By Caitlin Arnold
The Penrith Rams 2014 story is a classic tale of the ups and downs of football, continually lending their name to the phrase – ‘So close, yet so far.’
Described as a ‘frustrating’ year by their Director of Football Operations Greg Corless, the Rams senior squad has been hit by a long list of injuries, hindering their race to the finals.
With six of their eight losses this season having been decided by less than three goals, the Rams have only been outscored once in the second half all games so far – proving their worth within Division One, but only adding to frustrations.
“The team has been racked by an unusually high number of mid to long term injuries. It has been more of a frustrating season so far, rather than a disappointing one,” says Corless.
“New Head Coach, Barry Denton, is a very accomplished figure in Sydney football and has done a wonderful job.”
Blooding a young side this year, Corless commends the attributes that many of his inexperienced players have brought to the senior squad, telling AFL Sydney that the future is bright at Greygums Oval.
“Jake Pianta has been outstanding at Centre Half Forward. Josh Shephard and George Paneras have provided plenty of run in the midfield and the Denton boys, James and Michael have battled injuries early in the season but are absolute class.”
While the Division One team is experiencing the lows of AFL football-sitting at the bottom of the ladder heading into Round 10 – the remaining Penrith sides are riding on a high, in a big boost for the future prospects of the club.
“With five teams, Penrith are the largest Western Sydney club and it is very pleasing to have four teams currently in the top four in their respective grades.”
Labeled as a ‘breath of fresh air’ to the club, the Penrith women’s team, the Ramettes have been flooring the opposition in the Division Two competition of the local women’s game – currently sitting third on the ladder.
“The Ramettes have been outstanding both on and off the field since they joined the competition in 2012.
“The expansion of the women’s competition is an exciting time and I am sure the new clubs will agree that introducing a female side to their club has seen massive benefits.”
With players ages ranging from their mid-teens to their forties, the Ramettes’ make it no secret that they are aiming to claim the Division Two premiership flag this year.
“A Division One flag is the ultimate aim in the next five years but at present all the players are intent on improving their skills, playing as a team…and attempting to make their inaugural Grand Final appearance in September.
“Melissa Brydon- a former professional golfer -has had a great year after playing her first AFL match in the middle of last year.
“Nikki Perrett and Natalie Camilleri were both selected in the Sydney AFL Women’s Representative team for very good reasons and 2012 Rising Star winner, Stephanie Kostic is as tough as they come.
“Captain Jennifer Brown has also instilled self-belief in the team.”
With AFL steadily making its presence known at the foot of the Blue Mountains, Corless says that the Penrith Rams are comfortable with the current size and successes of the club.
“It was just five years ago that the first grade side were at the bottom end of Division Three, and now we have our two’s running in second spot in that division.
“Of course we have Premier Division in our vision, but we are very focused on being a community club with mates playing together.
“The best is yet to come.”
Last Modified on 21/06/2014 09:13
