Upsets galore in Division One
If you thought Division One was set in stone, think again, with Holroyd-Parramatta the only side in the top five to win on the weekend. It all started when eighth placed Illawarra knocked off top of the table Balmain at home. Southern Power kept their slim finals chances alive with an upset over the third placed UTS Bats at Trumper Park. Danny has been reliably informed that the win was only the Power’s second across all men’s grades ever at Trumper- the first and only being in Division One in 2012.
Arguably the biggest upset came when the last placed Penrith produced a superb final quarter to storm home against second-placed Macquarie University. To top it off, fifth-placed Pennant Hills and UNSW/ES with only two wins to their name this season played out a thrilling draw.
Go figure!
Rams battle the axe
There has been some talk around the AFL Sydney community around Penrith Rams and whether they will remain in Division One if they remain in last place. Despite their win against Macquarie University, they still sit two points off UNSW/ES, with only two wins to their name.
With this said, their percentage is a touch under 75% which is incredible- with losing margins this year of 2, 49, 31, 13, 16, 3, 16, 8, 26, 54, 14, 16 and 17. That's only four losses out of 13 over 20 points and an average losing margin overall of around 20.
Relegation isn’t compulsory with the decision resting with AFL Sydney who will take in a range of factors in making the final decision as to who, if anyone, goes down a division.
Falcon of the Year?
This would surely go down as one of the best falcons in AFL Sydney history. A player from Holroyd-Parramatta’s Division 4 side was knocked out cold when he copped a rebound straight in the face in general play. There has been plenty of replays at Goanna training this week. Check out the picture above.
Market Movers
Blacktown have continued their terrific start to their life in AFL Sydney as they look set to make an impact in the Division Two finals. In their first year in this division, on the weekend they jumped from fifth to third courtesy of an 80-point win over Camden who are now fourth. Danny built them up to come home with a head of steam and so far I am a man of my word.
Campbelltown were also winners of the weekend in Division Four. With their seniors out of contention, focus will no doubt turn to their Reserves that until a couple of weeks in, had more luck of winning a meat raffle than a game of footy. Their win on the weekend saw them sit in seventh on percentage, but equal on points with the fifth placed side. Their home clash with Wollondilly could well decide their finals hopes.
Razzle magic
Matthew "Razzle" Rawle will be a notable absentee for Manly-Warringah’s Division Two side which is massive news in itself but he will be playing off for something much greater at Simonds Stadium. Razzle is one of 5 who will trying to win a car (Ford Kuga) in a true test of his footy trick skills. See his nomination video that earned him a berth in the final here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_1JGp2m678
Rookie schooling in the tips
It has been a pretty flat year for Danny by way of AFL Sydney tipping with The Rookie currently one tip ahead of yours truly. Worryingly, one of us has only tipped the card on four occasions. On the flip side, Danny is more optimistic about his AFL tipping hopes, currently sitting in the top 1,000 nationally out of 165,000 tipsters.
Chicken Dinner Spiered
Ryan Murphy is in mourning after being overrun in the AFL Sydney Community Dream Team League by Curtis Spiers.
Teddy toddler
Its off to the Fossils Academy Of Reliable Kicking for Teddy Widmer as the Pennant Hills big man missed a set shot from 10 metres directly in front on the weekend.
It might be a job after football for Harry Angel as he was the most nominated player in our Ask the Community question this week of Who is likely to retire at the end of the year? It is a bit disturbing when the original nomination from Tim Wales was "hopefully Harry Angel"- which is testament to his popularity at the Demons.
Captain Kirk leading from the square
Penrith Rams Division Five Player/Coach, Kevin "Captain" Kirk had reason to celebrate despite a loss to Nor-West on Sunday at Greygums Oval.
Kev, now in his mid "naughty" forties, has reportedly "grown another leg" since joining the Rams in 2013 after a lengthy retirement and on Sunday, played his 25th game at the club and also notched up his hundredth goal, almost certainly tieing up the goalkicking honours in the league with one match to play before finals.
His two nephews, Gavin Kirk and Jamie Edwards, both in their second year of AFL, are however claiming the credit. "He never moves out of the goal square, we both just put it on his chest every time", they quipped.
Another second year player, Dane Fysh, claims to be Kevin's love child, but this is emphatically denied by Kevin. "Fyshy lacks ability, looks and certain other attributes of mine", he said "Tell him he's dreaming"
Spotted
Western Suburbs infamous former fines collector, Justin O'Neil unknowingly dancing with Sydney Hills Eagles players at a Darling Harbour night spot on Saturday night.
Three Pennant Hills stars were seen eating ice creams prior to their Premier Division clash against UNSW/ES. Their identities have been withheld after further investigations.
Sam Lightbody and Kyle Webb seen having interviews with rival clubs for a one-year contract after being outed by teammates as another duo likely to retire at the end of the year.
Last Modified on 07/08/2014 10:35
