ROUND 16 - During the week and important meeting was held

From the President

During the week an important meeting was held with AFL Sydney as we continue to work on the Greater Sydney Growth Plan and set the path for 2025 and beyond. The meeting included topics such as:

• The North West regional plan.
• Plans to increase participation
• Junior competitions
• Pathways -Junior to Senior
• Club Development

I would like to share with you some of the information and work being conducted to grow our great game in the region.

We are working with our junior feeder clubs for the health of AFL in our region. As you can see from the above slide, across Sydney the target is to have 45k participants, a tripling of current numbers. This requires work on:

• Recruitment.
• AFL programs of offer.
• Facilities.
• Volunteers
• Retention within Juniors and Seniors and transition from juniors to senior football; and
• An elevated level of competition in Sydney.

AFL Sydney are restructuring their operations and manning to support the initiatives. This should see better alignment between AFL staffing and the objectives with enhanced support for community clubs. Initiatives will include:

• More coordinated recruitment programs between schools, the community and local clubs with the aim to transition participants to local clubs.
• More “off season” formats to play to attract participants.
• Refining of the rules around talent (academy) kids and their availability to play community football.
• Reintroduction of junior regional representative program.
• Firming up junior to senior feeder club rules to promote local remaining with their local senior club.
• Enhanced senior representative program.
• Working to lift the standard of programs within clubs, especially senior football.

To give a snapshot of some key figures from our regions I provide the below slides

Although North West is up among the highest in player retention there is work to do to lift this above 67%

We lose 59% of junior players when they become senior aged. This is an area that as a senior club we must improve. Here we will be looking to have closer links with our junior feeder clubs through:

• Joint training sessions
• Joint preseason programs
• A player development program
• Regional coaching development programs
• Local and Loyal initiatives around our annual round.

We will need people who are interested in helping to put their hand up to assist. Many hands will make light work. Please reach out if you are interested in helping to deliver some programs.

When you look at our regional junior participation numbers you can see that we need to be better than our opposition at attracting and retaining talent if we are to remain competitive.

Add to this statistic the number of talented juniors in academy programs by region and we need t lift our efforts further

At a high level the pathways and current to future (2033) goals look like the below:

The aligned pathways for our region are:

With Pennant Hills, North Ryde, Westbrook, Hornsby-Berowra and the joint venture Northwest Lightning girls program being our feeders. Macquarie University are the regional divisional club.

All in this pathway must have aligned objectives and programs for the betterment of AFL in Northwestern Sydney.

Pennant Hills Demons need, and appeal for, anyone who would love to be a part of the club and deliver the best experience in the league and work with our junior clubs for the betterment of the region to reach out and get on board. There is lots to do and our future depends on how successful we all are on delivering.

We have two home and away rounds left. Our last home games being against Manly on the 17^th. We then enter finals with Premier Division Men, Division 1 Men, Division 3 Men, U19.5 Division 1 and Masters earning spots. Be sure to continue the Pennant Hills tradition of travelling to support our teams and showing the league how a true community backs its local club.

Hope to see you around the grounds.

Todd Williams
President

Match Reports:

Premier Division Men's Match Report with thanks to ARA Group
Premier Division Men Vs Sydney University
(PH 10.12.72 Defeated SU 8.7.55)

Round 16 saw us play Sydney in a pivotal game for top 3, we started slow but worked our way back throughout the day. We knew if we were around the mark in the last, we would run over the students, which we were able to do. It was a high standard game. I thought our midfield were brilliant lead by Clark, Blow & Boag. Our backline again kept a team to under 60 (only been scored over 60 once) Our forwards worked well, Hey, Pitt, Moraitis working hard both ways.

Big game vs Manly next week.

Best: Brandon Clark, Mitchell Blow, Harrison Pitt, Michael Carroll, Nicholas Hey, Theo Moraitis
Goal Kickers: H. Pitt 4, N. Hey 3, J. Boag 2, T. Moraitis 1.

Premier Division Women's Match Report with thanks to Ritera Electrical Wholesale
Premier Division Women's v Sydney University
(PH 2.3.15 Loss to SU 10.8.68)

Having another 5 players back this weekend was a great start for the team.

Our first half on Saturday was one of the best we have played to date. We stopped the easy the ball coming out of the of the stoppage and created movement forward our way. It was really refreshing to watch. I could tell the team was really pleased at half time.

As for all finals bound teams they had to step up in the next half of football. They slowly gained the upper hand in and around contests and pulled away from us. Whilst the scoreboard shows a loss to us be very proud that a team had to change their structure and played with greater intensity to overcome us. It was the first time this second half of the season where upon reflection you all should realise what the game can be about.

What a standout game for our young 16 y old Addison Hickey her ability to get the ball out of our back half was exceptional.  You really have a great future ahead in AFL.

Best:
Addison Hickey - Kaitlin Noble - Kaitlin Quinn - Tara Coopman - Elly Rudd - Sheridan Baker

Special mentions
Lucy Boyd - Amelia Bennett - Natalie Pajor

Terry Mudge (Head Coach)
Best:  Addison Hickey, Kaitlyn Noble, Kaitlin Quinlan, Tara Coopman, Elly Rudd, Sheridan Baker.
Goal Kickers: N. Pajor 1, E. Rudd 1.

Under 19.5 Division 1 Men's Match Report with thanks to Tyrepower Dural
Under 19.5’s Division 1 v Sydney University
(PH 13.8.86 Defeated SU 7.4.46)

“Confidence is High”

Confidence is a funny thing.  It can change in a heartbeat both ways.  To manage it well is a delicate balance.  We had some changes to the team this week with big ins and outs and had to adapt our plan.  With Josh Chappel a late withdrawal from sickness we went in with 21 players and a few others sick.  Nevertheless, we were confident in our depth to give this a red hot go.  We were ready and well prepared with a clear game plan and strategy.   We had to take the game on and back ourselves, and even if we made a mistake or lost a contest, don’t stop, the battle would continue.  This was a build up for one of the biggest games of the year – both teams vying for second spot with 2 rounds left before finals.

We exploded from the start.  Spida set the tone early with a ferocious tackle up forward demonstrating our speed and tackle pressure.  Our first goal was from the perfect out the back handball from the centre to Jack R with a beautiful forward entry kick deep and Murda’s first goal for the afternoon.  Great start.  Quickly followed by another goal from Ben and another 4 after that.  We delivered intense pressure at the contest and were composed and clean with our ball movement.  Uni had quick outside wingers they were trying to get the ball to, but we were onto them.  We kicked 6 goals straight to their 1.1 in the first term.  Just brilliant.  Jack R and Este were strong early showing composure and good decision making with the ball.

Q2 the message was Uni would come back at us hard so weather the storm and stay in control.  Keep the pressure up and give them no time.  We could not rest and think we had done enough.  To our credit we were brilliant again in the second, our defenders doing a great job deep with Cooper Smith composed under pressure and Harvey taking on the aerial contest with confidence and vigour.  Uni only managed 1 point in the second term to our 2.2.  It was an even battle.  A strong lead at the main break.

Our rotations were working well and we had balance across the ground.  Liam hardman was in the game, and we moved the ball cleanly to our forwards.  Zander was deep as a leading target and drew players to the contest with him that freed others.  And Murda was having influence with his strength and skills.

Q3 we reset to a starting structure with fresh legs on the ball.  Spida, Ryan B, Dyl and Cooper D were in the rotation and had a big job to do but together they were outstanding.  With only 3 on the bench, a couple of players taking some body hits in Harvey and Luka, and a few players not well we were physically challenged.  We didn’t have an extra defender in rotation and needed to shift some into unfamiliar positions down back.  Whilst Uni came at us and kicked 4 goals in the third to our 2.5 we held up OK.  Murder kicked a brilliant snap goal from an impossible angle in the deep pocket, Zander snagged a great goal and Muz and the rest of our forwards were applying relentless tackle pressure and working hard.  Up by 34 at the final change.  We had to show composure and just keep the ball up forward by concentrating on a territory game in the final term.  We had to dominate centre clearances.

Q4  Superior fitness, relentless tackle pressure from our forwards and across the ground would see them have no room to play their way.  Muz kicked a superb running goal after another counter transition from our defenders on the far side.  Cooper Daniel, Cooper Smith and Pat combined with a run and carry defensive transition down the near wing to a great contested mark by Pat to finish with a goal.  Then Zander took a great contested physical mark from a strong lead and composed himself to kick the goal.  Este tackle pressure in defence was outstanding, Cooper Smith was terrific with his ball skills, Cooper D did a fine job when put into defence, and Ben, Jimmy and Nathan were fantastic on the flanks.  We kicked 3.1 to 2.1 in the final term to clearly win 3 quarters from 4.

It was a performance for the ages.  Relentless physical pressure, clean hands, control and skills.  Such an exciting and proud moment for this group.  Just exceptional 4 quarter effort.  It demonstrated our growth as a team, our ability to flex and adjust when our teammates needed us to do a different role.  I was told after the game this was the first time in 7 years our U19 div 1 team had beaten Uni at home.  Special mentions to Ryan B, Cooper D and Ben who were all very sick and had to manage their energy to get through the game.  And Nathan for his outstanding first game back after a long injury.  They all did a fine job.

Best players – There were so many across all lines, so it was hard to pick our best 6.

Cooper Smith – best on for his outstanding composure under pressure from the back pocket.  Not bad for a 16-year-old.
Jack Roberts – really valuable for the team today with his strength in the contest, skills and drive forward making great decisions with the ball.
Cam Este – superb at CHB today taking marks, making tackles, taking control and directing traffic.  A massive influence.
Harvey – took 2 big hits during the day and went back time and time again to perform for us with his fitness and strength to clear the ball from defence.  Best game of the year from you Harvey well done.
Liam Hardman – welcome back off half back was strong in the contest and a great ball user for us.  Nothing got through sticks to deliver for his teammates.
Jimmy G – fit and skilful off the wing and dangerous going forward.  Jimmy has shown his talent and versatility as the year has gone on to consistently play quality football for the team.  Another 16-year-old.

I could keep going with so many super performances.  I'm excited for and proud of this group.  But the jobs not done yet.  Week to week, quarter to quarter, moment to moment – we have unfinished business to attend to.

Justin Kerley (Coach)
Best: Cooper Smith, Jack Roberts, Cameron Este, Harvey Barrett, Liam Hardman, James Georgalis
Goal Kickers: A. Murdoch 3, K. Murray 3, P. McMurrich 1, J. Georgalis 1, D. Bonham 1, B. Warring 1, J. Roberts 1, Z. Crowden 1.

Division 1 Men's Match Report with thanks to Pennant Hills Toyota
Division 1 Men V Sydney University
(PH 7.4.46 Loss to SU 11.6.72)

Rd 16 we met Sydney Uni on their home deck for a battle for third spot on the ladder and to secure the double chance in the final. Unfortunately, in a hard-fought battle we didn’t get the win and will have to win every game to secure our premiership.

First quarter the game started fast and quick with Syd Uni transitioning well and using their talls to kick long. We fought and kept close to them only trailing by 9 points at the quarters end.

The second quarter Syd Uni jumped us and we fell a bit flat footed only managing one goal but giving them 3. We went into halftime 21 points down and our heads low.

Third quarter wasn’t much improvement from our side only managing the 1 goal but giving up 3. Hard quarter but the lads didn’t drop and kept the fight.

Last quarter we fired up and took it to them, we ran the ball and moved a lot better kicking 3 goals to 2. Unfortunately, we were too late and couldn’t make up the margin going down by 26 points.

Our focus now turns to Parramatta next week for a test run before first week of finals.

Warren Atwell (Coach)
Best: Zac Elliott, Lukas de Vries, Jye Boby, Harry Rivers, Mitchell Trenaman, Dom Pyne
Goal Kickers:  M. Weathers 3, J. LeLay 2, M. Carey 1, Z. Elliott 1,

Division 2 Women’s Match Report
Women’s Division 2 v Southern Power
(PH 3.0.18 Loss to SP 3.8.26)

On a beautiful clear day (no rain) we matched off against Power at their home ground.  Unfortunately, Ciara hurt her hamstring in the first minutes, which reduced us to 16 players. On a hot day this would prove to be telling. Jazz started well and dominated the ruck contests all day. However, the mid field contests were very congested, and we struggled to clear the ball.  Zoe had a task to shut down Power’s best player which she did all day. In the first quarter Power were better than us in clearing out of the Midfield and this put a lot of pressure on our Backs. Steph Martin was outstanding in defence, taking lots of intercepts as well as deep kick outs to our advantage. Power had the better quarter, and we went into quarter time 8 point down.

Our second quarter saw an increase in our intensity and our tackling went to another level. Georgia, Kat, Mac and Sarah started to get the ball forward. Emma D was everywhere providing lots of run out of the backline and running forward to create options on the wing. Great evasive work from Sally saw her break 2 tackles, take a bounce, settle and kick straight for a wonderful running goal. This was followed by a controversial freekick to Brownie after an aggressive shepherd off the ball. Brownie then lined up for Goal.  Her Kick was straight and just got over the line before Power touched it.  Dani C put on a super defensive effort and prevented a certain goal to Power. This put us 3 points down at Halftime.

The third quarter continue like the 2nd.  Our Backline was really strong, led by Sophie and Steph and held Power to 2 points for the quarter. The Midfield continued their strong tackling and intensity to get the ball forward.  Superstar Sally was again able to weave her magic by pushing off 3 Power defenders, taking a bounce and then kicking a great goal from an angle. This put in front by a point at 3 quarter time.

The last quarter saw the lack of bench really affect us as we were out on our feet.  Outstanding effort from all to compete so well, but with no rest Power were able to get repeat entries. Despite a great last quarter from Sophie, Power were able to put on 9 points and take the chocolates for the day.

Very proud of the team today.

Mark Carroll (Coach)
Best: Sally Faehrmann, Sophie Pendlebury, Stephanie Martin, Emma Dunn, Jasmine Blow, Zoe Samios
Goal Kickers: S. Faehrmann 2, A. Brown 1.

Division 3 Men's Match Report with thanks to Eylex Pty Ltd
Men's Division 3 vs Sydney University
(PH 15.16.106 Defeated SU 4.3.27)

In Round 16 we were fortunate enough to have our away fixture from Sydney Universities St Pauls Rugby / AFL oval moved to the top oval at Greenway with a 2pm start.

The change in ovals to our deck made for an open and free flowing game. We were able to dominate proceedings for 80% of the game with Boyd and Brawn continuing with their bromance up forward and kicking 10 between them. Whilst we were able to run out convincing winners, the lapses in concentration and discipline at stages is certainly an area for improvement as we head towards finals. Final score 15.16.106 to 4.3.27.

Better players were Marcus Rickerby down back who continued his strong consistent form since starting dry July, Joel Cousens with his clean and efficient ball use, Brandon Buyink on ball with his ferocity and ability to bring his outside players into play, Regain Pinker and Jarryd French in and around the midfield with both winning plenty of the footy whilst the ever reliable Jack Nicholls was a standout with his clean use and silky skills on show for all to see.

Good result with 22 contributors.

Sebastian Parker (Coach)
Best: Jack Nicholls, Jarrod French, Regan Pinker, Brandon Buyink, Joel Cousens, Marcus Rickerby
Goal Kickers:  A. Brawn 6, L. Boyd 4, S. Zikman 2, J. Cousens 2, K. Watton 1.

Under 19.5’s Division 2 Match Report
Under 19.5's Division vs North Shore Bombers
(PH 3.4.22 Loss to NS 7.10.52)

Tricky game for the lads this weekend against a high-flying North Shore outfit. Boys played great, as they have all year. Better team for 3 of the 4 quarters but a lack of depth hurt us. Few injuries in the back half of the game meant we were down to 13 – and against a full bench it’s always going to be tough.

Boys can hold their heads high, there was some great passages of play and really made North Shore work for the win which is all I can ask I the circumstances. Big shout out to Daniel making his debut this week! Looked great before an injury. Another big thanks to all the 17’s who backed up (and Muz) we couldn’t play without you all.

Goal Kickers

• Harrison Meadows – 2
• Cohen Denne – 1

Best:

1. Samuel Condon: Brother of the Hammer – I think Sammy ‘the Anvil’ Condon has more than earned his own nickname. Absolute beast down back, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near the ball if Sammy has a head of steam.
2. Cohen Denne: Oozes class every time I watch him play. Last game for us unfortunately as he has Finals to win up in the Hunter. Goodluck mate, can’t wait to have you back next year.
3. Patrick McMurrich: Mr Reliable. Consistently in the top 6, does everything you ask of him and to a high standard – Pat’s been a class above all year.
4. Jake Condon: Another mainstay of the best 6. Jake has all the talent in the world. Consistently transitions the ball out of the back and seems to never feel the pressure.
5. Harrison Meadows: 2 goals in a losing side. If you can get the ball in Harry’s hands more than likely he’ll find the goal – great game by him.
6. William Muntz: best game of the year from my man Will. May not answer my phone calls, but always picks up when his team needs him. Great overhead marking and two way running all day – real team performance by Will.

Harry McDiarmid (Coach)
Best: Samuel Condon, Cohen Denne, Patrick McMurrich, Jake Condon, Harrison Meadows, William Muntz
Goal Kickers:  H. Meadows 2, C. Denne 1.

Division 5 Men's Match Report with thanks to Conveyancing at Pittwater
Men’s Division 5 v UNSW - ES
(PH 2.7.19 Loss to UNSW-ES 13.13.91)

Nigel Blow (Coach)
Best: Callum Toohey, Geir O'Rourke, Michael Morris, Geordie Dooley, Trent Summers-Levin, William Engelman
Goal Kickers: O. Raue 2.

What’s on This week

Get ready for the PHAFC 2024 Presentation Night!

We hope you have Friday 8th November marked off on you calendar for PHAFC nights of nights!

To be held at The Epping Club, be sure to start organising your table of twelve. More details to follow soon.

We look forward to celebrating with you all.