Pennant Hills
Final position
Second- 16 wins, 2 losses
Snapshot
Only lost two matches in the regular season- to Manly-Warringah in Rounds 2 and 12- to comfortably finish second and secure the double chance in the finals. They almost needed that double chance but came home strong against St George in the Qualifying Final. Lost a dour affair against the GIANTS in the Grand Final qualifier semi-final before earning another crack in the Grand Final after again beating St George. Unfortunately for them, they saved their worst for Grand Final Day losing by 46 points.
What worked
The absence this year of Luke Bilbe opened the door for Steve Wray and new recruit, Sam Zikman in what was a smaller, yet enigmatic forward line. Down back, the returning Lloyd Shepherd was a tower of strength to be named captain in the AFL Sydney Team of the Year. Their production line of young talent continued to give every indication that the Demons’ stellar run of finals appearances isn’t done yet. Oh, and Alex Goodall was a deserving Phelan Medal recipient after a stellar 2014 season.
What failed
They couldn’t get past their arch-nemesis, Manly-Warringah on any of their four encounters this season. Whilst their small forwards performed brilliantly, the lack of a big key forward really hurt them against the GIANTS.
MVP: Alex Goodall & Lloyd Shepherd
These two will be neck-and-neck in the Pennant Hills Best and Fairest count. Goodall was everything in the middle for the Demons- hard, tough and clean by hand and foot to further his standing as a star of the competition. Shepherd took the opposition’s key forward each week and won almost every time. His list of victims would be as long as his big wingspan.
Surprise packet: Seb Parker
Normally a section reserved for the young up-and-comer, Parker was the general of the back six and was a primary reason behind Pennant Hills better defensive record in 2014. Turning 33 during the finals campaign, Parker showed he was a good wine- getting better with age- rarely getting beaten and using his experience to get out of sticky situations. Often entrusted with the kick-ins, he is one of the under-rated ball users in the AFL Sydney competition.
Low point
Their biggest loss was the 90-point capitulation to Manly-Warringah in Round 2, but their most disappointing was undoubtedly their 46 point Grand Final loss. Two goals was a poor return and didn’t look able at any stage to break the GIANTS vice-like grip on the contest.
What do they need to improve?
Tim Scoular helped but if you are being greedy, they need a tall key position forward. Theo Moraitis and Daniel Preen are coming along in the lower grades and will be looked to in future years in this key role. The Grand Final made it evident they need some more pace and outside run to compliment the tough inside midfielders they have.
Grade: B+
Making a Grand Final no matter who you are is a fantastic achievement but much like the Sydney Swans, there would be sour taste in the way Pennant Hills finished their season. They are a great nursery of home grown talent and are smart enough to know where they need to improve. Finals beckon again in 2015 as they look to go one better and secure their first silverware since 2008.
Last Modified on 17/10/2014 06:53
