UTS – 1st
With the UTS Premier Division team adding some quality players to their side, this should improve the depth of their Division One side who are looking to rebound from their preliminary final loss last year. The Bats have proved to be a very even team in recent years and will be a big chance come September after a surprising early exit in 2013.
Southern Power – 2nd
The defending premiers will be looking to add another flag to the trophy cabinet in 2014.They have been the most consistent side in recent years (excluding Manly-Warringah who have now been promoted) however key losses from the premiership wining side will weaken their chances. These include Rod Craig (St George) and Andrew Craig (Northern Districts Tigers) both moving to different clubs, and the retirement of key forward and Grand Final BOG Al Fritsch. The class of 2013 Snow Medallist, Stuart Brierty and fellow AFL Sydney Development squad members Adam Cook, Matt Young and the return of James Clarke will ensure they are very competitive once again.
Holroyd Parramatta – 3rd
After finishing 3rd in the home and away season in 2013, the Goannas were knocked out in straight sets for the second year running and will be looking for redemption in 2014. With a similar side to last year, the Goannas will be looking for Adam Byrne, Jordan Pidgeon and 2013 Division One Leading Goalkicker Ben Rogers to lead from the front and guide the Goannas to be one of the main challengers for the premiership. A young list who have enough games under their belt now to be a real chance.
St George – 4th
After finishing 5th in 2013, St George will want to improve from their Elimination Final appearance the year before. The Dragons reserve grade will be helped if the Dragons can avoid injuries in their Premier Division side. They have a good mix of experience and quality youngsters in the team to ensure they play finals again in 2014.
Balmain – 5th
After a disappointing and controversial year in Premier Division in 2013, Balmain drop back into the Division One competition where they will look to be a main contender for the title. With the key losses of Matt Round, Leigh Conway and Kristian Ericson to Western Suburbs, Balmain will be looking for more contributions from different players. Brad Plug and Jerome Farrell are two players who could lead the Tigers to glory while newly appointed coach Luke Jarjoura is a genuine Tier 2 player who will have a big impact.
Illawarra – 6th
Like Balmain, Illawarra have dropped back into the Division One competition looking to be more competitive. New coach David Nolen, will lead a determined Lions outfit who will be pushing for a finals spot. The loss of Ken Ewen-Chappel and a number of other key players will hurt the Lions line-up however reports are that a new group has come together well and will be more than competitive.
Penrith – 7th
After just missing out on the finals in 2013, Penrith will be looking to climb a few places on the ladder and make an appearance in the top five at years end. The club would have been disappointed with the end result however they can start a fresh now. They do boast arguably one of the best players in the competition in Josh Shephard however the loss of Dale Chivas and Tim Cummins is significant and they will need all players to step up in his absence.
Macquarie University – 8th
After finishing eighth last year, Macquarie University will be eyeing an improvement on last year performances. New coach Stuart Newman is confident his side can improve on their ladder position in 2013 and make their first finals appearance since 2011. Their more experienced players such as Club Captain Dylan Brogan will need big season however the inclusion of Ryan Harris will improve their squad.
Pennant Hills – 9th
After a very competitive 7th place finish in 2013, the Demons reserve grade side may struggle with the improvement of other Division One teams. If injuries can be avoided within the Premier Division side, Pennant Hills could cause some surprises in Division One and fight for a finals spot which they just missed last year.
UNSW/ES – 10th
With a host of losses within Premier Division, the Bulldogs depth will be tested in 2014 after finishing runners up last year in Division One. We predict a fall down the ladder for the side. No doubt veteran Troy Luff will be a key to the side as they look to go one better than their impressive 2013 campaign.
Last Modified on 26/03/2014 11:15
