Club
Pennant Hills
Key players
Matt Carey and Ranga Ediriwickrama as noted below add the X-factor to the Demons attack. Matt Thomas got under the guard of a lot of sides playing predominantly across half-back and set up a number of rebound 50's last year. He was the AFL Sydney Development Squad captain last year and won many backers with his leadership on and off the field. New recruit Sam Zikman is another to add to the list- he is highly regarded in the well-renowned Eastern Football League and will add experience and another string to the already strong Penno midfield. It would be remiss not to mention former Phelan Medalist, Kieran Wright who will demand opposition attention in his role across half-back.
Star on the Rise
James Dunn's star rose significantly last year. He played 15 games but was named in his side's best six in all four finals matches including a best on ground display in the Preliminary Final against St George. With that said, he is likely to play the majority of games in the Swans Reserves this year but will make an impact when he plays. There is a goldmine of talent in the North-West region as Pennant Hills continues to churn out AFL talent- first Jarrad and Mark McVeigh, Kieran Jack, then Brandon Jack who made an impact at the Swans last year. Who's next? Their Under 18 side won the premiership last season with Daniel Preen and Nick Hey two highly regarded by talent scouts and could potential see senior action this year.
Strengths
Pennant Hills boasted the best attack in the competition in 2013- scoring 146 points more than any side during the regular season, and averaged over 100 points a game. They have a strong forward set-up with Ranga Ediriwickrama the livewire and Matt Carey and Tim Wales able to kick goals across half-forward. They have a hard working centre division with two of hardest customers in Aaron Crisfield and Aaron Goodall. It wouldn't surprise if other sides have physio appointments pre-booked on the Monday after the game in anticipation of playing these two.
The club ethos is one that all AFL clubs aspire to and put them in a strong position even before a ball is bounced.
Weaknesses
The loss of Alastair Richardson and Luke Bilbe would leave a dent in any side. Both are experienced, kicked 68 goals between them last year, with Bilbe also able to play ruck. With a game plan based on attack, can Chris Yard generate a dominant forward this year. Nick Campbell is highly regarded internally and will be one asked to kick more goals this year after kicking 19 goals in 20 games last year. One could also debate they lack some height in their backline.
Season defining month
Rounds 2-5. The Demons should get off to a winning start against Sydney Hills Eagles before a tough month where they play three games away to sides that should figure in finals calculations. Round 2 is a Grand Final replay away against Manly-Warringah (one hopes it is as good a match as last year!), before travelling to face UNSW/ES and then Western Suburbs in an ANZAC Day encounter. The tough month is rounded off with a home clash against St George. The Demons have made Grand Finals before from lowly positions but I am sure they would not like to be playing catch-up early in the season.
Notable Transfers
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INS
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Name
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Surname
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Association From
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Club From
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Andrew
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McLellan
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AFL Sydney
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UTS Bats
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Lloyd
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Shepherd
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Ovens & Murray Football League
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Albury Football Club
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James
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Fulton
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AFL Sydney
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Balmain
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Sam
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Zikman
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Eastern Football League (EFL)
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Glen Waverley Hawks
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Hayden
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Reedy
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AFL Sydney
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Blacktown Magic
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Tommy
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Macken
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AFL Riverina
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TURVEY PARK (Riverina Football League)
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Predicted finish – 1st
The final positions of Manly-Warringah and Pennant Hills were hotly debated in the office. There is a lot to like about the Demons as they have a great blend of talent and experience, and attack and defence. Add to that now hunger from just missing out on a flag the year before and they should be well and truly in the mix to go one step further in 2014. They play a very attractive style of football and will be there when the whips are cracking come September.
Last Modified on 24/03/2014 16:28
