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SYDNEY AFL ROUND 20 2011
Article and Photos by Michael Shillito
The home and away season has come to an end, and for six Premier Division clubs the season is over. For all of them, there have been highlights and disappointments; but for the top five clubs, the action will intensify over the next few weeks as the finals are played.
With the final five, the elimination finalists, third place, and the wooden spoon already decided before the last round, this wasn’t going to be one of those season ending rounds where teams would be looking over their shoulder for score updates at other games. And with no finals-bound teams playing each other in the final round, each of them would face a solid hit-out against an opponent keen to finish their season on a positive note. And although none of the finalists would be defeated in the final round, North Shore and Pennant Hills were pushed all the way.
At the Village Green, UNSW-ES played host to North Shore; and gave the Bombers a run for their money, especially during the early stages of the third quarter. A past players’ function in the clubhouse brought out a vocal crowd of Bulldogs, and for two-thirds of the game they had plenty to cheer about.
It was a low-scoring contest early, as both sides manned up well and there were few easy possessions for either sides’ forwards. The Bulldogs were first on the board, when Josh Parmenter was held when not in possession. Held goal-less for the first 17 minutes, and finding scoring hard to come by, the Bombers were forced to go long; finally breaking their duck after Dale Fitzgerald, going off a run-up close to Michael Holding length, slotted home a torp from a set shot in the centre square. Lachy Pryor also went long to score for the Bombers; while in time-on, Ben Attwood found himself on the end of a chain of handballs to kick truly and put the Bombers 11 points ahead at quarter time.
At half time, North Shore were 17 points to the good. The second quarter had been low-scoring, and other than a run with five bounces through the centre by Ron Wason, had produced few highlights. But the early stages of the third term saw the game come alive.
An early behind gave the Bombers an even three-goal lead. From the kick-in, a coast to coast play by the Bulldogs saw the ball move to the forward line where Alex Henderson marked and goaled. Two minutes later, Parmenter was taken high 35 metres from goal and made no mistake with the free kick. And from the centre break, Hayden Nichols played on and snapped truly. A roar broke out from the top of the clubhouse, and around the ground, as in just a couple of minutes the game had been brought back to scores being level.
The Bombers had been the better side in the first half, only to see their lead wiped out in just six minutes. The Bulldogs were growing in confidence, looking to finish their season on a high. But the Bombers weathered the storm and tightened their defence, the leaking of easy scores that had been the story of the early stages of the quarter ceased; and the Bulldogs would not score another goal for the game.
The Bombers needed a circuit breaker, and it came when Teddy Strudwick played on in the pocket and snapped truly. A few minutes later, Lachlan Clancy snapped brilliantly from a tight angle.
North Shore were back in control around the ground, forcing turnovers and keeping the ball camped on their forward line. The Bombers were peppering the goals, but could manage only behinds. But deep in time-on, Pat Codling intercepted a poorly-executed kick-in, playing on and snapping the goal. For all UNSW-ES’s heroics early in the quarter, which had wiped out North Shore’s half-time lead, the Bombers won the quarter; and victory was all but assured.
The last quarter was largely going through the motions. The Bombers scored the only three goals for the quarter to extend the final winning margin to 44 points; but worryingly for them, they lost Lachy Pryor and Dale Fitzgerald to injury during the final term.
Lachlan Clancy, Seb Paynter and Dale Fitzgerald were among North Shore’s best; while Hayden Nichols, Max Collett and Nick McGann gave solid service to the Bulldogs.
And so UNSW-ES’s season comes to an end. No finals this season, but some positive moments. The Bulldogs looked likely to struggle after an exodus of players over the off-season, forcing coach Tom Hill into a youth development policy. But over the course of the season the Bulldogs showed significant improvement. Claiming the scalp of Pennant Hills at Mike Kenny, and coming within a kick of North Shore at Gore Hill, they showed themselves more than capable of being competitive against the top sides.
It was a year of development for the Bulldogs, which was recognised with Hayden Nichols receiving a Rising Star nomination, while there were plenty of other young Bulldogs who will find the experience gained in 2011 of great value as the Bulldogs consolidate in upcoming seasons.
Pennant Hills travelled to Olds Park to take on St George, and although they were always in front, they were made to fight all the way by the tenacious Dragons. The Demons had the better of the early exchanges, leading by eight points at quarter time, and after four goals in the second term were 14 points ahead at half time.
The Dragons tried hard in the third term, but although they held the Demons to just three scoring shots for the quarter, all three were goals and the Demons won the quarter. With an 18-point advantage, the Demons looked home. But the Dragons continued to fight, and late in the game got the margin back to within a kick. The Dragons continued to press, but the Demons hung on for a thrilling-five point win.
The Demons had done just enough to take the points, with Tim Scoular, Jack Gourlay and Damian Dell’Aquila among their best. The Dragons were well served by David Lycakis, Lloyd Perris and Mark Graham. No finals for St George, but it’s been a season where several young guns have been promoted to senior level, building the foundations for some future success. The Dragons have four Rising Star nominations, David Lycakis, Lloyd Perris, Jordan West and Nick Ryan; more than any other club. With their ongoing development, the future looks bright at Olds Park
Sydney Uni returned to the winners’ list on the eve of the finals with a convincing 68-point win over Illawarra at Sydney Uni No 1. The Students took a little while to find their run as the Lions placed them under pressure early, but got to a 12-point lead at quarter time. But it was in the second quarter that the Students asserted themselves. Inaccurate kicking prevented the Students from getting full reward for effort, as they scored 3.9 for the quarter; but holding the Lions to one goal for the quarter, the Students led by 31 points at half time.
The Lions tried hard to get back into the contest during the third term, and managed four goals for their effort. But they were unable to make any dent in the deficit; and the floodgates were opened in the final quarter as the Students scored five goals and held the Lions scoreless.
Desmond Worrell and Tom Elkington scored four goals for the Students; while Matthew Clarke, Elkington and Ben Mankarious were among their best. Ryan Price scored four goals for the Lions, instrumental in their attempted third quarter fightback; while Jimmy Weavers, Troy Bartlett and Jeremy Daniher worked hard all day.
The Lions finish the season in sixth place; eight wins for the season being their best return since their promotion to Premier Division in 2005. The Lions have had some success this year, most notably claiming the scalp of second-placed Balmain at Drummoyne and went within a few seconds of defeating North Shore at North Dalton. There’s some exciting talent coming through the ranks at Illawarra; and Ethan Hailey and Thomas Green picked up Rising Star nominations.
The only position in the top five still up for grabs was the minor premiership. East Coast Eagles were top of the ladder going into the final round, but with Balmain having the bye the Eagles needed a win to wrap up top spot. And in a twilight fixture at Bruce Purser Reserve, the Eagles had no trouble in booking themselves the week off next week with a comprehensive 110-point win over Wests.
The Eagles started the game brightly, and led by 12 points at the first change. But a passing heavy shower in the second term made conditions tricky, and players struggled to control the ball. But the Eagles were their own worst enemies with some poor finishing in front of goals, kicking 1.8 for the quarter; but held the Magpies scoreless to lead by 26 points at the long break.
As day turned into night for the second half, the sun set on Wests’ resistance and the Eagles assumed control. Seven goals to two in the third term was followed up with nine unanswered goals in the final quarter, blowing the margin out over three figures.
The Eagles had plenty of avenues to goal, and shared the spoils around; with Jamie Vlatko, Stephen Doyle and Mark Goodey finishing with four goals apiece. Michael Johnston, Jamie and Jon Vlatko were among East Coast’s best. For the Magpies, David Cusick, Kyall Walford and Stephen Hudson tried hard all evening. A strange statistical quirk from the game was that every East Coast goal came from someone who kicked more than one goal, but the Magpies’ goals all came from single-goalkickers.
It was a disappointing end to a disappointing season for the Magpies, who were unable to replicate their top-three performances in 2009 and 2010. An exodus of players over the course of the off-season, being unable to confirm the appointment of coach Peter Free until after pre-season had started, and a horrendous injury toll, all worked against them. The highlight of Wests’ season came early, with a big win over North Shore at Picken Oval; but a long losing streak would see their finals hopes quickly evaporate.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Wests. Having use of Picken Oval, next door to their licensed club, has given the Magpies plenty of opportunities to develop the club. Some exciting young talent is making its way through the ranks, recognised when Robbie Bamford received a Rising Star nomination. With ongoing development of their young list, a full pre-season campaign, and maybe a better run on the injury front, a return up the ladder for Wests in 2012 is definitely possible.
The remaining match had no bearing on the finals, with Campbelltown hosting UTS at Monarch. The clash between the bottom two teams didn’t reach any great heights, but remained close throughout as the Bats came from behind to take a 10-point victory.
It was three goals apiece in the first quarter, the Blues leading by three points at quarter time. But the game tightened in the second term; the Blues scoring the only goal for the quarter and leading by 11 points at half time.
But the Bats fought back in the third term, and with three goals, took the lead late in the premiership quarter, a slender one-point advantage at the last change. The final quarter was a war of attrition, as two desperate sides defended grimly. But the Bats broke through to kick the only goal of the final quarter, which was enough to ensure victory. Michael Atkinson, James Caica and David Lavender were prominent contributors for the Bats; while the Blues were well served by Fraser Brown, Mark Leach and Bryce Joynson.
The Bats had earned their promotion to Premier Division after dominating the second tier since the divisional structure was introduced. But the step up to Premier Division was a challenge, and one the Bats struggled with at times. With no juniors and no pathway to draw on, the Bats remain reliant on a recruiting network; and the expectations on players at a Premier Division club are vastly different to at another level.
But after some heavy defeats, the Bats recorded some improvement as the season went on, and finished the 2011 season on a positive note with wins in their last two matches; their strong depth making them one of only two sides to have got their reserves into the Division One finals.
Campbelltown were winless in 2011, finishing with the wooden spoon. Unable to confirm Brad Freney’s appointment as coach until well after the new year, the Blues faced an uphill battle to catch up with their pre-season preparations. The Blues were decimated by a horrendous injury run, which for a club that has often struggled for depth was a body blow.
But the Blues continued to work hard, even when faced with some hefty defeats. A positive for the Blues is their junior pathway is beginning to produce a better crop of quality juniors, enough for the Blues to take out the minor premiership in the Challenge Cup Under 18s comp. Several of them have also had a taste of senior footy in 2011, with Bryce Joynson receiving a Rising Star nomination for his efforts. With the ongoing development of both better numbers and stronger juniors coming through the ranks, the Blues have reason to be optimistic that the tough times the club has faced in recent seasons will turn around.
And so the home and away season comes to an end, and it’s finals time. East Coast, as minor premiers, get the week off. Balmain and Sydney Uni will play off at Bruce Purser on Saturday for the right to play the Eagles; while Sunday sees North Shore and Pennant Hills playing off at Blacktown in sudden-death finals action.
North Shore 3.2 5.5 8.11 11.19 (85)
Uni NSW-Eastern Suburbs 1.3 2.6 5.8 5.11 (41)
Goals : North Shore – L Clancy 3, D Fitzgerald 2, B Attwood, B Oliver, L Pryor, P Brackin, T Strudwick, P Codling. UNSW-ES – J Parmenter 2, H Nichols, A Henderson, S Talibague.
Best : North Shore – L Clancy, S Paynter, D Fitzgerald, T Strudwick, P Codling, L Kilpatrick. UNSW-ES – H Nichols, M Collett, N McGann, T Heath, A Goodieson, R Troon.
At Village Green, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Pennant Hills 3.4 7.7 10.7 12.9 (81)
St George 2.2 5.5 7.7 11.10 (76)
Goals : Pennant Hills – Brandon Jack 3, R Watts 2, D Dell’Aquila, C Setford, M Thomas, J Lewis, G Watts, A Duncan, J Gourlay. St George – D Ryan 3, L Perris 3, D Napper 2, B Addison 2, P Sain.
Best : Pennant Hills – T Scoular, J Gourlay, D Dell’Aquila, T Wales, M Thomas, S Parker. St George – D Lycakis, L Perris, M Graham, P Sain, D Ryan, S Wilsen.
At Olds Park, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Sydney University 5.4 8.13 12.14 17.21 (123)
Illawarra 3.4 4.6 8.7 8.7 (55)
Goals : Sydney Uni – D Worrell 4, T Elkington 4, M Clarke 2, J McCreary 2, A Turco, B Mankarious, M Rice, T Barrett, S Crichton. Illawarra – R Price 4, B Patterson 2, M Toussis, P Lake.
Best : Sydney Uni – M Clarke, T Elkington, B Mankarious, C Clarebrough, N Lye, J McCreary. Illawarra – J Weavers, T Bartlett, J Daniher, R Price, M Toussis, B Hanson.
At Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 20th August 2011.
East Coast Eagles 4.2 5.10 12.12 21.15 (141)
Western Suburbs 2.4 2.4 4.6 4.7 (31)
Goals : East Coast – Jamie Vlatko 4, S Doyle 4, M Goodey 4, S O’Connor 3, M Johnston 2, J Steer 2, J Dwyer 2. Wests – K Walford, B Mumme, N Scarfo, B Lafferty.
Best : East Coast – M Johnston, Jamie Vlatko, Jon Vlatko, M Beardsley, S O’Connor, M Goodey. Wests – D Cusick, K Walford, S Hudson, J O’Donoghue, J Zoppo, P Maxwell.
At Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 20th August 2011.
University of Technology 3.2 3.3 6.6 7.10 (52)
Campbelltown 3.5 4.8 5.11 5.12 (42)
Goals : UTS – D Lavender 3, S Way, M Trehwella, N Barrett, D Teasdale. Campbelltown – B Yakimov 3, M Leach 2.
Best : UTS – M Atkinson, J Caica, D Lavender, S Way, N Haslam, N Barrett. Campbelltown – F Brown, M Leach, B Joynson, B Yakimov, M Scully, L Coughlan.
At Monarch Oval, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Premier Division Ladder (Final):
First Division:
UNSW-ES 10.5 (65) d North Shore 8.6 (54)
East Coast 13.11 (89) d Western Suburbs 4.6 (30)
Sydney Uni 32.13 (205) d Illawarra 1.2 (8)
Southern Power 15.10 (100) d Pennant Hills 3.1 (19)
Manly-Warringah 12.8 (80) d UTS 7.5 (47)
Ladder (Final, Match Ratio) – Manly-Warringah (88.24, 248.02%), Southern Power (82.35, 178.45%), Sydney Uni (70.59, 140.49%), Macquarie Uni (58.82, 148.68%), UTS (56.25, 103.70%), East Coast (52.94, 128.51%), UNSW-ES (43.75, 71.58%), Pennant Hills (41.18, 67.19%), North Shore (35.29, 76.16%), Wests (11.76, 61.83%), Illawarra (5.88, 39.36%).
Second Division:
Qualifying Final
Holroyd-Parramatta 2.1 5.1 6.3 10.4 (64)
Sydney Uni 0.1 1.4 2.5 7.7 (49)
Goals : Holroyd-Parramatta – L Mansbridge 6, G Adams 3, M Hill. Sydney Uni – T Cole 2, J La Posta 2, J Walker, R Stokes, M Horsley.
Best : Holroyd-Parramatta – A Byrne, S Costello, M Hill, J Schwarze, L Walsh, L Mansbridge. Sydney Uni – C Birch, A Crowe, C Wilkinson, R Stokes, B Pollock, M Turner.
At Henson Park, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Elimination Final
Balmain 1.1 4.3 6.7 8.11 (59)
Auburn 1.1 1.4 4.6 8.6 (54)
Goals : Balmain – A Azhar 3, T Osland, A Kyprianou, M Carey, J Fretwell, B Plug. Auburn – M Moussa 2, O Kassem 2, S Kassem 2, I Kassem, O Mahanna.
Best : Balmain – K Jones, T Osland, C Bolt, M Busch, D Naughton, R Gordon. Auburn – M Kassem, T Zaaroar, M Moussa, M Yaghi, O Kassem, M Hussein.
At Henson Park, Sunday 21st August 2011.
Third Division:
UNSW-ES 10.9 (69) d Southern Power 7.7 (49)
Sydney Uni d North Shore – forfeit
Western Suburbs 7.7 (49) d East Coast 5.9 (39)
UTS 14.12 (96) d Campbelltown 4.0 (24)
Macquarie Uni 14.17 (101) d Saints AFC 2.5 (17)
Ladder (Final, Match Ratio) – UNSW-ES (94.44, 257.35%), UTS (81.25, 173.39%), Sydney Uni (66.67, 130.28%), Southern Power (58.82, 111.09%), Saints AFC (52.94, 133.98%), Macquarie Uni (50, 116.38%), East Coast (35.29, 83.28%), Wests (35.29, 72.84%), Campbelltown (17.65, 46.19%), North Shore (5.88, 25.45%).
Fourth Division:
Qualifying Final
Macquarie Uni 2.1 2.7 3.9 5.11 (41)
Moorebank 1.1 3.6 4.7 5.8 (38)
Goals : Macquarie Uni – S Uglow, T McMurrich, T Marsden, R Pryor, A Kent. Moorebank – J Weston 2, V Pham, A Bedford, I Patti.
Best : Macquarie Uni – P Hare, P Hyndman, T McMurrich, A Kent, A Cochrane, J Hardman. Moorebank – D Wilson, J Droscher, T Currant, C Graham, F Wanrooy, V Pham.
At Henson Park, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Elimination Final
UTS 3.3 9.7 12.10 13.13 (91)
Holroyd-Parramatta 2.0 3.1 3.3 5.5 (35)
Goals : UTS – J Brocking 5, A Dragicevic 3, B Nitschke 2, A Langford, S Hains, D Beaton. Holroyd-Parramatta – C Watson, D Galayini, M MacDonald, G Smith, J Lawther.
Best : UTS – D Higgins, S Hains, A Dragicevic, J Minaham, R Malcolm, J Bocking. Holroyd-Parramatta – A Compton, M Bursa, D Galayini, M Burn, T Whalan, A Townsend.
At Henson Park, Sunday 21st August 2011.
Fifth Division:
First Semi-Final
Manly-Warringah 4.3 6.4 8.7 9.12 (66)
Sydney Uni 1.1 5.3 5.3 7.5 (47)
Goals : Manly-Warringah – M Rawle 4, J McGrath 2, R Hearn 2, A Hammond. Sydney Uni – T Bauer 2, G Ramsay, D Farrington, G Stephenson.
Best : Manly-Warringah – A Michael, D Fagan, L Slobin, J McGrath, J King, B Meredith. Sydney Uni – N Tao, T Bauer, K Parker, M Peters, M Whitaker, M Sumner.
At Henson Park, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Under 18s Premier:
East Coast 15.13 (103) d Western Suburbs 5.5 (35)
St Ignatius Riverview 9.7 (61) d Penrith 6.7 (43)
UNSW-ES 10.8 (68) d North Shore 10.7 (67)
Pennant Hills 10.3 (63) d St George 7.7 (49)
Sydney Uni 12.15 (87) d Illawarra 7.9 (51)
Ladder (Final, Match Ratio) – East Coast (91.67, 243.15%), Pennant Hills (70.59, 120.33%), North Shore (67.65, 155.96%), Sydney Uni (66.67, 118.09%), St Ignatius Riverview (66.67, 114.61%), Illawarra (38.24, 97.74%), Wests (32.35, 74.64%), St George (25, 79.88%), Penrith (22.22, 53.78%), UNSW-ES (19.44, 53.16%).
Under 18s Challenge:
Qualifying Final
Manly-Warringah 3.2 4.5 6.6 7.7 (49)
Mac Uni Warriors 0.0 2.0 2.4 5.5 (35)
Goals : Manly-Warringah – B Elliott, N Sampson, N Bosschieter, W Koch, H Tier, M Varjavandi, L Hearn. Mac Uni Warriors – M De Vries 2, W Cobcraft-Wells, E Stillman, P Hayes.
Best : Manly-Warringah – J Behagg, W Koch, M Bell, B Dean, P Fabbro, B Elliott. Mac Uni Warriors – J Coughlan, M Wettenhall, L Wordsworth, J Ortiz, W Hughes, M De Vries.
At Henson Park, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Elimination Final
Holroyd-Parramatta 4.2 10.4 13.9 17.13 (115)
East Coast 0.0 0.1 2.1 2.2 (14)
Goals : Holroyd-Parramatta – J Clarke 6, M Coledan 3, J Pidgeon 3, B Johnston 2, B Katsiris, J O’Reilly, B Jenison. East Coast – J McPherson, P Waaka.
Best : Holroyd-Parramatta – S Neill, J Clark, J Smith, J Pidgeon, M Coledan, J Mobbs. East Coast – J McPherson, J Nugent, A Hutt, B Hearne, S Acland, M Elliott.
At Henson Park, Sunday 21st August 2011.
NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES:
Premier Division:
Saturday 27th August
Bruce Purser Reserve – Qualifying Final – Balmain v Sydney Uni (3:30pm)
Saturday 28th August
Blacktown Olympic Park – Elimination Final – North Shore v Pennant Hills (3:30pm)
First Division:
Saturday 27th August
Bruce Purser Reserve – Qualifying Final – Southern Power v Sydney Uni (1:15pm)
Sunday 28th August
Blacktown Olympic Park – Elimination Final – Macquarie Uni v UTS (1:15pm)
Second Division:
Saturday 27th August
Rosedale Oval – Second Semi-Final - Penrith v Holroyd-Parramatta (3:30pm)
Sunday 28th August
Gipps Rd Oval – First Semi-Final – Sydney Uni v Balmain (2:10pm)
Third Division:
Saturday 27th August
Bruce Purser Reserve – Qualifying Final – UTS v Sydney Uni (9:00am)
Sunday 28th August
Blacktown Olympic Park – Elimination Final – Southern Power v Saints AFC (9:00am)
Fourth Division:
Saturday 27th August
Rosedale Oval – Second Semi-Final – Penrith v Macquarie Uni (1:15pm)
Sunday 28th August
Gipps Rd Oval – First Semi-Final – Moorebank v UTS (12:00pm)
Fifth Division:
Saturday 27th August
Rosedale Oval – Second Semi-Final – Southern Power v Moorebank (9:00am)
Under 18s Premier:
Saturday 27th August
Bruce Purser Reserve – Qualifying Final – Pennant Hills v North Shore (11:15am)
Sunday 28th August
Blacktown Olympic Park – Elimination Final – Sydney Uni v St Ignatius Riverview (11:15am)
Under 18s Challenge:
Saturday 27th August
Rosedale Oval – Second Semi Final – Campbelltown v Manly-Warringah (11:15am)
Sunday 28th August
Gipps Rd Oval – First Semi-Final – Mac Uni Warriors v Holroyd-Parramatta (10:00am)
Article and Photos by Michael Shillito
The home and away season has come to an end, and for six Premier Division clubs the season is over. For all of them, there have been highlights and disappointments; but for the top five clubs, the action will intensify over the next few weeks as the finals are played.
With the final five, the elimination finalists, third place, and the wooden spoon already decided before the last round, this wasn’t going to be one of those season ending rounds where teams would be looking over their shoulder for score updates at other games. And with no finals-bound teams playing each other in the final round, each of them would face a solid hit-out against an opponent keen to finish their season on a positive note. And although none of the finalists would be defeated in the final round, North Shore and Pennant Hills were pushed all the way.
At the Village Green, UNSW-ES played host to North Shore; and gave the Bombers a run for their money, especially during the early stages of the third quarter. A past players’ function in the clubhouse brought out a vocal crowd of Bulldogs, and for two-thirds of the game they had plenty to cheer about.
It was a low-scoring contest early, as both sides manned up well and there were few easy possessions for either sides’ forwards. The Bulldogs were first on the board, when Josh Parmenter was held when not in possession. Held goal-less for the first 17 minutes, and finding scoring hard to come by, the Bombers were forced to go long; finally breaking their duck after Dale Fitzgerald, going off a run-up close to Michael Holding length, slotted home a torp from a set shot in the centre square. Lachy Pryor also went long to score for the Bombers; while in time-on, Ben Attwood found himself on the end of a chain of handballs to kick truly and put the Bombers 11 points ahead at quarter time.
At half time, North Shore were 17 points to the good. The second quarter had been low-scoring, and other than a run with five bounces through the centre by Ron Wason, had produced few highlights. But the early stages of the third term saw the game come alive.
An early behind gave the Bombers an even three-goal lead. From the kick-in, a coast to coast play by the Bulldogs saw the ball move to the forward line where Alex Henderson marked and goaled. Two minutes later, Parmenter was taken high 35 metres from goal and made no mistake with the free kick. And from the centre break, Hayden Nichols played on and snapped truly. A roar broke out from the top of the clubhouse, and around the ground, as in just a couple of minutes the game had been brought back to scores being level.
The Bombers had been the better side in the first half, only to see their lead wiped out in just six minutes. The Bulldogs were growing in confidence, looking to finish their season on a high. But the Bombers weathered the storm and tightened their defence, the leaking of easy scores that had been the story of the early stages of the quarter ceased; and the Bulldogs would not score another goal for the game.
The Bombers needed a circuit breaker, and it came when Teddy Strudwick played on in the pocket and snapped truly. A few minutes later, Lachlan Clancy snapped brilliantly from a tight angle.
North Shore were back in control around the ground, forcing turnovers and keeping the ball camped on their forward line. The Bombers were peppering the goals, but could manage only behinds. But deep in time-on, Pat Codling intercepted a poorly-executed kick-in, playing on and snapping the goal. For all UNSW-ES’s heroics early in the quarter, which had wiped out North Shore’s half-time lead, the Bombers won the quarter; and victory was all but assured.
The last quarter was largely going through the motions. The Bombers scored the only three goals for the quarter to extend the final winning margin to 44 points; but worryingly for them, they lost Lachy Pryor and Dale Fitzgerald to injury during the final term.
Lachlan Clancy, Seb Paynter and Dale Fitzgerald were among North Shore’s best; while Hayden Nichols, Max Collett and Nick McGann gave solid service to the Bulldogs.
And so UNSW-ES’s season comes to an end. No finals this season, but some positive moments. The Bulldogs looked likely to struggle after an exodus of players over the off-season, forcing coach Tom Hill into a youth development policy. But over the course of the season the Bulldogs showed significant improvement. Claiming the scalp of Pennant Hills at Mike Kenny, and coming within a kick of North Shore at Gore Hill, they showed themselves more than capable of being competitive against the top sides.
It was a year of development for the Bulldogs, which was recognised with Hayden Nichols receiving a Rising Star nomination, while there were plenty of other young Bulldogs who will find the experience gained in 2011 of great value as the Bulldogs consolidate in upcoming seasons.
Pennant Hills travelled to Olds Park to take on St George, and although they were always in front, they were made to fight all the way by the tenacious Dragons. The Demons had the better of the early exchanges, leading by eight points at quarter time, and after four goals in the second term were 14 points ahead at half time.
The Dragons tried hard in the third term, but although they held the Demons to just three scoring shots for the quarter, all three were goals and the Demons won the quarter. With an 18-point advantage, the Demons looked home. But the Dragons continued to fight, and late in the game got the margin back to within a kick. The Dragons continued to press, but the Demons hung on for a thrilling-five point win.
The Demons had done just enough to take the points, with Tim Scoular, Jack Gourlay and Damian Dell’Aquila among their best. The Dragons were well served by David Lycakis, Lloyd Perris and Mark Graham. No finals for St George, but it’s been a season where several young guns have been promoted to senior level, building the foundations for some future success. The Dragons have four Rising Star nominations, David Lycakis, Lloyd Perris, Jordan West and Nick Ryan; more than any other club. With their ongoing development, the future looks bright at Olds Park
Sydney Uni returned to the winners’ list on the eve of the finals with a convincing 68-point win over Illawarra at Sydney Uni No 1. The Students took a little while to find their run as the Lions placed them under pressure early, but got to a 12-point lead at quarter time. But it was in the second quarter that the Students asserted themselves. Inaccurate kicking prevented the Students from getting full reward for effort, as they scored 3.9 for the quarter; but holding the Lions to one goal for the quarter, the Students led by 31 points at half time.
The Lions tried hard to get back into the contest during the third term, and managed four goals for their effort. But they were unable to make any dent in the deficit; and the floodgates were opened in the final quarter as the Students scored five goals and held the Lions scoreless.
Desmond Worrell and Tom Elkington scored four goals for the Students; while Matthew Clarke, Elkington and Ben Mankarious were among their best. Ryan Price scored four goals for the Lions, instrumental in their attempted third quarter fightback; while Jimmy Weavers, Troy Bartlett and Jeremy Daniher worked hard all day.
The Lions finish the season in sixth place; eight wins for the season being their best return since their promotion to Premier Division in 2005. The Lions have had some success this year, most notably claiming the scalp of second-placed Balmain at Drummoyne and went within a few seconds of defeating North Shore at North Dalton. There’s some exciting talent coming through the ranks at Illawarra; and Ethan Hailey and Thomas Green picked up Rising Star nominations.
The only position in the top five still up for grabs was the minor premiership. East Coast Eagles were top of the ladder going into the final round, but with Balmain having the bye the Eagles needed a win to wrap up top spot. And in a twilight fixture at Bruce Purser Reserve, the Eagles had no trouble in booking themselves the week off next week with a comprehensive 110-point win over Wests.
The Eagles started the game brightly, and led by 12 points at the first change. But a passing heavy shower in the second term made conditions tricky, and players struggled to control the ball. But the Eagles were their own worst enemies with some poor finishing in front of goals, kicking 1.8 for the quarter; but held the Magpies scoreless to lead by 26 points at the long break.
As day turned into night for the second half, the sun set on Wests’ resistance and the Eagles assumed control. Seven goals to two in the third term was followed up with nine unanswered goals in the final quarter, blowing the margin out over three figures.
The Eagles had plenty of avenues to goal, and shared the spoils around; with Jamie Vlatko, Stephen Doyle and Mark Goodey finishing with four goals apiece. Michael Johnston, Jamie and Jon Vlatko were among East Coast’s best. For the Magpies, David Cusick, Kyall Walford and Stephen Hudson tried hard all evening. A strange statistical quirk from the game was that every East Coast goal came from someone who kicked more than one goal, but the Magpies’ goals all came from single-goalkickers.
It was a disappointing end to a disappointing season for the Magpies, who were unable to replicate their top-three performances in 2009 and 2010. An exodus of players over the course of the off-season, being unable to confirm the appointment of coach Peter Free until after pre-season had started, and a horrendous injury toll, all worked against them. The highlight of Wests’ season came early, with a big win over North Shore at Picken Oval; but a long losing streak would see their finals hopes quickly evaporate.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Wests. Having use of Picken Oval, next door to their licensed club, has given the Magpies plenty of opportunities to develop the club. Some exciting young talent is making its way through the ranks, recognised when Robbie Bamford received a Rising Star nomination. With ongoing development of their young list, a full pre-season campaign, and maybe a better run on the injury front, a return up the ladder for Wests in 2012 is definitely possible.
The remaining match had no bearing on the finals, with Campbelltown hosting UTS at Monarch. The clash between the bottom two teams didn’t reach any great heights, but remained close throughout as the Bats came from behind to take a 10-point victory.
It was three goals apiece in the first quarter, the Blues leading by three points at quarter time. But the game tightened in the second term; the Blues scoring the only goal for the quarter and leading by 11 points at half time.
But the Bats fought back in the third term, and with three goals, took the lead late in the premiership quarter, a slender one-point advantage at the last change. The final quarter was a war of attrition, as two desperate sides defended grimly. But the Bats broke through to kick the only goal of the final quarter, which was enough to ensure victory. Michael Atkinson, James Caica and David Lavender were prominent contributors for the Bats; while the Blues were well served by Fraser Brown, Mark Leach and Bryce Joynson.
The Bats had earned their promotion to Premier Division after dominating the second tier since the divisional structure was introduced. But the step up to Premier Division was a challenge, and one the Bats struggled with at times. With no juniors and no pathway to draw on, the Bats remain reliant on a recruiting network; and the expectations on players at a Premier Division club are vastly different to at another level.
But after some heavy defeats, the Bats recorded some improvement as the season went on, and finished the 2011 season on a positive note with wins in their last two matches; their strong depth making them one of only two sides to have got their reserves into the Division One finals.
Campbelltown were winless in 2011, finishing with the wooden spoon. Unable to confirm Brad Freney’s appointment as coach until well after the new year, the Blues faced an uphill battle to catch up with their pre-season preparations. The Blues were decimated by a horrendous injury run, which for a club that has often struggled for depth was a body blow.
But the Blues continued to work hard, even when faced with some hefty defeats. A positive for the Blues is their junior pathway is beginning to produce a better crop of quality juniors, enough for the Blues to take out the minor premiership in the Challenge Cup Under 18s comp. Several of them have also had a taste of senior footy in 2011, with Bryce Joynson receiving a Rising Star nomination for his efforts. With the ongoing development of both better numbers and stronger juniors coming through the ranks, the Blues have reason to be optimistic that the tough times the club has faced in recent seasons will turn around.
And so the home and away season comes to an end, and it’s finals time. East Coast, as minor premiers, get the week off. Balmain and Sydney Uni will play off at Bruce Purser on Saturday for the right to play the Eagles; while Sunday sees North Shore and Pennant Hills playing off at Blacktown in sudden-death finals action.
North Shore 3.2 5.5 8.11 11.19 (85)
Uni NSW-Eastern Suburbs 1.3 2.6 5.8 5.11 (41)
Goals : North Shore – L Clancy 3, D Fitzgerald 2, B Attwood, B Oliver, L Pryor, P Brackin, T Strudwick, P Codling. UNSW-ES – J Parmenter 2, H Nichols, A Henderson, S Talibague.
Best : North Shore – L Clancy, S Paynter, D Fitzgerald, T Strudwick, P Codling, L Kilpatrick. UNSW-ES – H Nichols, M Collett, N McGann, T Heath, A Goodieson, R Troon.
At Village Green, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Pennant Hills 3.4 7.7 10.7 12.9 (81)
St George 2.2 5.5 7.7 11.10 (76)
Goals : Pennant Hills – Brandon Jack 3, R Watts 2, D Dell’Aquila, C Setford, M Thomas, J Lewis, G Watts, A Duncan, J Gourlay. St George – D Ryan 3, L Perris 3, D Napper 2, B Addison 2, P Sain.
Best : Pennant Hills – T Scoular, J Gourlay, D Dell’Aquila, T Wales, M Thomas, S Parker. St George – D Lycakis, L Perris, M Graham, P Sain, D Ryan, S Wilsen.
At Olds Park, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Sydney University 5.4 8.13 12.14 17.21 (123)
Illawarra 3.4 4.6 8.7 8.7 (55)
Goals : Sydney Uni – D Worrell 4, T Elkington 4, M Clarke 2, J McCreary 2, A Turco, B Mankarious, M Rice, T Barrett, S Crichton. Illawarra – R Price 4, B Patterson 2, M Toussis, P Lake.
Best : Sydney Uni – M Clarke, T Elkington, B Mankarious, C Clarebrough, N Lye, J McCreary. Illawarra – J Weavers, T Bartlett, J Daniher, R Price, M Toussis, B Hanson.
At Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 20th August 2011.
East Coast Eagles 4.2 5.10 12.12 21.15 (141)
Western Suburbs 2.4 2.4 4.6 4.7 (31)
Goals : East Coast – Jamie Vlatko 4, S Doyle 4, M Goodey 4, S O’Connor 3, M Johnston 2, J Steer 2, J Dwyer 2. Wests – K Walford, B Mumme, N Scarfo, B Lafferty.
Best : East Coast – M Johnston, Jamie Vlatko, Jon Vlatko, M Beardsley, S O’Connor, M Goodey. Wests – D Cusick, K Walford, S Hudson, J O’Donoghue, J Zoppo, P Maxwell.
At Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 20th August 2011.
University of Technology 3.2 3.3 6.6 7.10 (52)
Campbelltown 3.5 4.8 5.11 5.12 (42)
Goals : UTS – D Lavender 3, S Way, M Trehwella, N Barrett, D Teasdale. Campbelltown – B Yakimov 3, M Leach 2.
Best : UTS – M Atkinson, J Caica, D Lavender, S Way, N Haslam, N Barrett. Campbelltown – F Brown, M Leach, B Joynson, B Yakimov, M Scully, L Coughlan.
At Monarch Oval, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Premier Division Ladder (Final):
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First Division:
UNSW-ES 10.5 (65) d North Shore 8.6 (54)
East Coast 13.11 (89) d Western Suburbs 4.6 (30)
Sydney Uni 32.13 (205) d Illawarra 1.2 (8)
Southern Power 15.10 (100) d Pennant Hills 3.1 (19)
Manly-Warringah 12.8 (80) d UTS 7.5 (47)
Ladder (Final, Match Ratio) – Manly-Warringah (88.24, 248.02%), Southern Power (82.35, 178.45%), Sydney Uni (70.59, 140.49%), Macquarie Uni (58.82, 148.68%), UTS (56.25, 103.70%), East Coast (52.94, 128.51%), UNSW-ES (43.75, 71.58%), Pennant Hills (41.18, 67.19%), North Shore (35.29, 76.16%), Wests (11.76, 61.83%), Illawarra (5.88, 39.36%).
Second Division:
Qualifying Final
Holroyd-Parramatta 2.1 5.1 6.3 10.4 (64)
Sydney Uni 0.1 1.4 2.5 7.7 (49)
Goals : Holroyd-Parramatta – L Mansbridge 6, G Adams 3, M Hill. Sydney Uni – T Cole 2, J La Posta 2, J Walker, R Stokes, M Horsley.
Best : Holroyd-Parramatta – A Byrne, S Costello, M Hill, J Schwarze, L Walsh, L Mansbridge. Sydney Uni – C Birch, A Crowe, C Wilkinson, R Stokes, B Pollock, M Turner.
At Henson Park, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Elimination Final
Balmain 1.1 4.3 6.7 8.11 (59)
Auburn 1.1 1.4 4.6 8.6 (54)
Goals : Balmain – A Azhar 3, T Osland, A Kyprianou, M Carey, J Fretwell, B Plug. Auburn – M Moussa 2, O Kassem 2, S Kassem 2, I Kassem, O Mahanna.
Best : Balmain – K Jones, T Osland, C Bolt, M Busch, D Naughton, R Gordon. Auburn – M Kassem, T Zaaroar, M Moussa, M Yaghi, O Kassem, M Hussein.
At Henson Park, Sunday 21st August 2011.
Third Division:
UNSW-ES 10.9 (69) d Southern Power 7.7 (49)
Sydney Uni d North Shore – forfeit
Western Suburbs 7.7 (49) d East Coast 5.9 (39)
UTS 14.12 (96) d Campbelltown 4.0 (24)
Macquarie Uni 14.17 (101) d Saints AFC 2.5 (17)
Ladder (Final, Match Ratio) – UNSW-ES (94.44, 257.35%), UTS (81.25, 173.39%), Sydney Uni (66.67, 130.28%), Southern Power (58.82, 111.09%), Saints AFC (52.94, 133.98%), Macquarie Uni (50, 116.38%), East Coast (35.29, 83.28%), Wests (35.29, 72.84%), Campbelltown (17.65, 46.19%), North Shore (5.88, 25.45%).
Fourth Division:
Qualifying Final
Macquarie Uni 2.1 2.7 3.9 5.11 (41)
Moorebank 1.1 3.6 4.7 5.8 (38)
Goals : Macquarie Uni – S Uglow, T McMurrich, T Marsden, R Pryor, A Kent. Moorebank – J Weston 2, V Pham, A Bedford, I Patti.
Best : Macquarie Uni – P Hare, P Hyndman, T McMurrich, A Kent, A Cochrane, J Hardman. Moorebank – D Wilson, J Droscher, T Currant, C Graham, F Wanrooy, V Pham.
At Henson Park, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Elimination Final
UTS 3.3 9.7 12.10 13.13 (91)
Holroyd-Parramatta 2.0 3.1 3.3 5.5 (35)
Goals : UTS – J Brocking 5, A Dragicevic 3, B Nitschke 2, A Langford, S Hains, D Beaton. Holroyd-Parramatta – C Watson, D Galayini, M MacDonald, G Smith, J Lawther.
Best : UTS – D Higgins, S Hains, A Dragicevic, J Minaham, R Malcolm, J Bocking. Holroyd-Parramatta – A Compton, M Bursa, D Galayini, M Burn, T Whalan, A Townsend.
At Henson Park, Sunday 21st August 2011.
Fifth Division:
First Semi-Final
Manly-Warringah 4.3 6.4 8.7 9.12 (66)
Sydney Uni 1.1 5.3 5.3 7.5 (47)
Goals : Manly-Warringah – M Rawle 4, J McGrath 2, R Hearn 2, A Hammond. Sydney Uni – T Bauer 2, G Ramsay, D Farrington, G Stephenson.
Best : Manly-Warringah – A Michael, D Fagan, L Slobin, J McGrath, J King, B Meredith. Sydney Uni – N Tao, T Bauer, K Parker, M Peters, M Whitaker, M Sumner.
At Henson Park, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Under 18s Premier:
East Coast 15.13 (103) d Western Suburbs 5.5 (35)
St Ignatius Riverview 9.7 (61) d Penrith 6.7 (43)
UNSW-ES 10.8 (68) d North Shore 10.7 (67)
Pennant Hills 10.3 (63) d St George 7.7 (49)
Sydney Uni 12.15 (87) d Illawarra 7.9 (51)
Ladder (Final, Match Ratio) – East Coast (91.67, 243.15%), Pennant Hills (70.59, 120.33%), North Shore (67.65, 155.96%), Sydney Uni (66.67, 118.09%), St Ignatius Riverview (66.67, 114.61%), Illawarra (38.24, 97.74%), Wests (32.35, 74.64%), St George (25, 79.88%), Penrith (22.22, 53.78%), UNSW-ES (19.44, 53.16%).
Under 18s Challenge:
Qualifying Final
Manly-Warringah 3.2 4.5 6.6 7.7 (49)
Mac Uni Warriors 0.0 2.0 2.4 5.5 (35)
Goals : Manly-Warringah – B Elliott, N Sampson, N Bosschieter, W Koch, H Tier, M Varjavandi, L Hearn. Mac Uni Warriors – M De Vries 2, W Cobcraft-Wells, E Stillman, P Hayes.
Best : Manly-Warringah – J Behagg, W Koch, M Bell, B Dean, P Fabbro, B Elliott. Mac Uni Warriors – J Coughlan, M Wettenhall, L Wordsworth, J Ortiz, W Hughes, M De Vries.
At Henson Park, Saturday 20th August 2011.
Elimination Final
Holroyd-Parramatta 4.2 10.4 13.9 17.13 (115)
East Coast 0.0 0.1 2.1 2.2 (14)
Goals : Holroyd-Parramatta – J Clarke 6, M Coledan 3, J Pidgeon 3, B Johnston 2, B Katsiris, J O’Reilly, B Jenison. East Coast – J McPherson, P Waaka.
Best : Holroyd-Parramatta – S Neill, J Clark, J Smith, J Pidgeon, M Coledan, J Mobbs. East Coast – J McPherson, J Nugent, A Hutt, B Hearne, S Acland, M Elliott.
At Henson Park, Sunday 21st August 2011.
NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES:
Premier Division:
Saturday 27th August
Bruce Purser Reserve – Qualifying Final – Balmain v Sydney Uni (3:30pm)
Saturday 28th August
Blacktown Olympic Park – Elimination Final – North Shore v Pennant Hills (3:30pm)
First Division:
Saturday 27th August
Bruce Purser Reserve – Qualifying Final – Southern Power v Sydney Uni (1:15pm)
Sunday 28th August
Blacktown Olympic Park – Elimination Final – Macquarie Uni v UTS (1:15pm)
Second Division:
Saturday 27th August
Rosedale Oval – Second Semi-Final - Penrith v Holroyd-Parramatta (3:30pm)
Sunday 28th August
Gipps Rd Oval – First Semi-Final – Sydney Uni v Balmain (2:10pm)
Third Division:
Saturday 27th August
Bruce Purser Reserve – Qualifying Final – UTS v Sydney Uni (9:00am)
Sunday 28th August
Blacktown Olympic Park – Elimination Final – Southern Power v Saints AFC (9:00am)
Fourth Division:
Saturday 27th August
Rosedale Oval – Second Semi-Final – Penrith v Macquarie Uni (1:15pm)
Sunday 28th August
Gipps Rd Oval – First Semi-Final – Moorebank v UTS (12:00pm)
Fifth Division:
Saturday 27th August
Rosedale Oval – Second Semi-Final – Southern Power v Moorebank (9:00am)
Under 18s Premier:
Saturday 27th August
Bruce Purser Reserve – Qualifying Final – Pennant Hills v North Shore (11:15am)
Sunday 28th August
Blacktown Olympic Park – Elimination Final – Sydney Uni v St Ignatius Riverview (11:15am)
Under 18s Challenge:
Saturday 27th August
Rosedale Oval – Second Semi Final – Campbelltown v Manly-Warringah (11:15am)
Sunday 28th August
Gipps Rd Oval – First Semi-Final – Mac Uni Warriors v Holroyd-Parramatta (10:00am)