The following is the author's personal opinions and do not reflect SWAFL Opinion.
Round 18 Results
While Australia couldn't really make up it's mind about who was best to run the country, in SWAFL world, with the four finalists determined, it was more about capturing form and momentum and whether the other teams could spoil the party. For the final home and away round, only the Sydney University and Newtown games could affect table standings, so it was a good hitout for the rest of the teams to celebrate one last game of 2010 before putting their feet up on a season well done.
On Friday Night Sydney University 18.14.122 defeated Southern Power 1.0.6. On Saturday Wests made the trip to Wollongong and kept up their momentumafter a rough start, where the Saints hit the lead in the first quarter, we think we have the Western Wolves 7.9.51 to Wollongong Saints 1.1.7. Also on Saturday, Newtown sealed second place defeating Macquarie University - Newtown Breakaways 36.27.243 over a brave Mac Uni Warriors 0.0.0 who wins the wooden spoon. The Breakways spread the wealth around with Seline Thornton with 8 goals. The Balmain Dockers wrapped up an undefeated home and away season with a solid win - Balmain Dockers 17.26.128 over a courageous Easts-Stingrays 0.1.1.
So that wraps up the home and away season, a quick review is coming up of the home and away season.
First - Balmain Dockers (undefeated). Coach Tracey Kick built on the solid foundations of last years effort and the Dockers finally revealed their potential with a lot of unselfish play, great skills across the board and a mean defence. More records were created after Round 18:
- With a 897% which is now a new record (Previous Newtown 2003 team of 558.2%)
- Lowest conceded average per game (12.5 compared to 15.33 of Wests 2001 team)
- Highest average per game of 119 (remember they had a forfeit win over Wollongong in Rd 2).
The great thing about the Dockers is the strength all around the park, there are no weaknesses across the board. Previously the Dockers had to rely on their super six, and now it is a more general application of effort as the rest of the team is now stepping up to their level. However as Sydney University have shown, if you take it up to the Dockers, you can create a challenge on your hands and that is where Newtown and potentially Sydney Uni or the Western Wolves have to face if they want to stop the Dockers in the finals. I thought Tracey Robinson, Jackie Buckthought were probably the most outstanding on top of an outstanding team.
Second - Newtown Breakaways.The Breakaways can't be kept down. Some may have speculated that a wave of retirements and a change of coach might set them back but the Breakaways managed to defy expectations from the rest of the league including me, that this might be their year out of finals as they rebuilt. Their new players have been a great addition to the team such as Toni Noble, whilst they also discovered that Krystle Thompson was deadly accurate up-forward on the run. Coach Darren Lewtas has to be congratulated on making sure that the Breakaways didn't "bottom-out" and for making sure that Newtown keeps up their high standard. I thought their best players were Roxy McGee and Natasha Devlin.
They created a new record:
- Highest For of 1837 (over 16 games compared to 1400 of Newtown 2002 team in 15 games)
Third - Sydney University Coach Krissie Steen arrived on the scene and with a playing list the envy of all the other 8 SWAFL clubs had the enviable job of ensuring that everyone got a run. I think that was achieved and Sydney University has finished up their highest rank since 2007. The Sydney University drew the series 1-1 against Newtown and gave Balmain a run for their money by 7 points. They discovered some exciting new talent and with some of this new talent in the NSW TPP, they'll be long-term players for the Bombers such as Mel "Chompy" Khoury. It seems a winning spirit has arrived at Bomberland and it'll be interesting to see how they will go in the finals.The difference between second and third is very minor except that Newtown knows how to score heavily when required on a consistent basis. I thought their best players were Kristy Williams, Emma Yuen and Una McKay.
Fourth - Western Wolves. I would have to say that the Western Wolves whilst not as dominant as the Wolves of two years ago, can still put other teams to the sword but weren't as consistent on a week-in/week-out basis compared to previous years. This can be attributable to losing their midfield power and experience of Talei Owen, Trish Muller, Georgia Woodyard and Melissa Bibby. I actually thought the introduction of barnstorming, bullocking Kate Lawson, Kaya Lyons and Natalie Barber were a fantastic combination but need more time working as a midfield unit to put pressure on the three teams above them. Coaches Jason King and Richard Anderson have much to be proud of and there is no doubt the Wolves have the momentum and the ability to give the Bombers a run for their money in the minor semi-final. I thought the best players for the Western Wolves were Kate Lawson, Michaela Eckman and Cynthia Dufaut.
These four teams make up the NAB (Inner West) Finals and now the rest.
Fifth - Bondi Shamrocks. Close but not quite there when it came to playing the top four teams. The Bondi Shamrocks discovered some incredible talent in their rookies but it will be a challenge keeping them all for 2011. As usual visa issues will be the big factor in retaining their rookies. Their second year players such as Annie Rose Phillips also stood up providing invaluable leadership across the field. I think Paula Chalmers, Gillian Behan and Carol Breen were their top players. The three coaches of the Shamrocks Geoff, Lisa and Kel have much to be proud of their achievements this year. One thing to focus on is their attack, as inaccuracy in front of goal cost them a chance of a better %.
Sixth - UNSW-Easts Stingrays. The Stingrays are back! They had a fantastic surge at the start of the season but faded towards the end of the season when they had to play the top teams a twice as well. They stretched Sydney University out at Village Green and maybe it was the blackout was the most inopportune time that robbed their momentum in a game they should have won after hitting out to an early lead. What might have been could be debated all summer. Like the Shamrocks, if they can keep their rookies and develop more game-decision making skills, they'll be a force to be reckoned with in season 2011. I thought their top players were Renee Sochor, Ciska Van Schlwyk and Courtney Gum. Coach Ben Porter has much to be proud of.
Seventh - Southern Power. The switch from St. George to the teal of Southern Power has allowed them to find extra players and this can be seen in rookie Jessica Colquhoun to the NSW Talented Player Program. They managed to defeat Wollongong Saints twice in the battle of the F6 Challenge and have a pretty strong back six. The challenge for Coach Gary Slowgrove is the need to keep retaining their players and keep attracting extra players to make a challenge for the finals in 2011. Their top players were the ever-green captain Christine Coles, perpetual-motion fullback Louise Glasgow and exciting midfielder Dominique Goom.
Eighth - Wollongong Saints. This new team encompassed local players, University of Wollongong Students and Illawarra Youth Girl players so it was always interesting who they managed to get to play for them on their Saturdays. After a rocky start with no coach, Rick Joyce who is the Under 15 NSW CCC/CIS schoolboys coach took over, the Saints were able to work out a viable structure and put pressure on other teams. Highlight of the season must have been their famous one-point win over the Easts Stingrays. With the influx of at least 8 Under 18 Youth Girls coming over to the senior competition next year, the 2011 coach whoever that is, will have the enviable job of putting this squad together and a run for the finals would not be a fantasy. Best players I thought on a consistent basis were Shellee Gibson, Yvette Lewis, Hannah Strong and Laura Russell.
Ninth - Macquarie University Warriors - the always brave new team always fronted up when necessary. Despite a team that were struggling for the bare minimum and often took to the field not 100% fit, they had the admiration of their opponents. Coach Belinda Harrison had the task of moulding a team together of players who were new to the game and they will be much richer for the experience. Mac Uni just needs a couple of experienced players to guide the team and it shouldn't be too far from their first win. They were within 4 points of the Southern Power at Gwawley and were unlucky not to win there. Best players I though was fullback Leah Woldhuis, Simone Faulkner and coach Belinda Harrison.
Thus this is my table which may or maynot be accurate. Send any correspondence to me, if details are incorrect.
Team |
For |
Against |
% |
Wins |
Loss |
Pts |
Balmain |
1795
|
200
|
897.50
|
16
|
0
|
64
|
Newtown |
1837 |
339
|
541.89 |
13
|
3 |
52 |
Sydney Uni
|
1549
|
353
|
438.81 |
13
|
3 |
52
|
Wests
|
699
|
640
|
109.22 |
10
|
6 |
40 |
Bondi |
557 |
734
|
75.89
|
7
|
9 |
28 |
Easts
|
712
|
1064
|
66.92
|
6
|
10
|
24
|
Southern Power
|
280
|
1276 |
21.94
|
4
|
12 |
16 |
Wollongong
|
223
|
1496
|
14.91
|
3
|
13
|
12
|
Macq Uni
|
123
|
1792
|
6.84
|
0
|
16 |
0
|
Last Modified on 24/08/2010 19:52