Pennant Hills
How their year went
Starting the year as one of, if not, the competition favourites, the Demons started off slowly before going a superb mid-season run with a string of consecutive wins. Tailed off prior to the finals to finish the regular season in fourth. Won three successive finals games before falling short in the Grand Final to Manly-Warringah by eight points.
What they need
Pennant Hills are a well-rounded line-up with the best attacking record in the competition. Have some fantastic young talent coming through as vindicated in their Under 18 Division One Premiership win. Tall key defenders would not go astray to support the likes of Dan Witt and Ben Urwin.
Shining lights
Alex Goodall and Kieran Wright were again headline names to make the AFL Sydney Team of the Year. Matt Thomas would go close to winning the club Best and Fairest and was skipper of the Development Representative squad.
Season defining moment
Ironically, it was a big Round 16 loss against UNSW/ES at home (98 points) that gave the Demons more of a steely resolve. From there they won five consecutive games against four top-five sides (including finals). The Demons knocked UNSW/ES out of the finals race in the opening week Elimination Final by 71 points.
Players on the rise
18 year old, James Dunn was superb during the finals series with his speed and disposal accuracy. Daniel Preen was best on ground in the Under 18 Grand Final and will play more senior football next year.
Grade
B+ - Pennant Hills were better than fourth in the regular season but showed their wares during the finals series. In hindsight, a double chance could well have equalled premiership success.
2014 prediction
If everything stays the same, the Demons will again go close to claiming their first Premier Division title since 2008.
Last Modified on 26/09/2013 15:44
