two points at the first change. There were four points in it at half time, and the Lions made a move in the third term with two goals to one to extend their lead to 12 points.
But the Bulldogs weren’t beaten yet, and came back strongly in the final term, again keeping the ball locked in their forward line for much of the quarter to produce plenty of scoring chances. But the Bulldogs could only convert two of those chances into goals, and the Lions would hang on for dear life to take the win.
Barron Hanson, Jimmy Weavers and Jeremy Daniher would be among Illawarra’s best; while Max Collett, Ben Woods and Thomas Heath worked hard all afternoon for UNSW-ES. The Lions have a bye next week, and will then need to string some more wins together to be finals contenders; but if North Shore or Pennant Hills struggle for form in the next few weeks, and they play each other next week, the Lions may get themselves in a position to pounce. But after a five game losing streak, time is running out for the Bulldogs, their hopes of returning to finals action in 2011 at risk of slipping away.
East Coast Eagles bounced back from last week’s loss, ending North Shore’s winning streak with a 56-point victory over the Bombers at Bruce Purser Reserve on Saturday afternoon. The Eagles’ defence was at its miserly best in the first quarter as they held the Bombers goal-less to lead by 21 points at the first change. This ensured the Eagles would always have the lead, and although the Bombers made attempts to get back into the contest during the second and third quarters, the pressures of playing catch-up football would prove beyond them.
The Eagles led by 25 points at the long break, and by three-quarter time the lead had been extended to 44 points. By then the game was safe, but the Eagles took no chances and ensured their percentage would stay strong by holding the Bombers scoreless in the final term.
Ash Moeller contributed five goals to the Eagle cause, while Jamie Vlatko would score four; and along with Jack Dimery they were among the Eagles’ best. The Bombers were well served by Pat Codling, Teddy Strudwick and Lachlan Pryor; but it was East Coast’s day, a day in which the difference in class between the Bombers and the top two was all too clear.
It was Past Players Day at Olds Park when St George hosted Sydney Uni on Saturday afternoon. And the stars of St George’s past would have been impressed with the fighting spirit displayed by the present-day Dragons, who didn’t win but took the fight right up to the high-flying Sydney Uni.
In a see-sawing first half, the Students led by two points at quarter time, and at half time by six points. The Students had chances during the first half, and especially in the third quarter, to take the game out of St George’s reach, but some poor finishing kept the Dragons in the contest. It was one goal apiece in the third term, the Students leading by 11 points at the last change.
The game opened up in the final quarter, as the Dragons threw caution to the wind and attacked hard. But the Students had the answers, and with five goals to four in the final quarter the final winning margin extended to 20 points.
For Sydney Uni, Tom Elkington, Tim Barton and Nicholas Lye were prominent around the ground; in a performance which, combined with North Shore’s loss, strengthens the Students’ claims to a top-three berth. For St George, it wasn’t quite the result they wanted in a milestone match that saw veteran Jon Shineberg bring up his 200th appearance for the club; but debutant Jordan West, Mitchell Edwards and Nick Ryan could hold their heads high.
Wests won their third game on the trot, the Magpies hanging on in the final quarter to hold out the winless Campbelltown at Monarch Oval on Saturday afternoon, taking the game by nine points.
The Magpies started promisingly, kicking the only three goals of the first term to lead by 19 points at quarter time, and after an evenly-contested second quarter the lead was 21 points at half time. And when the Magpies kicked three goals to two in the premiership quarter, it looked like it would be enough to secure victory.
But Campbelltown continued to fight, and would cause the Magpies some nervous moments in the final term. The Magpies were unable to trouble the scorers, the ball rarely entering their 50 metre arc. But for all Campbelltown’s efforts, there would be only three scoring shots for the quarter. The Blues converted all three of them into goals, bringing the margin back to single figures. But the Wests’ defence held firm in the final stages, and the Blues’ brave charge would fall short.
Bill Lafferty, Dwain Watkins and Clinton McGrath would be among Wests’ best; in a performance that wasn’t pretty but continues their revival that has seen them win three games straight. Campbelltown found worthy warriors in Marcus Linsen, Matthew Moore and Scott Hardy; but the quest for the breakthrough of their first win in 2011 will have to continue for another week.
Pennant Hills 4.2 8.6 13.7 17.8 (110)
Balmain 2.2 4.5 6.8 7.10 (52)
Goals : Pennant Hills – D De Looze 3, L Bilbe 3, Brandon Jack 3, J Keen 2, S Boughton, J Gourlay, J McInerney, J Lewis, R Watts, C Setford. Balmain – J Saddington 2, T Osland, M Edwins, N Davis, L Freemantle, J Howard.
Best : Pennant Hills – K Wright, D Dell’Aquila, Brandon Jack, B Beaston, S Parker, D Witt. Balmain – J Ryder, J Farrell, T Schmidt, C Bolt, J Coulloupas, T Stevens.
At Drummoyne Oval, Sunday 10th July 2011.
Illawarra 2.0 3.4 5.7 6.10 (46)
Uni NSW-Eastern Suburbs 1.4 2.6 3.7 5.12 (42)
Goals : Illawarra – R Price 3, K Ewen-Chappell 2, J Weavers. UNSW-ES – T Garrett 2, P Kefalas, R Pert, L Lavery.
Best : Illawarra – B Hanson, J Weavers, J Daniher, E Hailey, D Goodley, R Woodward. UNSW-ES – M Collett, B Woods, T Heath, T Garrett, J Robbie, R Pert.
At North Dalton Oval, Saturday 9th July 2011.
East Coast Eagles 3.6 8.9 13.13 14.19 (103)
North Shore 0.3 4.8 6.11 6.11 (47)
Goals : East Coast – A Moeller 5, Jamie Vlatko 4, B Physick, B Rogers, R Fitton, D Spiteri, J Dimery. North Shore – L Pryor 2, S Paynter, R Wason, T Strudwick, B Sykes.
Goals : East Coast – Jamie Vlatko, J Dimery, A Moeller, A Savage, B Bourke, A Foxall. North Shore – P Codling, T Strudwick, L Pryor, R Wason, Z Manley, L Kilpatrick.
At Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 9th July 2011.
Sydney University 3.3 4.8 5.14 10.17 (77)
St George 3.1 4.2 5.3 9.3 (57)
Goals : Sydney Uni – T Elkington 3, D Worrell 2, T Barrett 2, A Turco, C Wells, M Krochmal. St George – J Shineberg 2, D Napper 2, N Ryan 2, D Ryan, D Lycakis, A Wynn.
Best : Sydney Uni – T Elkington, T Barton, N Lye, M Higgins, J Cole, D McKay. St George – J West, M Edwards, N Ryan, S Wilsen, D Donohue, B Jones.
At Olds Park, Saturday 9th July 2011.
Western Suburbs 3.3 5.5 8.7 8.7 (55)
Campbelltown 0.2 2.2 4.4 7.4 (46)
Goals : Wests – S Hudson, M Eurell, K Walford, R Barrett, L Roehrig, C Specha, J Zoppo, J Morgan. Campbelltown – L Coughlan 2, B Yakimov 2, M Moore, B McCrossen, F Brown.
Best : Wests – B Lafferty, D Watkins, C McGrath, S Hudson, R Barrett, K Walford. Campbelltown – M Linsen, M Moore, S Hardy, H Sherwood, B Joynson, T Sims.
At Monarch Oval, Saturday 9th July 2011.
| Play | Won | Draw | Lost | For | Agnst | Pts | %age | Strk | |
| Balmain | 13 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 1,169 | 904 | 84.62 | 129.32 | L1 |
| East Coast | 12 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 1,407 | 613 | 83.33 | 229.53 | W1 |
| Sydney Uni | 13 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 1,423 | 901 | 76.92 | 157.94 | W2 |
| Pennant Hills | 12 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 1,103 | 808 | 66.67 | 136.51 | W3 |
| North Shore | 12 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 980 | 896 | 66.67 | 109.38 | L1 |
| Illawarra | 13 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 954 | 974 | 53.85 | 97.95 | W2 |
| UNSW-ES | 13 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 1,034 | 1,142 | 38.46 | 90.54 | L5 |
| St George | 13 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 901 | 1,196 | 38.46 | 75.33 | L3 |
| Western Suburbs | 12 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 772 | 905 | 33.33 | 85.30 | W3 |
| UTS | 12 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 725 | 1,368 | 8.33 | 53.00 | L3 |
| Campbelltown | 13 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 719 | 1,480 | 0 | 45.58 | L13 |
Black - Confirmed finalists
Green - Currently in a finals position, but not yet guaranteed a place in the finals
Blue - Not currently in a finals position, but still a chance to qualify
Purple - Will not be competing in the finals
Red - If the season ended now, would be relegated.
First Division:
East Coast 13.9 (87) d North Shore 9.7 (61)
UNSW-ES 16.11 (107) d Illawarra 8.8 (56)
Manly-Warringah 14.17 (101) d Western Suburbs 7.6 (48)
Southern Power 14.8 (92) d Sydney Uni 8.2 (50)
Pennant Hills 8.4 (52) d Macquarie Uni 5.7 (37)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Manly-Warringah (84.62, 261.35%), Southern Power (83.33, 155.54%), Sydney Uni (69.23, 103.50%), Macquarie Uni (61.54, 177.42%), East Coast (50, 124.27%), Pennant Hills (50, 75.26%), UNSW-ES (46.15, 79.46%), UTS (45.45, 98.43%), North Shore (33.33, 70.76%), Wests (16.67, 59.89%), Illawarra (7.69, 46.26%).
Second Division:
Sydney Uni 15.7 (97) d St George 6.0 (36)
Manly-Warringah 14.7 (91) d Moorebank 12.12 (84)
Penrith 15.20 (110) d Camden 3.3 (21)
Auburn 13.11 (89) d NorWest 7.3 (45)
Balmain 4.14 (38) drew Holroyd-Parramatta 5.8 (38)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Penrith (76.92, 186.85%), Holroyd-Parramatta (73.08, 153.67%), Balmain (73.08, 137.15%), Sydney Uni (69.23, 132.39%), Auburn (61.54, 110.14%), NorWest (53.85, 107.18%), Manly-Warringah (30.77, 71.63%), St George (30.77, 60.88%), Moorebank (23.08, 82.12%), Camden (7.69, 47.08%).
Third Division:
Southern Power 13.6 (84) d Campbelltown 9.5 (59)
Sydney Uni 9.9 (63) d Western Suburbs 5.5 (35)
UNSW-ES 16.9 (105) d East Coast 8.8 (56)
UTS 24.24 (168) d North Shore 1.7 (13)
Saints AFC 8.12 (60) d Macquarie Uni 10.4 (64)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – UNSW-ES (92.31, 256.35%), UTS (81.82, 195.74%), Sydney Uni (76.92, 143.73%), Saints AFC (58.33, 160.03%), Southern Power (58.33, 108.98%), Macquarie Uni (38.46, 103.73%), East Coast (37.5, 68.78%), Wests (33.33, 74.73%), Campbelltown (23.08, 45.95%), North Shore (7.69, 28.65%).
Fourth Division:
Manly-Warringah 9.16 (70) d Moorebank 7.7 (49)
Auburn 8.14 (62) d UNSW-ES 4.5 (29)
UTS 18.13 (121) d Holroyd-Parramatta 7.3 (45)
Macquarie Uni 20.15 (135) d NorWest 8.8 (56)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Macquarie Uni (100, 184.13%), Penrith (90.91, 220.58%), UTS (55.56, 129.17%), Moorebank (50, 96.16%), UNSW-ES (50, 92.07%), Holroyd-Parramatta (41.67, 95.92%), Manly-Warringah (27.27, 70.45%), NorWest (22.22, 76.59%), Auburn (16.67, 46.56%).
Fifth Division:
Macquarie Uni 11.15 (81) d Camden 7.5 (47)
Southern Power d Holroyd-Parramatta – forfeit
Manly-Warringah 9.15 (42) d Sydney Uni 3.4 (22)
Moorebank 8.15 (63) d Saints AFC 5.8 (38)
Ladder – Southern Power (52, 293.23%), Moorebank (36, 168.64%), Manly-Warringah (32, 92.59%), Sydney Uni (28, 135.92%), Saints AFC (28, 120.11%), Macquarie Uni (24, 103.36%), Camden (8, 54.47%), Holroyd-Parramatta (0, 25.86%).
Under 18s Premier:
East Coast 16.12 (108) d North Shore 6.9 (45)
Illawarra 13.14 (92) d UNSW-ES 2.4 (16)
Sydney Uni 7.5 (47) d St George 4.4 (28)
St Ignatius Riverview 10.5 (65) d Western Suburbs 9.6 (60)
Pennant Hills 7.13 (55) d Penrith 4.4 (28)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – East Coast (96.15, 243.87%), North Shore (79.17, 171.72%), St Ignatius Riverview (69.23, 118.79%), Pennant Hills (66.67, 112.48%), Sydney Uni (61.54, 129.89%), Illawarra (37.5, 95.90%), St George (30.77, 91.78%), Wests (29.17, 73.93%), Penrith (23.08, 49.76%), UNSW-ES (7.69, 40.23%).
Under 18s Challenge:
Mac Uni Warriors 18.10 (118) d Moorebank 5.6 (36)
Campbelltown 17.21 (123) d Manly-Warringah 7.2 (44)
Southern Power 29.17 (191) d Mac Uni Kookas 1.2 (8)
Holroyd-Parramatta 12.9 (81) d Balmain 6.7 (43)
Ladder (Match Ratio) – Campbelltown (100, 333.96%), Mac Uni Warriors (81.82, 170.22%), Manly-Warringah (58.33, 131.69%), Holroyd-Parramatta (58.33, 124.89%), Southern Power (50, 129.50%), Balmain (46.45, 93.79%), East Coast (27.27, 62.30%), Moorebank (25, 66.13%), Mac Uni Kookas (8.33, 21.58%).
NEXT WEEK’S MATCHES
Premier Division (Lurker’s Kiss of Death in bold):
Saturday 16th July
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Western Suburbs (2:10pm)
Henson Park – UTS v St George (2:10pm)
Village Green – UNSW-ES v Campbelltown (2:10pm)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v Pennant Hills (2:30pm)
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval – Sydney Uni v East Coast (7pm)
BYE – Illawarra.
First Division:
Saturday 16th July
Trumper Park – UTS v Southern Power (11:30am)
Village Green – UNSW-ES v Manly-Warringah (12pm)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v Pennant Hills (12:30pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v Western Suburbs (2:10pm)
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval – Sydney Uni v East Coast (3pm)
BYE – Illawarra.
Second Division:
Saturday 16th July
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Auburn (12pm)
Bensons Lane – NorWest v Penrith (2:10pm)
St Pauls Oval – Sydney Uni v Manly-Warringah (2:10pm)
Gipps Rd Oval – Holroyd-Parramatta v St George (2:30pm)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Camden (3:30pm)
Third Division:
Saturday 16th July
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v Saints AFC (8:30am)
Trumper Park – UTS v Southern Power (9:30am)
Picken Oval – Western Suburbs v Campbelltown (12pm)
St Pauls Oval – Sydney Uni v UNSW-ES (12pm)
University Oval – Macquarie Uni v East Coast (12pm)
Fourth Division:
Saturday 16th July
Bensons Lane – NorWest v Penrith (12pm)
Henson Park – UTS v Manly-Warringah (12pm)
Gipps Rd Oval – Holroyd-Parramatta v UNSW-ES (12:30pm)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Macquarie Uni (1:30pm)
BYE – Auburn.
Fifth Division:
Saturday 16th July
St Pauls Oval – Sydney Uni v Camden (10am)
Gipps Rd Oval – Holroyd-Parramatta v Manly-Warringah (10:30am)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Macquarie Uni (11:30am)
Pioneers Park – Saints AFC v Southern Power (2pm)
Under 18s Premier:
Saturday 16th July
Picken Oval – Western Suburbs v Penrith (10am)
Village Green – UNSW-ES v St George (10am)
Gore Hill Oval – North Shore v Pennant Hills (10:30am)
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval – Sydney Uni v East Coast (5pm)
Sunday 17th July
Riverview First Field – St Ignatius Riverview v Illawarra (2:30pm)
Under 18s Challenge:
Saturday 16th July
Gipps Rd Oval – Holroyd-Parramatta v East Coast (8:30am)
Rosedale Oval – Moorebank v Campbelltown (9:30am)
University Oval – Mac Uni Warriors v Manly-Warringah (9:30am)
Drummoyne Oval – Balmain v Mac Uni Kookas (10am)
BYE – Southern Power.