ROUND 18 - The final home and away round has been played
From the President
Well, the final home and away round has been played. It seems we work up to the bounce of the ball for round 1 which can’t come quick enough, and then the final round is upon us so quickly.
Again, I want to thank the committee for their hard work all season so that what we have can continue and teams can get on the field each week. To our coaches, well done on the work you have put into your players, the development over the season and the culture that you have fostered. To our team managers thank you for the support you give to your coaches, teams and the club. You not only do all the official work required to administer the teams but also the club requirements of capturing votes for awards, providing lollies for half time, ice bags for physio support and washing jumpers, all at your cost. I hope that you have loved what you do and been shown appreciation from your teams. As a club we are very grateful.
I also wish to thank Kyle Kellett and her team for the wonderful canteen service we have all enjoyed at home games again this season. Your work during the week ensures we have a fantastic array of options for those at games and the income supports our football programs. Also thank you to Phil and Carol Hare, Sue Blow and Jo Bolster for their work on club Thursdays putting on great meals for the club whilst they enjoy some fun, bonding and team selections take place. These help to make this club a great place to be.
We have the following teams in the premiership race:
- Men’s Premier Division – finishing 3rd on the ladder
- Under 19.5 Division 1 – finishing 4th on the ladder
- Men’s Division 1 finishing 4th on the ladder
- Men’s Division 3 – finishing 1st on the ladder
- Masters – finishing 3rd on the ladder.
Well done to these groups. Please get around to support them. Crowd support is huge for these big games. The energy is up and I know all are keen to go all the way. CLUB, TEAM, TEAMMATES, SELF.
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 UNSW-ES Bulldogs
(PH 7.10.52 Defeated UNSW-ES 5.7.37)
Our last regular season game of the year saw us play last year’s premiers, UNSW Bulldogs at the historic Henson oval.
With top 3 and a double chance already locked in, we had to focus on continuing our form into finals. We knew we were in for a challenge with VFL ending last week, UNSW would welcome back a handful of very good Swans VFL players in which would be UNSW strongest fielded team of the year. We rested some fire power (Theo Moraitis & Harrison Pitt) which gave some young boys a go in key spots. The game would start fast and frantic in warm winter conditions, the temperate topped a whopping 28.
The first quarter, right down to the last was a tight tussle with both teams defending well with a real arm wrestle. The game wouldn’t be won until the last 5 mins in which we showed some improvement from last week where we gave away a 3-goal lead to Manly to draw that game, we were able to break away in the 3rd qtr and hold our lead winning by 14 points.
Nick Hey capped off a remarkable regular first season back at the club, kicking 3 goals in a low scoring affair and consistency working up and down the ground. Mitchell Blow showed why he will be around the mark for potentially his 3rd straight best & fairest and mantle as the league’s best ruckman, again giving our boys first use and dominating around the ground. Josh Boag was his usual self around the stoppages with his game breaking burst, Lachlan Willey, Mikey Carroll and Jye Boby were all super down back, Boby has really come in the last few weeks. Tom Edmonds was very good in close with at least 12 tackles and as many hard ball gets.
We now gear up for a big final series, hope to see everyone there to support us.
Ben Roberts (Coach)
Best: Nicholas Hey, Mitchell Blow, Joshua Boag, Thomas Edmonds, Ethan Hyams, Jye Boby
Goal Kickers: N. Hey 3, C. Lee 1, R. Hawes 1.
Premier Division Women's Match Report with thanks to Ritera Electrical Wholesale
Premier Division Women's v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
(PH 3.3.21 Loss to UNSW-ES 5.2.32)
We had our young gun brigade back in, with Addison-16-, Rebecca-16, Remy-16 and Cassidy-17 all playing. Thank you girls for sticking with the team this year it really is greatly appreciated. Please note that TC-15, Sheridan-17, Charlotte-18 and Elle-17 years of age are also part of that young pack.
We started the first qtr. like finals bound team, our defense was strong early in the qtr. and we held the opposition scoreless and had 2 shots on goal ourselves. One of our best football qtrs. to date. Well done team. The second qtr. was the same out scoring the opposition and we went into the ½ time break with a lead. Outstanding result.
The 3rd qtr. The opposition began really well kicking the first goal for the term, it looked like they were kicking into top gear and would run away with the game. But we struck back with a goal of our own, to take the lead again, they received a dubious free (yet again) to regain the lead and they had there backs up kicking another just before the siren. (Football can be an odd game at times guys as over the journey you hope for different outcomes but the football gods don't seem to be on your side. The first 2 qtrs. of football went 3 min over time - 1min in the 1st and 2mins in 2nd) In the last qtr. we were hoping for extra time but it didn't come. We were really gallant for the last 18mins and had the ball in our forward 50 more time than the opposition. But we didn't hit the scoreboard and they kicked the last goal of the game to run out 11point winners.
For the first time this season l can truthfully say we were the better team on the day. (those bloody football gods...hahah)
Best:
Jesse Smith - your best 4qtr. effort for the year well done
Haley Lowe -ever reliable again thank you
Sheridan Baker - l loved sending out the message to you to not worry about your opponent and play as an extra on baller. That's how far you have come. Well done mate
Lucy Boyd - haven't we found a competitor here you were super Lucy - congratulations, Elly Rudd - I purposely played you from a half back so you could appreciate a different game - didn't you stand up Thank you
Brighid Tielman - threw you fwd to assist the young players and you didn't let the team done. Thank you
Special mentions:
Addison Hickey - great skills
Tara Coopman - what a brave player at 15 you really are going to be special
Amy Court - wish we had you all year
Emma Waters - your 1st, 2nd and 3rd efforts was fantastic
Amelia Bennett - your never say die attitude is wonderful
Terry Mudge (Head Coach)
Best: Jesse Smith, Hayley Lowe, Sheridan Baker, Lucy Boyd, Elly Rudd, Brighid Tielman
Goal Kickers: N. Pajor 2, B. Tielman 1.
Under 19.5 Division 1 Men's Match Report with thanks to Tyrepower Dural
Under 19.5’s Division 1 v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
(PH 6.7.43 Loss to UNSW-ES 11.14.80)
“We must bounce back”
Opportunity to play on the beautiful surface that is Henson Park. Big game today which had an impact on the final ladder positions for finals. We lost 3rd spot and dropped to 4th in what has been a very tight and competitive home and away series for the top 5 teams. We have beaten and lost to most of them by low margins.
Today Uni NSW were the better team and much cleaner with their ball use than us.
Q1 and Q2 not much between the two sides. In the first we were under pressure and if not for their poor kicking for goal we would have been behind the 8 ball. 2.6.18 to 1.2.8. 8 scoring shots to 3. Their handball error count was 2 compared to our 9. A big factor. Tackle pressure by both teams was intense. We lost Zander to a dislocated shoulder in the first qtr.
Q2 it was an even battle early with us coming back for 2 great team goals in the final 5 minutes and down by only 4 points at the main break. 4.7.31 to 4.3.27. Our structure was not adjusting to their play – disciplined set up around the stoppages for outside receivers to run. We didn’t pick them up. They got clear. But we were in the hunt.
Q3 Josh Chapple kicked a goal early to put us in front. But from there we had one of our worst quarters for the year. We were impacted by poor kicking from kickouts and poor disposal around the ground by hand and foot creating many turnovers. We kicked predictably from a standing start and down the line rather than run and carry. When they jumped us
they ran in streams and we didn’t hold them up. The first 12 minutes of the third quarter was all in their half. Immense pressure on our defenders. And the scoreboard reflected this. 8.13.61 to 5.4.34. They scored 4.6 to our 1.1.
Q4 A big task ahead for our lads to come back. Ben scored a goal early from momentum forward from Pat. We lost Mitch to a broken Arm. Spida took a hit to his hand and continued on. Lauff slightly twisted his ankle and continued on. We allowed them too much space to run freely and their skills by hand and foot were a class above us on the day. We wanted to play forward of the ball and not pick up in transition.
The result is a fair reflection.
Total scoring shots – UNI NSW 25. Pennant Hills 13.
Total Handballs – UNI NSW - 44 effective and 4 missed – total 48 handballs with 92% efficiency.
Pennant Hills – 44 effective and 24 missed – total 68 handballs and 65% efficiency.
Kicking stats were a similar reflection.
Clearly not our best day at the office and a lot to reflect on and bounce back from. We are capable. We are talented. We need more discipline and resilience to respond moment to moment and adjust when required. We need more two way running. We will work hard this week as we prepare for a strong finals campaign. We know what we need to do.
The top 5 in this field are all good teams. We cant win games with 6 goals on the score board and less than 30% of the time spent in our forward half. This requires much work behind the ball by more players than just our back 6. Full respect for the quality of this competition. To be the best you have to beat the best. No complacency. Full commitment required.
Best players:
Liam Everett – never stopped. Kicked a couple of goals. Got injured. Kept working hard and putting himself on the line for his team. Relentless. A great game from you Spida.
Josh Chapple – our most impactful forward today. Took marks under pressure and kicked goals. Gave us some spark. Welcome back.
Luka – down back on a talented forward. Kept at him all day and nullified his impact particularly in the second half.
Nathan – worked hard on the wing and at ground level deep in defence.
Roman – won most of the taps all day in the ruck and was rarely beaten.
Luna – impact at the contest and for tackle pressure around the ball.
Jack R – plenty of marks and possessions today around the centre square.
Justin Kerley (Coach)
Best: Liam Everett, Joshua Chapple, Luka Jordaan, Nathan Cranwell, Lunna Fraser, Jack Roberts
Goal Kickers: L. Everett 1, B. Waring 1, M. Zywietz1, J. Roberts 1, R. Bonham 1, J. Chapple 1.
Division 1 Men's Match Report with thanks to Pennant Hills Toyota
Division 1 Men V UNSW-ES Bulldogs
(PH 9.12.66 Defeated UNSW-ES 5.7.37)
Final round of the home and away season we travelled to Henson Park to take on UNSW on a hot Saturday morning. Moving into the game we were struggling for numbers and had to rely on two U19s players to back up from their game before (massive thanks to Muz and Spida) and a Div3 player to double up from the morning game (massive thanks to Tom Pellizon).
We addressed a lot of our issues from earlier weeks during Thursday night training and went into this game with clear heads and the intent to just have fun and enjoy ourselves playing the game. It seemed to work as we started the game with great energy and controlled the ball mostly in our half even though the score didn’t reflect that. We went into the break only 1 point up.
Our second quarter was much the same again, but our inaccuracy was an issue. We used the ball well shutting down their long kick and using the corridor to move the ball. We kicked 3.3 for the quartr and went into the halftime break with 7 points in total which wasn’t ideal.
Halftime we spoke on our enjoyment, and everyone getting into the game and went back out with the intensity to fire from the start. Although we were sluggish at the beginning of the quarter it didn’t take long for us to find our grove and we pilled it on kicking 4.3 for the quarter and going into the break 28 points up.
Final quarter the message was still fun but also to be careful as we had finals coming up so no injuries. We kept the energy up kicking 2.2 for the quarter and coming out victors by 29 points.
Big shout out to Pottsy on his first game back from injury. He led from the front and his experience really showed. Jimmy and Darcy being dangerous up forward kicking 5 goals between them were unstoppable. Trenamen and Everett smashing it on ball and leading the work effort from the front. The whole back line who stood strong and intercepted, smashed packs and made UNSW work for everything.
Great Win
Warren Atwell (Coach)
Best: Joshua Everett, Mitchell Trenaman, Darcy Carnahan, James Carroll, Myles Collins, Kieron Coaldrake.
Goal Kickers: J. Carroll 3, D. Carnahan 2, T. Cousens 1, J. Durkin 1, M. Trenaman 1, M. Weathers 1.
Division 2 Women’s Match Report
Women’s Division 2 v Penrith Rams
(PH 0.3.3 Loss to PR 8.16.64)
After all the rain and wash outs this season, Spring kicked in with a warm Saturday for our last game of the year. We were down to 15 players, as Mak broke her wrist at training during the week. So sad for Mak as she has had a wonderful first season with the club. Penrith decided not to even up the playing numbers, so we played against 16 for the whole match.
Penrith showed why they are in the finals with a strong start to the game. Our backs were under pressure from the start and good work from Ali C, Steph and Bec kept the score from being a blow-out.
Bridgette went into the middle after qtr time and together with Sarah and Kat had an immediate impact. Brownie rucked the whole game, was a tower of strength, and got better and better as the game went on. I think she will sleep for a week after that effort. Our tackling pressure went up and Penrith knew they were in for a game. This pressure resulted in a sustained period of the ball in our forward line, with good work from Sarah, Kelly and Catrin resulting in a rushed point. Ciara who was nursing a hamstring injury then had a set shot from an angle that just missed.
The second half we continued with our pressure at the contest. Kelly C was also having an impact in the middle. We were certainly tackling hard and starting to link up more. This negated Penrith go forward. The whole backline of Bec, Steph, Express, Christine, Louise, and Maddy MD was super. In particular, Ali C had some wonderful defensive efforts and marks, and Sophie continued her fine season with some strong intercept marks and deep clearances from the backline.
I was absolutely amazed at our ability to keep running and tackling on a very hot day with no bench and an extra player against us.
Thank you to all the players for their great support and efforts this year.
Mark Carroll (Coach)
Best: Sophie Pendlebury, Allison Brown, Alison Cauwood, Bridgette Chan, Kellie Cauwood, Katherine O'Hara
Goal Kickers:
Division 3 Men's Match Report with thanks to Eylex Pty Ltd
Men's Division 3 vs UNSW-ES Bulldogs
(PH 5.5.35 Loss to UNSW-ES 7.14.56)
The final round of the season saw an 8am start at Henson Park on what was a perfect day for football.
Whilst ladder positions were locked in, it was an opportunity to get a decent hit out in against a top 3 side as we head into finals. The opposition kicked the first goal, and we were able to maintain a lead throughout and even though we got within a kick in the last quarter, the better team won. We were outworked by a more determined team that had more numbers at each and every contest. Final score 5.6.36 to 7.14.56.
Notwithstanding this performance, all should be congratulated on a successful home and away season where we finished top and have earned ourselves a week off and a double chance.
Better players were Michael Fiedler and Nick Glancy down back, Jed Corbett on ball, Ross Holdman in the ruck, with Harry Gregor and Regan Pinker both playing across the middle the standouts with their clean ball use and silky skills.
Sebastian Parker (Coach)
Best: Regan Pinker, Harrison Gregor, Ross Holdman, Jed Corbett, Nicholas Glancy, Michael Fiedler
Goal Kickers: T. Pellizon 2, A. Nixon 2, S. Zikman 1.
Under 19.5’s Division 2 Match Report
Under 19.5's Division vs Warringah Wolves
(PH 5.7.37 Defeated MW 5.6.36)
Fantastic game to finish off the year with out first win against a team not called UTS. Early start again 8.30am at Weldon Oval. No bench, up against a finals-bound team with a full squad. Was always going to be a tough game. We were happy to welcome Captain Noah Dunn back as well as a large amount of U17’s who starred last week too.
The boys were up for it from the start, holding Manly to just a goal at half time with a nice 21-8 lead. The weather turned sad but it helped us, the wet causing dirty footy which we capitalized on. The corridor was owned by us all day, forcing Manly wide and around, which they often lacked the patience for. It was an impressively mature performance for a very young team.
Manly came out hot in the second half as expected with the extra players. They couldn’t run us down however, holding out for a one point victory. They almost gave me a heart attack with the ball pinging around our defensive 50 for the last two minutes but credit to the boys they held on and secured a much deserve win.
I just wanted to say to all the boys who played with us this year how much I have enjoyed coaching this side in my first full season as head coach. I truly believe this is one of the most talented squads in the competition and the only thing holding us back from finals is the number of bodies we were able to put on the park consistently. I truly hope all the boys that are eligible come back next year and think we will be putting another highly competitive side on the park. To those boys that are aging out, I’ll enjoy playing alongside you next year instead.
Goal Scorers:
Eamon McCauley – 2
Noah Dinsmore – 1
Ryan Mardling – 1
Harrison Meadows – 1
Best:
Noah Dunn: Great to have him back. We’ve been limited by school football to how much we’ve been able to have Noah on the park this year. We’re a different team with him. Runs all day, tough as they come and consistently a class above. Was the clear BOG for me today. Fantastic game mate.
Billy Baker: Another brilliant display from young Billy. Looks class running out off the D50. Strong hands, don’t think he dropped many if any. Huge intercept marks, kept coming up big in huge moments for us time after time. Brilliant.
Ryan Mardling: Played all over but was massive at CHB. Alongside Billy took intercept marks all day. Was great in give and go situations, combining with Henry multiple times and looked silky doing it. One of the most dangerous players on the park – big future.
Lucas Hopkins: Was brilliant in an important role shutting down a dangerous Manly midfield. Had to deal with their number one target all day and thoroughly outplayed him.
Eamon McCauley: Dangerous as always. It’s great having Eamon play with us this year. Huge threat in front of goals and highly skillful at his size. Really held down the fort when he transition into the ruck to spell Toby too. Great team game from him this week, doing his role to perfection.
Henry Andrews: Really silky in that back six again. Great kick, consistently finds his target. Doesn’t feel pressure Henry is at his best when pressured. Great game and looks more than comfortable at this level.
Harry McDiarmid (Coach)
Best: Noah Dunn, William Baker, Ryan Mardling, Lucas Hopkins, Eamon Macauley, Henry Andrews
Goal Kickers: E. Macauley 2, H. Meadows 1, N. Dinsmore 1, R. Mardling 1.
Division 5 Men's Match Report with thanks to Conveyancing at Pittwater
Men’s Division 5 v Hawkesbury Jets
(PH 5.4.34 Defeated HJ 2.8.20)
Men’s Division 5 v Hawkesbury Jets – (PH 5.4.34 Defeated HJ 2.8.20)
You know things are different when Dave Redden, the voice of Sydney AFL rocks up to your ground with a bunch of scaffolding under one arm, a camera under the other and pre-match notes clenched between his teeth mumbling something like “well I’m ready Blowy, let’s get this show on the road”.
And so it was, little old Pennant Hills D5 Men were on the small screen in front of a huge crowd of at least 84, including 12 turf farmers from around this wonderful part of western Sydney. Neither team were finals bound, but it was the Back To Benson day for our opponents, and we felt privileged to be part of the occasion. Hawkesbury were terrific hosts. Could we wrap up the year with a solid performance and victory, or would we drift into the sunset left to rue what might have been?
Against a solid 73km/hour wind, we lost the toss and were literally up against it. The coach thought now was not the time for all out attack and we set-up accordingly. However, Luke Bray must have been absent from that team meeting and went on to kick the first major of the game. Coach was happy! Hawkesbury Jets turned on the afterburners and really went for us, but their kicking was inaccurate and their forwards were thwarted by resolute defence from the masters in Miles, Bloom and Rashleigh.
With this strengthening gale-force breeze belting down the green pastures now at least 109km/h, Q2 was a battleground of the midfield. Boxy Breen, the Richards boys, Brayden Rohr and Trent Summers-Levin went toe-to-toe with the bigger and stronger men from the plains. Rice and Macauley started to dominate the ruck, with the latter moving forward for a spell to bring some extra height. Whilst it only took 39 seconds for Bray to add a second goal, the Jets looked like they might bring scores level for a brief moment, and were it not for a sneaky speccy from Oskar Raue (who actually arrived with Ducky Morris in a 1977 Maroon convertible Cadillac), we could have gone behind. The Raue goal was added to by Morris through some clever interplay between Captain Arciuli and Tim Acheson with the snap completed by Ducky.
We were kept scoreless in Q3 with some resilient defence from the Jets, however, our defence held firm and we only conceded 1 goal and 2 behinds against the breeze which was now at least 158km/h (according to local sources). Up 27-14 going into the final term, we needed to keep the pressure on and not let the opportunity slip. Flynn Hume played in so many positions today, and excelled in whatever task he was assigned. Nathan Cowell has been a real improver this year and held firm all game, and Adam Wagner, despite cramping, inspired this group to an even greater altitude. Sam Macauley benefited by scoring a goal to seal the game and ensure our mid-table position was secure.
Luke Garment, the victim of a very public and unceremonious buzz-cut at Mondays training, accelerated out of defence and gave Mr Redden something to get excited about when Luke took a bounce, completely lost control, tried to re-gather and ended up skittling a few Jets players in the process. The reaction from the entire squad summed our season up - full of laughter, energy and the tiniest bit of sarcasm, but we celebrated together as we have done all year.
It’s been a privilege to work with this group. We look forward to a big night at the Big O’s and then start pre-season to do it all again in 2025.
I will see you in the next one.
Nigel Blow (Coach)
Best: Adam Wagner, Luke Richards, Tadhg Richards, Nathan Breen, Samuel Macauley, Matthew Arciuli.
Goal Kickers: L. Bray 2, S. Macauley 1, O. Raue 1, M. Morris 1.
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.
