Winners and Losers
How good is Finals Footy? After the wet weather during the week, there was some close encounters at Blacktown and Henson Park last weekend. There were some clear winners and losers out of the weekend;
Winners
Sydney University- Wins in Women’s Division One, Division Two, Division Three, Division Four and Premier Division
UTS Bats- Wins in Division One and Division Four
Pennant Hills- Wins in Premier Division and Division One
Manly-Warringah- Wins in Division Two and Under 19 Division One
Losers
Western Suburbs- Losses in Premier Division and Division Two (out in straight sets)
Nor-West- Losses in Division Three and Division Five (both out in straight sets)
UNSW/ES- Losses in Under 19 Division One and Division Four
Numbers game
Danny was playing the Lucky 88 Pokie Machine at Souths Juniors on the weekend but don’t expect Western Suburbs players to go near this machine anytime soon. Both their losses on the weekend were to opposition sides who kicked 88 (Sydney Uni 88 def Western Suburbs 43- Premier Division, Manly-Warringah 88 def Western Suburbs 77- Division Two).
Mixed emotions
While on the subject of the Magpies, it was a day of mixed emotions for senior coach, Kevin Eynaud. Earlier in the day he coached his son’s Under 15 Division One side (Pennant Hills) to a Premiership win at Macquarie University. He couldn’t repeat the dose unfortunately for his side that bowed out against Sydney University at Blacktown.
Lips sealed
Expect a few closed-door conversations this week AFL NSW/ACT Offices with Sydney University coach, Anton Turco working alongside St George Assistant Coach, Kieran Donohue. Bragging rights will be on the line in their Premier Division Semi Final clash this weekend.
Women’s gridlock
Goals were definitely not a feature of the Women’s Division One clash between Sydney University and UNSW/ES at Blacktown on Saturday. There were only two goals for the match- both scored before half-time by Sydney University. The win sees them progress to the Grand Final in a season where they have gone through undefeated to date.
Rams set new feat
This is the first time the Penrith Rams have had four sides in the finals, a wonderful achievement by the western club. Not only that, but all four sides have won at least one final. To top it off, all four sides have made the Preliminary Final at least.
Danny’s Saint of the Week
Danny can veto that Justin Cunneen is one of the hard workers at the Holroyd-Parramatta club and a top bloke at that. This was demonstrated in the club’s Division One Elimination Final against Pennant Hills where full-forward and Division One leading goalkicker, Ben Rogers sustained a serious finger injury in the opening stages.
Without any question, Justin personally took Ben to hospital and even went home for dinner to return to make sure Ben was OK. Well done Justin!
Juniors on the way up
The next generation of AFL Sydney talent was strutting their stuff across Sydney on the weekend in Junior Grand Finals at Picken Oval, Olds Park, Spotless Stadium and Macquarie University. A special note goes to the Maroubra Under 17 Division One side that won the main age group with a 90 plus point victory over St Ignatius, Riverview. The side coached by Grant "Bart" Barthomeleus has dominated the top age group for the past few years. UNSW/ES in particular will be licking their lips at the prospect of this side graduating to the senior competition in the years to come.
To view all the Junior Grand Final results, click here.
Rene getting a kick out of footy
Pennant Hills Under 19 player, Jordan Rene recently had a great football experience that any player would dream of. The Football Integration Development Association (FIDA) is an AFL program based in Victoria for people with intellectual disabilities, providing them with environment that promotes fitness, fun, friendship and a rare sense of belonging.
In recent times, FIDA held the 2014 National Inclusion Carnival where those participating were given the opportunity to play at half time during the Melbourne vs. North Melbourne match at the MCG.
An incredibly humbling and rewarding experience for all of those involved, Jordan Rene did Penno proud in his support and participation is such an important event for the AFL community. After winning the NSW best player trophy, in his acceptance speech, Jordy made it clear that the trophy in fact belonged not to him but to everyone. In a touching event that was truly about inclusion at all levels, we are reminded of what this great game is all about.
Leggies to make jump across?
Finally, word has just got through to Danny about the netball clash a fortnight ago between the Pennant Hills and North Shore clubs. The North Shore ladies soundly beat Penno on the netball court to reverse the result on the football field. However, the Penno team was coached by none other than our mate Tommy Edmonds aka ‘Leggies’. After the game, ‘Leggies’ was heard to say "despite being thrashed, I think I have a knack for coaching women's netball. This is something I should look into." Word is there is a lot of room in his contract and the club’s salary cap for Edmonds to make the jump across, according to an insider.
Last Modified on 02/09/2014 11:43
