Division One – Pennant Hills Demons vs Sydney University @ 12.15am @ Henson Park
Both sides weren’t considered premiership contenders at the start of the year but have defied all critics to be standing as the final two sides in 2015.
The Road So Far
Pennant Hills
The Demons started the year very well winning 4 of their first 5 matches. Gave minor premiers Balmain their first defeat of the year in Round 10 to announce themselves as serious premiership contenders. Have defeated the fancied UTS and Balmain sides this finals series to make the Grand Final.
Sydney University
The Students struggled at the start of the year losing three of their first four matches before winning six of their next seven to get their season back on track. Have had to come from the fifth to make the Grand Final after defeating Macquarie University (by 15 points), UTS (by 5 points) and Balmain (by 11 points) in the last three weeks.
Previous Matchups
Both Sydney University and Pennant Hills have a win over each other in 2015. The Students were too good for the Demons in Round 6, winning by 40 points. The Demons evened up the ledger with a 27 point win over the Students in Round 13.
Key Players
Pennant Hills
Jake Gunstone – The Demons in and under midfielder has been one of their better players all season. Played all 20 games in 2015 and polled 8 votes in last Monday’s Snow Medal count.
Tim Scoular – The former Premier Division player, Scoular has played predominantly in Division One this season across the half back line. Has plenty of finals experience and has been one of the best for the Demons so far this finals series.
Sydney University
Jarryd Boyd – The small but skilful midfielder could well be an x-factor in this game. After missing the start of the season, Boyd has shown all his class in 2015 and has recovered from a hamstring injury just in time. A previous Grand Final best on ground winner in the Division Two competition.
Andrew Holmes – The 28 year old Holmes will be one of the players the Demons need to shut down. Has played 19 games in 2015 kicking 13 goals including a best of six against UNSW/ES in Round 17. Has been quiet the last couple of weeks but if he can find some form, the Students will go close to winning this one.
Prediction
The Demons would have enjoyed the week off last week to freshen up and will fancy their chances. The Students though have found plenty of form recently and know how to win a final and will be out to become one of only a few sides who have come from fifth to win a premiership.
Pennant Hills by 16 points
Under 19s Division One – UNSW/ES Bulldogs vs North Shore Bombers @ 9.45am @ Henson Park
UNSW/ES will be looking to capture their first under 19s Division One flag while North Shore will be out to add to their 13 underage competition premierships.
The Road So Far
UNSW/ES
Its been a tough year for the Bulldogs club but winning a premiership will turn the year into a successful one. The Bulldogs finished the regular season in second place after a win-loss record of 13 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw. Their season started under lights at Henson Park where they drew against Sydney University. It was a slow start to the season for the Bulldogs however from Round 6 onwards they won six in a row to storm up the ladder. Have won their last five games heading into the Grand Final.
North Shore
The Bombers began the season with a record of five wins and two losses before a string of wins including 12 out of their last 15 games. The Bombers were one of only two teams to defeat minor premiers Pennant Hills during the regular season, by 79 points in Round 16. The Bombers will be out to go one better this time after finishing runner up last year to St George.
Previous Matchups
North Shore lead the ledger between the two sides two to one after victories in Round 2 by 47 points and in Round 13 by 46 points. UNSW/ES do know they can beat the Bombers after their victory in round 8 by 10 points.
Key Players
UNSW/ES
Ben Davis – The talented Bulldogs midfielder has had a fantastic year in 2015. Finished runner up in the Kealy Medal with 19 votes and would be the favourite to claim his sides best and fairest. Will rest up forward and has shown he is a threat in the forward 50 kicking 38 goals so far this season.
Ned Reinhard – Reinhard has shown that he is a player of the future. The Centre Half Forward, who can also play Centre Half Back, has played nine games in Under 19s this year kicking 15 goals and being named in the best 7 times. Was a part of the NSW/ACT TAC Cup side this year playing three games
North Shore
Sudket Fraser-Krause – Fraser-Krause adds class coming through the middle of the ground. Is able to win the ball in and under the packs but also hits a target inside forward 50 when given space.
Matthew Buskariol – The 17 year old has had another tremendous year. Made his Premier Division debut in Round 1 this year but has played mostly in Under 19s. Has played 14 games in 2015, being named in the best five times and polling 10 votes in the Kealy Medal. Was a member of the North Shore Grand Final team in 2014.
Prediction
The Bulldogs have been the in form team the second half of the year but the Bombers will be out to taste premiership success after falling just short in 2014.
UNSW/ES by 12 points
Last Modified on 25/09/2015 12:09
