Article by Caitlin Arnold
Taking a Division One mentality into the Division Two competition will be the Penrith Rams’ 2015 mindset according to club veteran, Jay Edwards.
A last placing as the result of just two wins from the Rams’ Division One team in 2014 has seen the club’s most senior side lowered to Division Two for the upcoming season.
Following “the most frustrating” year of football Edwards says he has ever been involved in, the club will be aiming for consistency this year having fielded 65 players in their Division One side over the 2014 season.
“I think the tactics we implemented last year will now be second nature,” Edwards explains.
“Giving the League no option but to put us back up to Division One is all the talk [at the club].”
To assist in their aim to regain a Division One opportunity in 2016, former NEAFL player Nick Perry has returned to the club following a stint in the NEAFL, most recently at Sydney University. As the recipient of a Collingwood Academy scholarship in 2007, Perry’s inclusion in the Penrith senior squad is hoped to insert class and experience into the squad.
“We have been blessed with the return of Nick Perry who has brought a very professional attitude with him, on top of a stack of skill and knowledge.”
Away from Penrith’s senior side, two of their teams managed a grand final appearance in 2014 with both of the Division Three and Division Five teams going down commendably to the Randwick Saints and Blacktown Magic respectively.
Adding to Edwards’ ambition to come away with “more than one flag” this year, the club’s female team, the Ramettes, who made it to the semi-final last year, will be the Women’s Division Two favourites following the departure of the Southern Power and Wollongong Saints to the Division One competition.
Recognised as one of the women’s games leading lights, the Ramettes’ Natalie Camilleri, Nikki Perrett and Stephanie Kostic have affirmed the club’s contribution to the game having been announced as AFL Sydney Development squad members for 2015.
Impressing Edwards around the club over the pre-season has been Mitchell Renehan who has been with the club since 2011.
“He [Renehan] seems incredibly focused and I expect him to have a huge year.”
Growing as a club alongside the exponential development of the game in Sydney’s west, Edwards invites potential players, supporters and volunteers to come and visit his club out at Greygums Oval.
“Our club is five teams strong now, so we have a team for anybody interested in having a kick, no matter what their skill or commitment level.
“We commenced back in November so I think more than anything we are all just looking forward to having a competitive hit out.
“We are hopeful that all the teams can see a grand final berth.”
LAZIEST, CRAZIEST AND PATRICK SWAYZEST
Laziest person at the club?
“Benny McGovern. Could be a superstar, just needs to move!”
Craziest person at the club?
“Sam Lockhart. Nudity more than anything, I am surprised he hasn’t had a video of him go viral.”
Patrick Swayzest person at the club?
“There are a handful of guys who take their shirt off for no particular reason. But the winner of a confidence contest would be Tom Hall. He has a pretty good strike rate...”
Last Modified on 12/03/2015 15:42
