From the President
After a stalled start (round 1 washed out and moved to wet weather round) season 2024 finally got underway on Saturday. I want to thank the hard-working committee that conduct the power of work that goes on in the off season to get our teams ready and on the field. This also could not happen without our awesome sponsors, who without we could not equip our teams and provide the programs we do. This year we are very grateful to have the following sponsors on board:
- ARA Group
- Pennant Hills Toyota
- Dural Tyrepower
- Conveyancing at Pittwater
- Hornsby RSL
- Image Traders
- Plinth 2 Performance
- Ritera Electrical Wholesale
- Eylex PTY LTD
- Stonebreaker Lawyers
- Bankstown City Locksmiths
- National Refrigerated Logistics
- Carlingford Active Health
- Athlete Tracker
Be sure to support our sponsors when you can and let them know you are a Pennant Hills demon for any discounts.
Then there are our coaches who have been hard at work with their teams since November 2023. Thank you for taking on this critical role that is major determinant of not only our on-field but also off-field success at the club. I look forward to seeing the committee, coaches, leadership and members continue to work together building on our enviable culture at the demons.
A highlight of the round was marking the 400 game milestone of Anthony Brawn. This is an outstanding achievement. Not only is the longevity outstanding but all 400 games were played at Pennant Hills seniors. This goes to the love of the club held by ”Brawny” and the love of the club for him. Anthony is a great club man who continues to support and mentor our up-and-coming talent. Congratulations Anthony. We are very pleased you could celebrate with 3 goals in the match and a win. The photo shows Brawny being chaired off the ground after the win and presented with his 400 game medallion by our Vice President Ian Parker.
Thank you to all those present and past members who turned up to Gore Hill oval to watch this milestone. A special thank you to Judy Jack for making the banner for the run through which greatly added to the occasion, for John Acheson in gathering all the data and putting together Anthony’s CV and for Ian Parker’s work organising, game day address and coordinating the medallion. Read all about Anthony's extraordinary career here.
We would love to see you at the games. If you can offer any amount of time to help out with the operations of the club we would love to hear from you.
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 North Shore Bombers (7.11.53 Loss to NS 18.9.117)
With R1 rained off, our first game would be against last year’s minor premiers North Shore Bombers on their home deck, Gore hill which hasn’t been favourable to us. We would be keen to start the season well and Honor club legend, Anthony Brawn playing his 400th game. We would also be celebrating Maine Vidler’s 100th senior game as well as a number prems debuts; Harrison Pitt, Tom Larby, Lachlan Willey, Mitchell Zywietz, Jye Boby & Ethan Hymas.
We would start the contest well, but North Shore’s run was impressive, and they would power their way to a 4 goal lead at the first break, unfortunately we weren’t able to catch them. As the game went on, we lost key players to injury, 100 gamer Maine Vidler would break his ankle, last year’s rising star Cameron Mitchell a shoulder & debutant Mitch Zywietz was having a day out before a dislocated shoulder, best wishes to all for a speedy recover.
Our backs would battle hard all day but our mids were thoroughly beat, limiting our fire power up forward. We would go down by 55 points; we have some work to do before we host them for past players day.
Ben Roberts (Head Coach)
Best: M. Zyweitz. M. Carroll. L. Willey. B. Clark. T. Edmonds. C. Lee
Goal Kickers: T. Moraitis, L. Willey, N. Hey, O. Nockles, H. Pitt, B. Clark. W. Mudge
Under 19.5 Division 1 Match Report with thanks to Tyrepower Dural
Under 19’s Division 1 v North Shore Bombers (PH 5.10.40 Loss to NS 10.6.66)
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”
I have used this quote a lot over the years, and it always rings true, and once again it proved relevant for our first game of the season – hopefully this message will sink in well with the team.
North Shore came out firing from the first bounce and kicked their first goal within a minute with a deep forward mark. We have a lot of respect for them and they were clean with their ball use and positioned themselves well. This was always going to be a great contest.
Our boys had prepared well and were keen to play and perform. We did a lot of things right. Our endeavour in the contest was excellent and our tackling pressure solid. The first 10 minutes were frantic as expected.
Nathan gave us some drive in the first quarter and Oscar gave us our first goal from a perfect front and square position deep forward.
It was clear North shore held their shape well and liked to sling shot out the back then wide to catch the opposition off guard. Their forward structure was designed with high forwards and deep forwards so an open space in the middle to lead into. This we need to be alert to and close up the corridors.
North Shore were very accurate in front of goal and we were the opposite. They had our measure in the first half but we contained them and beat them in the second half.
Henry laid a great tackle in the third quarter and our intensity at the contest and ability to shut down their ball movement in transition stepped up. We made some positional adjustments to counteract their structure which was working well.
We were up and about in the third and fourth quarters but two things clearly let us down. Our goal kicking compared to theirs was poor and our ball movement at times was clunky.
We had 15 scoring shots to their 16 and plenty of forward 50 entries in comparison. The opportunities were there but we didn’t convert goals as well. Our forward craft needs some fine tuning.
Given these factors I was impressed with our first hit out as there’s a lot we did well and a lot of upside to work on.
A few lessons from today’s game:
- Must be first to the ball. At times we were slower than them to react and they were quicker to respond in transition.
- Handballs out of contests at times missed targets in traffic. We must get better at this.
- Holding our shape. Too many players going in for the ball and being caught in congestion rather than reading the play and covering the outside runs by them.
- Give the ball by hand or by foot to the first player in a better position. Don’t hesitate.
- Think how we can best do the role we are given for the team, rather than thinking about our own individual stats. When we do this we will gel as a team because all the little things will be done right – blocking, cover defence, two way running, defensive corridors covered, sheppards, smothers, discipline in our forward structures, front and square, man up at stoppages etc.
- Nothing is going to come easy. Every team will be strong and deserves respect. We must be smart with our energy management and ball use.
- More protection required for our team mates. Give the ball then sheppard every time. Do the little extra things.
Best players –
Great efforts over the course of the day from a number of players including –
- Jim as a deep marking forward took some great grabs.
- Murder in cover defence was in control and strong with his marking, tackling and kicking.
- Jack off half back – Mr consistent – in control and very solid.
- Henry off the wing, mids and as a defensive forward worked hard and had impact.
- Dylan Bonhams work rate around the ground was excellent.
- Nathan off the wing with his two way running, pressure at the contest and defensive tackling.
- Riley’s second half work in our forwards had impact and gave us some momentum.
Good lessons to take away from this game and more to learn from as we develop our team play, game structures and team culture this season. Bring on round 3 at home.
Justin Kerley (Coach)
Best: J. Kinnane, R. Bonham, N. Cranwell, A. Murdoch, H. Williams, J. Houston
Goal Kickers: J. Houston 2, O. Irwin, R. Hawes, R. Bonham
Division 1 Men's Match Report with thanks to Pennant Hills Toyota
Division 1 Men v North Shore Bombers (PH 7.7.49 Defeated NS 5.9.39)
The Div 1 men ventured to Gore Hill to take on North Shore in an evening game. The reigning premiers had the advantage being home deck. We went had a game plan from the start and a structure to help nullify their impact on the ball and movement through the ground.
The first Quarter we hit the ball and the opposition hard, not giving them a breath whenever they were around the ball and cutting off their attack. The midfield was led by the big bulls in Lukas and Witt smashing the Bombers with their tackles.
Second quarter we kept the pressure on kicking a goal and keeping the home team to just two points. The backline where solid all day with Wombat and Elliot running off creating and Riv and Swanny intercepting and cutting off their entries.
In the third quarter Nth Shore came back kicking a couple goals and putting us under some pressure but the backline withstood. A much-needed 60m goal from Jono helped keep the scores close.
We went into the last quarter down but the whole team stood up to fight back and with three goals to one we were able to extend our lead to ten points and take the win.
It was a hard-fought game but the team stood well and everyone played their role. Captains led from the front and the assistance on the boundary was awesome. Big thanks to Ray, Kinga, Ollie, Michael and Luke Bray
Warren Atwell (Coach)
Best: H. Toczydlowski, J. Carroll, H. Rivers, O. Williams, L. DeVries, P. Witt
Goal Kickers: J. Carroll 2, J. Moran 2, P. Witt 2, H. Toczydlowski
Women’s Division 2 V Randwick City Saints (PH 1.2.8 Loss to RCS 3.3.21)
On a beautiful morning at Pioneer Park, the Div 2 Women kicked off their season with 11 debutants. We started well with everyone going in hard to win the ball. However, Randwick used the ball well when they had it and had many players running forward off good handballs. Our defence was strong but lots of inside 50's resulted in 3 goals for Randwick.
The second qtr was a different story as we placed Emma D behind the ball to shut down any running. Lucy was winning lots of hard balls and driving us forward with strong kicks She was well supported by Zoe, Joey, Sarah and Mac in the Midfield.
Newbies Charllotte and Louise were getting better and better on the wings and Kat was super despite being sick with the flu. Our backs where all having very good games, with Ali C, Steph, Soph, Clara and Bec A all taking strong marks and together repelling any Randwick forward thrusts.
It was tough for our Forwards because we played an extra in the backs, but Kellie, Jazz and Catrin were competing hard. Sammy had some good possessions and showed she has some jets. Anabelle and Bridgette continued to lead forward and Bridgette was rewarded with a nice long goal in the last qtr.
We have a lot to learn, particularly on usng our teammates in space but well-done girls on our first hit out.
Mark Carroll (Head of Women's Program)
Best: L. Boyd, Z. Samios, M. Nassar, S. Pendlebury, R. Apap, E. Dunn
Goal Kickers: B. Chan
Division 3 Men's Match Report with thanks to Eylex Pty Ltd
Men’s Division 3 v North Shore Bombers (PH 7.13.55 Defeated NS 3.8.26)
Round 2 saw Division 3 at the 6pm time slot under lights at Gore Hill against the reigning Platinum Reserves premiers North Shore. It was our first match for season 2024 in the newly revamped divisional structure. Back to the Future some may say.
A big crowd was on hand to celebrate Brawny’ s 400th game for the club, an outstanding achievement by a great clubman. After a solid warm up, the excitement of running onto the ground and through the banner was a little too much for Mackenzie Carrall who took a tumble on the way out. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Pressure levels were high early from both teams leading to a goalless first quarter. The play opened up in the 2nd quarter with Matt Durkin kicking our 1st major of the year after a clever centring pass from Fraser Nixon. We were able to control play in the 2nd and 3rd quarters with inaccurate kicking in front of goals by both teams. Besides the mid part of the last quarter when we conceded 2 quick goals, we were able to control proceedings and ended up winning 7.13 to 3.8.
Better players were the ever-reliable Nick Glancy down back who continued on from his strong 2023 form, Brandon Buyink on ball with his undisputed toughness, the Durkin brothers who both continue to claim to be the better brother, Tino Manfre returning after a few years away from the game who provided strong pressure in the forward line and was rewarded with 2 goals and Fraser Nixon up forward who provided a strong target and used the ball cleanly.
A good team performance across the board and a positive way to start season 2024 against a good opposition. Onto an away fixture v Southern Power next week.
Sebastian Parker (Coach)
Best: N. Glancy, B. Buyink, J. Durkin, T. Manfre, M. Durkin, F. Nixon
Goal Kickers: A. Brawn 3, T. Manfre 2, A. Nixon, M Durkin.
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Under 19.5's Division 2 Match Report After a strong preseason all the boys were looking forward to a Round 2 matchup against North Shore for the second successive year. After going down 26-75 a year ago I know we were keen to show the competition how far we’ve come in 12 months. This was shown by our really strong start. Playing with only 14 on the field on a big deck, the boys showed their skills – moving the ball around quickly and skilfully – something that would prove a theme throughout the day. Great chat and strong contest work by our deep defenders, Jack, Leandre & Brad had NS on the back foot early. Nobody wanted to go to the deck with Harrison Meadows – something shown by a hard-earned 3 goal effort today. A nice and accurate 4 goals) 1st Quarter saw us hit the first break with a 24 – 9 lead. Continuing into the second the boys fought hard – consistently being first to the ball and winning the effort areas – something I am convinced will be a regular occurrence for the Demons this year saw us go the half with a tight 38-23 lead. Class work in the middle by Henry, Jacob and George really paid off in this quarter – our skills and teamwork something to be seen. Despite starting the second half strongly, it was clear that the lack of a bench started to hurt us and the Bombers had their best quarter of the game – narrowing it to 46-44 with some clutch kicking. Entering the Fourth – the boys really stood up. Special mention to Patty McMurrich and Jakey Condon – who despite being gassed continually showed up to spark our transition efforts and give us a really good shot at pulling this one off. Unfortunately, set shot kicking hurt us in the end, kicking 1 Goal 5, going down to a last-minute goal by the Bombers. Just want to stress how proud I am of this group today – keep this effort up and we’ll be a real force to be reckoned with come the back end of the year. Huge shout out to our U17’s who stood up and helped us today – I hope to see a lot more of you this year boys you weren’t out of place in the slightest. See you all next Week. Harry McDiarmid (Coach) |
What’s on This week
Season Launch: Saturday 20th April 7:00pm Back at the Club Rooms. Live music. Fun and great Bar Prices. $10 entrance fee.
Club Thursday: This week we head back to WPHSC for a Demons meal deal.
