On paper, the Division Two competitions looks to be the most even in AFL Sydney in 2014. The top seven sides last year were all extremely close and with a few relegations and the promotion of Blacktown who had a strong grip of Division Three in the past two seasons, the competition looks even closer. For that reason picking a top 5 has proved very difficult with likely only a win or two separating a top 5 spot and a lowly ladder position.
Manly Warringah – 1st
Manly Warringah look to be a powerhouse in the Division Two competition with an influx of new players into their Premier Division team, improving their depth and the quality of players playing in their Division Two side. They were the best side in the home and away season last year but were beaten by Sydney University on Grand Final day but there is no reason to suggest they shouldn’t be Premiership favourites this year.
Sydney University – 2nd
The defending premiers will be looking to add another flag to the trophy cabinet in 2014. The Students will be hoping to be able to keep a similar side from last years team, and if they do they will prove hard to beat. Added depth to their senior and reserve grade sides will mean a strong line up and they will hope to peak on Grand Final day as they did last year. They were ultra impressive in last years Grand Final victory over Manly-Warringah.
Western Suburbs -3rd
The Magpies are another team who have added players to their Premier Division with the likes of Conway, Pearson and Round which should increase the depth and professionalism within the club. The club have been building their depth over recent years which has shown in their results across the board. They went within a kick of progressing straight through to the Grand Final against Manly-Warringah in the Semi Final however were beaten by eventual Premiers Sydney University and will be looking to improve on their Preliminary Final loss from 2013.
North Shore – 4th
The Bombers have dropped back to the Division Two competition after a couple of tough years in Division One. With their first grade squad looking like being real contenders in Premier Division, the Bombers should be a real threat in the competition. Their Round 3 clash at Gore Hill against Manly-Warringah (four grades facing their arch rivals on this day) looks set to be a cracker. A higher finish than 4th would not surprise at all.
Moorebank – 5th
After making their first finals appearance in three years in 2013, Moorebank will be looking to keep on improving in 2014. For the Magpies to be a premiership threat they will need good seasons from skipper Blake Parker, reigning best and fairest winner Blake Pearce, as well as Rhys Horton. A round 2 match up against Manly-Warringah will a tough challenge early in the season and give both clubs a good guide on their chances.
Blacktown – 6th
After being a dominant force in the Division Three competition the past couple of seasons, Blacktown have been promoted into the Division Two for season 2014 following their Grand Final win last year where they will encounter a number of quality teams. The Magic have a host of quality players in their side including Division Three leading goalkicker and new coach Ash Moeller looking to emulate his 110 goal season from last year. He will be well supported by midfielders Andrew Polkinghorne and Leighton Corr who was the Division Three Best on Ground in the Grand Final. History has shown that the gap between the top of Division Three and Two isn’t great so a competitive season is expected. A finals appearance wouldn’t surprise.
Camden – 7th
After being knocked out in the Elimination Final last year, Camden will be looking to go a few games better in 2014. They appear a strong side on paper and a first round match up against Western Suburbs will be interesting and will show how the Cats will fair this season. Camden arguably have the best player in the competition with reigning two time Sanders Medallist Josiah Ayling being the key for the Cats. He will however need more contributions from other players to support him. Fraser Brown and Ben Reid will need to have good seasons for the Cats to climb the ladder.
UTS – 8th
UTS are another club whose Premier Division team has recruited well in the off-season which should result in an improvement of depth within the club. Avoiding injuries in the higher grades will be key for the Bats who might struggle playing against the First Gradesides such as Moorebank, Camden and Blacktown in 2014.
Sydney Hills Eagles – 9th
After failing to win a game in Division One last year, Hills Eagles have dropped back to Division Two looking to be more competitive. Being a third grade side, the Eagles will rely on unavailability’s in the higher grades to not be frequent so they can keep a similar side together and build upward momentum on the ladder
UNSW/ES – 10th
With a host of losses within Premier Division, the Bulldogs depth will be tested in 2014 after finishing sixth last year in Division Two. Like UTS and Hills Eagles, being a third grade will depend on the higher grades but keeping a settled side will improve their chances of rising up the ladder.
Last Modified on 26/03/2014 12:58
