By Caitlin Arnold - Twitter: @caityclaire
With teams competing in six of the eight men’s AFL Sydney competitions in 2015, and another in the North Eastern AFL (NEAFL) competition, Sydney University continue to prove themselves as one of the biggest and most successful on the Sydney scene.
Having made the finals in every division bar the Under 19s in 2014 - and taking the Division Two title along the way – has meant that a high standard has been set amongst the 2015 playing group, though it is this standard that they are hoping to exceed this season.
With their Division Two team being elevated to Division One this season, long time player and former Best and Fairest recipient Glenn Smith is hopeful that their winning attitude can spread to the Premier Division side, as well as set an example for the grades below it.
“The (now) Division One side performed very strongly last year but will be looking to take up the challenge of entering a higher division and making it three in a row,” explains Smith.
“From a Premier Division perspective, we will be looking to deliver more consistent performances than last year.
“We lost some close games we shouldn’t have [in 2014] and were blown away by some of the better teams. This year we are aiming to be able to play out four quarters against the top sides and string wins together in a row.”
Considering the year ahead for the club, pre-season training has been used as a platform to raise the bar as not just six separate teams across six divisions, but as a club.
“With the NEAFL squad training separately from Premier Division, the more mature players have taken the opportunity to step up and drive training standards.
“This has been positive and led to strong development across the squad.
“Also with the addition to our training squad of the Division One boys, who are coming off back-to-back premierships, there are plenty of guys on the track eager to start another season.
“So overall, the feeling on the track has been great.”
Despite their confidence coming into the new season, it has not all been smooth sailing over the pre-season with Sydney University’s Premier Division coach announcing his departure from the club to return home to Perth.
While sad to see their long time clubman leave, club General Manager Tristan Liles is supportive of Turco’s move.
“We know we are losing a quality individual that has long understood and carried out the values of this football club,” acknowledges Liles.
“Anton has been a scholarship holder, NEAFL and Premier Division player, coach and fantastic clubman through it all. Anton operates to the highest of moral standards, which in our club is strongly encouraged and supported.
“We wish Anton all the best for his move back to Perth and thank him for the tireless hours he has spent to help make this football club a better place for those that come after him.”
Stepping in to coach the Premier Division side will be Ben Merson whose coaching experience lies within the premier Western Australian competition (WAFL).
“Ben Merson has come to us with a great football CV. Ben has played and coached over in the WAFL, which has helped him understand what a high performance football program looks like.
“Ben’s Sydney AFL experience, through St George, will stand him in good stead to understand the local football landscape.
“We are very much looking forward to working with Ben and building some consistency into our Premier Division program.”
Impressing Smith over the pre-season have been Luke Freemantle and Kyle Underwood, as well as a new recruit and some returning players.
“Luke Freemantle is a standout. He spent a lot of the pre-season training with the NEAFL squad and now is not only in great shape but his skills set the benchmark at training.
“Kyle Underwood is also looking fitter than ever and I can’t wait to see him unleash his run and seventy metre bombs across the field.
“Dan Frawley has been an impressive recruit and has a very sharp left foot to look out for.
“Josh Cole, Nick Roberts and Clint Wells are all returning players who have shown their brilliance in the past. Everyone should keep an eye on them.”
Alongside their on-ground prospects in the upcoming season, Sydney University are also excited to consolidate their presence at Henson Park with more games to be played there this season than the last, with the NEAFL team even lacing up on the hallowed turf in replacement of Drummoyne Oval.
“Most Premier Division home games will include multiple grades and organised events for the fans, so we hope to develop a great family friendly atmosphere for the local community to enjoy.
The club has also undertaken a new partnership with Urbanest on top of their continued sponsorship by Carrera eyewear, C plus C Architectural Workshop and Bendigo Bank. And post-match celebrations - or commiserations – will be taken to the Roxbury as their new sponsor pub.
Sydney University will go into their Round One Premier Division match against Campbelltown as favourites. The game commences at 5pm on Saturday, 11 April 2015 at Henson Park.
LAZIEST, CRAZIEST AND PATRICK SWAYZEST
LAZIEST PERSON AT THE CLUB?
“Ben ‘Fitzy’ Fitzpatrick is hands down the slackest trainer. Don’t expect to see him put in on the track unless its finals time as he will be nursing an injury or getting a rub down. Occasionally he will have run if there is goal kicking practice but don’t expect him to collect his own ball!”
CRAZIEST PERSON AT THE CLUB?
“Daniel ‘Millsy’ Miller would be up there – he is one who always finds himself in the middle of trouble on and off the field.”
PATRICK SWAYZEST PERSON AT THE CLUB?
“If you haven’t heard yet, Sam Power is single and the tinder results reportedly speak for themselves. I can only assume there are some girls who rate banter a lot higher than looks!”
Last Modified on 31/03/2015 16:15
