After coming off second best in the two Grand Final’s prior to 2013, winning last year’s premiership trophy was all the more satisfying for the Sydney University Bombers.
Following celebrations of their 2013 win, Club President Ashlee Morgan disclosed that the team is back - hungrier than ever – and ready to take the 2014 competition by the horns.
"The feeling amongst the squad is fantastic and I have never seen such consistent numbers at every session during a pre-season."
With Head Coach Yucel Celenk returning for his second year at the helm, Morgan explains that their determined approach to pre-season training will have the squad well placed to defend their title. Named Coach of the Year in 2013, Celenk is said to be focusing on extending the foundations that he built last season, and developing the team as an entire unit.
"Our coach is very well planned, has great foresight and dedication to our club. He has ensured our pre-season has been focused and incrementally loaded, so we are in fine form for the first round."
"He [Celenk] is incredibly well respected within our squad and continues to bring knowledge, professionalism and passion to the club."
The name of the game at Sydney University is to grow from their winning year. With most clubs coy about their season aspirations, Morgan is open about the Bomber’s main aim in 2014 – to go back-to-back.
"Without a doubt we are focused on winning the 2014 premiership."
"We don’t want to replicate last season, we want to solidify our structures, expand our dynamic abilities and play exciting football. It is very fun to be part of."
Despite a couple of retirements at the end of the 2103 season, the Bombers will this year boast a large squad as high numbers of premiership players return to protect their title.
With participation at training impressing President Morgan, she is quick to point out that no one player is standing out amongst the group, representative of their no ‘I’ in ‘team’ attitude.
"The Bombers are a champion team, not a team of champions. Everyone is training well!"
Amid the continual growth of the women’s game in the Sydney AFL community, it would be difficult to deny the contribution made by Sydney University in spreading the word of the competition.
With healthy representation in the selected NSW squad for last year’s Women’s National Championships and defender Jennifer Lew’s selection at number 35 in the AFL Women’s Draft for the Melbourne Demons, it is clear that Sydney University are a powerhouse of the game.
"It is great to have such a strong presence in the representative squads. The club is incredibly proud of our players and their achievements."
"Jennifer Lew has been one of the club’s strongest players over the past few years and her draft selection was undoubtedly well deserved."
Despite their university title, the Bombers are pleased to be able to play a part in their local community. With club sponsors such as Rose of Australia in Erskinville and Manoosh Pizzeria in Enmore, the blue and gold Sydney University badge has become synonymous with the Inner-West.
"We try to engage the local community as much as we can."
"We are passionate about promoting women’s AFL and expanding the female participation base. We also have fantastic support from club alumni."
Sydney University plays the Western Wolves in Round One on 12 April 2014 at Blacktown International Sportspark.
AFL Sydney Analysis
The Star
Jennifer Lew – Already mentioned prior, Lew is one of the stars of the AFL Sydney competition. Jen was one of just two NSW players selected in the inaugural AFL Women’s match in 2013 alongside UNSW-ES star Courtney Gum. Consistently among her teams best, Lew is a real barometer of the teams success and it comes as no surprise she was awarded the Best on Ground Medal in last years Grand Final victory.
The Rising Star
Stephanie Walker – 2013 was a great year for Steph both individually and as part of the Bombers. Walker is the reigning Army AFL Sydney Rising Star after a breakout debut season. Her great form saw her selected in the NSW side to play in the National Championships and the year was topped off with the flag. A real livewire up forward who will cause plenty of worries for opposition defenders.
AFL Sydney Prediction –1st
It was a long time coming but eventually 2013 saw Sydney University claim the Premiership flag. A second year under Yucel Celenk with a very similar side as last year will ensure that the Bombers are very hard to beat and are a big chance to go back to back. The team to beat!
Last Modified on 07/04/2014 14:23
