From the President
What fantastic weather was put on for ANZAC Day and the following weekends football. It was a proud moment to see our teams take the field on ANZAC Day in the ANZAC Day clash strip. The teams looked fantastic and it added to the special nature foe ANZAC Day.
Thanks must go again to Hornsby RSL for their sponsorship of these jumpers.
We have club members who are serving and ex serving members and we thank them for their service to our great country. During the week Aron Looker, ex Signals Corp, addressed the senior men on the spirit of ANZAC. His wife Pennie, Psychology Corp, addressed the women on ANZAC Day prior to the game. Both were exceptional and helped the teams to not only gain a greater appreciation for the day but to bond as a team on the field. My brother a current serving member addressed the men pregame and laid a wreath. It was a pleasure to again lay a wreath on behalf of the club on the day. Thank you to Jasmine Blow (Women’s Div 2 Captain) Luke Skrivanic and Mitchell Blow (Prems Men Captains) for the respect they showed in laying a wreath on behalf of the teams.
We love being a part of the traditional ANZAC Day clash with Inner West Magpies. I want to thank Carlos Zoppo and his team for the wonderful job they do of hosting this incredible day.
In what was a good round for all teams we have shown improvement across the board. I want to thank Nigel Blow, Tim Keary and the Division 5 Men’s Team for the exceptional sportsmanship they have displayed this week. Macquarie University were close to forfeiting this match due to numbers. Our boys put their hands up and agreed to provide 5 players on match day permits to play for Macquarie. These boys didn’t back off in their game play either. In fact, Luke Bray was close to stealing the game for Mac Uni when he kicked a late goal. Our boys showed courage, fighting to the end for a tight win. All our boys are better for the experience and game time. Well done men, fantastic attitude.
With only three home games this week and rugby playing three on the bottom deck we ran the canteen for both clubs on the day. More income for us and a service for rugby. Thank you to Kyle and her team. We still need volunteers to show up for BBQ to assist.
This weekend also saw Fraser (Frog) Nixon play his 200th game for the club. A fantastic achievement by a great club person, whom I had the pleasure to also coach in a premiership winning season. Well done Fraser.
We also had two debut’s in the women’s division 2 team for Pennant Hills on ANZAC day. Rebecca Fagg and Emma Waters. Rebecca came to the club having been a goal kicking dynamo from Pennant Hills juniors kicking 81 goals in 93 games for them. Emma also hails from pennant Hills Junior AFL Club, playing 50 games of staunch defence and kicking 4 goals for them. Rebecca and Emma, we hope to see you with the club for many years to come enjoying lots of success.
Hope you enjoy the coaches match reports as we have much to be proud of it the application and endeavour of our teams. Some very pleasing results.
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 Inner West Magpies (PH 13.7.85 Defeated IWM 5.6.36)
Thursday would see us play in our annual Anzac Day game vs the Inner West Magpies. Wests would come into the game in good form at 2-0. We would welcome back in Cooper Lee, Harrison Pitt (injury), Ethan Hyams (swans) & Nick Hey (personal).
We would start super in front of a large crowd kicking 4 goals straight. Our midfield was on top with Joel Rush & Ben Matthews controlling the wings, Josh Boag, Brendon Clark & Luke Skrivanic winning the inside contest. The 2nd quarter would be much of the same, we would go into halftime with our best half of footy in recent times leading 52 to 1.
We knew Wests would come out firing, with a need to control the tempo & possession, Cooper Lee, Cameron Mitchell, Jackson Potter all stand outs along the half back line. Potter chipping in with a couple of long-range goals.
The end result would be comprehensive winning the game by 50 points. Wilson Mudge was everywhere, applying immense pressure and gathering possessions all over. Josh Boag was our standout mid, attacking the footy hard and elite use. Harrison Pitt would finish with 3 and provided a presence all game. Cooper Lee, Cameron Mitchell both cracked in hard all game, Luke Skrivanic worked both ways tirelessly all day.
We now gear up for back to Baulko vs the old enemy who have knocked off last years premiers.
Ben Roberts (Head Coach)
Best: Wilson Mudge, Joshua Boag, Cooper Lee, Harrison Pitt, Luke Skrivanic, Cameron Mitchell
Goal Kickers: H. Pitt 3, J. Potter 2, S. Wray 1, W. Mudge 1, B. Clark 1, C. Lee 1, J. Rush 1, E. Hyams 1, N. Hey 1, T. Larby 1.
Premier Division Women's Match Report with thanks to Ritera Electrical Wholesale
Premier Division Women V’s Parramatta Goannas (PH 4.1.25 Loss to PG 5.2.32)
With 4 of our stars unable to play and another player who pulled out the night before, things were looking very bleak before the first bounce. We had to call up another player from our reserves who only played 2 days before at Picken Oval. Lucy Boyd congratulations and thank you for backing up. You showed total commitment to all the girls who pull on the jumper at PH. Well done.
We welcomed into the team Tara (16y old) and Zoe (18y old) for their first games at PH (this is 6 in 2 games).
Our motto of playing from the "1st sec to the last" escaped us yet again this time by 6 min. They received a questionable free directly in front and kicked another 2 goals in this time.
We moved away from our structures for this short period and at this level we can’t allow this to happen.
We kept them goalless in the final qtr. with our defensive structures and out scored them in the last.
For the first time this season we had won 3 qtrs. of football physically, mentally and on the scoreboard and all be it for 6 mins in the 3rd we should have won the game.
As we discussed after the game, we have taken another step forward well done all.
Best: Kaitlin Noble - Elly Rudd - Tara Coopman (16Y) - Haley Lowe - Amy Court - Eliza Harvey
special mention goes to Mia who kept the highly paid recruit to zero goals and at the other end Sheridan Baker (17Y) who competed at every contest in the fwd half allowing us to kick 4 goals.
Terry Mudge (Head Coach)
Best: Elly Rudd, Kaitlin Noble, Amy Court, Tara Coopman, Hayley Lowe, Rebecca Ives
Goal Kickers: E. Squires 1, N. Pajor 1, T. Coopman 1, J. Smith 1.
Under 19.5 Division 1 Men's Match Report with thanks to Tyrepower Dural
Under 19.5’s Division 1 v Inner West Magpies (PH 132.9.87 Defeated IWM 4.10.34)
“Respect, Trust, Selfless”
We played our best team footy today after 3 matches in. Our team is improving week to week. Conditions were perfect with sunshine and virtually no wind. We were well prepared and ready to explode from the first bounce.
We dominated centre clearances early kicking to the northern end. Our structures were clear and the main message was to keep things simple. Dylan, Oscar and Liam were wining ground ball contests and clearing the centre with effective ball use and handball. Forward entry after forward entry, but no luck with majors. After kicking 4 points Wests achieved a turnover and players ran clear, running down the sideline with us caught chasing and they finished with the first goal of the day. Andrew M was excellent off half back taking contested marks and playing on. Then Henry scored a major and Riley had 2 goals late in the quarter. After 9 forward entries we scored 4 goals for the quarter. A lot of hard work for little reward – we needed to improve our efficiency up forward. Spida had an explosive first quarter and Lauffy was strong down back on the last line taking a couple of defensive marks. Hard work but we got better as the quarter continued.
The second quarter was when we took control after a wobbly start. We were certainly winning the hard ball gets and centre clearances, and it was in the 2nd we started to convert forward entries. What I liked most was our selfless play. We gave the ball freely to the first option and didn’t crowd our forwards, creating goal scoring opportunities regularly. Ryan B got his first of many for the afternoon, quickly followed by a hard ball win and breaking tackles from Spida to handball to Oscar who was clear to kick our second goal for the term. Then a couple of goals to Riley at FF, and a selfless centring kick to James for another goal, then goals to Ryan and Callum to finish with 7 for the quarter. Luka was strong at CHB contesting in the air and on the ground. James had a good quarter up forward. At half time we had a 9 goal lead. A great quarter of footy. However, the only improvement we needed to work on was our overuse of handball from half back. Too many balls went to ground and against a better team these errors would have been exploited. We need to treat every game the same – we are playing against the best and must perform at our best every week – regardless of the opposition.
Third quarter James hit a player with a great run down tackle from behind then a selfless centring kick to our advantage. Wonderful to see from our forwards not giving up the contest. Andrew M dominated every marking contest he went for taking strong marks and switching into attack mode. Oscar kicked another great snap goal and Callum kicked a beauty from long range to take us into the final term with a commanding lead.
We rotated a lot of players in different roles, Roman to FF, Luka to Ruck, Lunna was a welcome return from injury rotating through the middle with Josh and Henry. It was pleasing to see our teamwork and sharing of moments through many hands to create opportunities for others.
In the final term I asked us to not take our foot off the peddle and continue to work hard with the aim for 5 or more goals. We didn’t disappoint as we continued our attacking play. Josh kicked a terrific snap goal on the run from 35 after the ball passed through many hands to create the right opportunity. Dylan kicked a goal and we shifted Lauffy from full back to full forward. He took a great mark 40 out to have a shot but missed by ooohhh 1,2,5 – 30 metres to the right! Then again 5 minutes later he took a strong pack mark in the goal square for an exciting moment to kick his first goal in years as the boys all ran from afar to celebrate. A wonderful way to end a powerful display of selfless team footy.
We executed well today fellas – demonstrating some of our pillars and core values – teamwork, trust, selflessness, and respect.
Exciting to watch as we improve and get stronger week to week.
Goal scorers – Ryan 6, Riley 4, Oscar 2, Callum 2, Josh 1, Dylan 1, Henry 1, James 1, Andrew M 1, Ryan L 1.
Best player –
Spida – Liam Everett – best game so far winning contested ball and doing the hard work to deliver to others.
Riley at FF – dangerous and creative with a bag of goals.
Ryan B – great skills on show with forward craft and a big of 6 for the afternoon.
Oscar – No one could stop him up forward or in the centre with 3 goals.
Dylan – Worked hard in the mids to dominate centre clearances.
Murder – super strong off half back taking multiple contested marks and creating forward opportunities.
Ryan Lauff – solid at FB taking defensive marks and then taking two big marks at FF in the final term.
Big week this week as we prepare to face East Coast at their home next Saturday.
Justin Kerley (Coach)
Best: Liam Everett, Dylan Bonham, Riley Hawes, Andrew Murdoch, Ryan Bonham, Oscar Irwin
Goal Kickers: R. Bonham 6, R. Hawes 4, O. Irwin 2, C. Irish 2, D. Bonham, H. Williams, A. Murdoch, R. Lauff, J. Chapple, J. Georgalis.
Division 1 Men's Match Report with thanks to Pennant Hills Toyota
Division 1 Men v Inner West Magpies (PH 20.12.132 Defeated IWM 5.1.31)
We made our way to Picken Oval to take on Inner West Saturday morning. With the massive return of Nick Eynaud the team was very excited to take the field. The first quarter we grinded away holding possession but not using our forward entries very well and struggling with accuracy kicking 1.6.
At the end of the quarter we reassessed and aimed to be more direct and lower our eyes when heading inside our forward 50. The lads retook the field and charged over Inner West kicking a 7 goal to 1 quarter. Our defense rebounded the ball with speed and precision hitting targets inside 50 and the mids kept the pressure on not giving any opposition time to compose themselves.
At halftime we came in with spirits high, but kept the focus on continuing our pressure and explosiveness as we didn't want to drop off. The third and fourth quarter we kept to those values kicking 12 goals to 2 and keeping our intensity for the whole game. It was a strong game from the whole team and everyone preformed their roles.
Next week we head down to Camden to take on top of the ladder Cats.
Warren Atwell (Coach)
Best: Oliver Williams, Patrick Witt, Zac Elliott, Lukas de Vries, Henry Toczydlowski, Jye Boby
Goal Kickers: J. Carroll 4, M. Carey 4, M. Weathers 3, J. Le Lay 3, P. Witt 2, M. Hall 2, M. Collins, J. Boby
Division 2 Women’s Match Report
Women’s Division 2 v Inner West Magpies (PH 1.3.9 Loss to IWM 9.6.60)
An extremely special day and match for the Div 2 Women’s as we were fortunate to be part of the West’s Anzac Day. A huge thank you to Penny Looker who shared her Military experience with the girls before the game. The girls were pumped and started well with Jazz leading the way in the ruck. We contested well for the first 5 to ten minutes and through a 50 mtr penalty, Lucy was able to slot through the first goal for the game. The rest of the first half was an even tussle except when Wests went forward, they were cleaner with the ball and scored 4 goals. Our mid field of Lucy, Haylee, Charlotte and Debutant Emma W were going in hard after the ball and using the running Lauren to drive forward. Our other debutant Becc Fagg was presenting well at centre half forward and creating opportunities for Annabella and Bridgette. Wests again continued to be cleaner with the ball and turned this into scoring opportunities despite good work from our defence.
The third and fourth quarters continued the way of the second with us competing hard for the ball but Wests using it better when they had it. BOG for Wests, Jess Urquart was really having a huge impact on the game with 6 goals and lots of other opportunities created for other. However, Haylee did a good job on her in the last quarter.
The score was not reflective of how competitive we were and a big call out to Lucy and Lauren who ran hard all day. Also to Sammy, Christine and Catrin in their 2nd game of footy, who both continue to improve each week.
It was then a special experience for the team to be part of the Anzac Day service. Well down to Jazz, Mitch and Luke for representing Penno.
Mark Carroll (Coach)
Best: Lucy Boyd, Lauren Jacobs, Emma Waters, Rebecca Fagg, Charlotte Curran, Jasmine Blow
Goal Kickers: L. Boyd
Division 3 Men's Match Report with thanks to Eylex Pty Ltd
Men’s Division 3 v Macquarie University (PH 13.7.85 Defeated MU 5.6.36)
Round 4 saw our first home game against Macquarie University in Fraser Nixon’s 200th game for the club.
A game against an opposition we hadn’t played for a few years saw an even contest for the first 15 minutes. We were able to kick 2 late goals in the 1st quarter and took a 2-goal lead into the quarter time break. From here on in we were able to take control proceeding with our physically at the contest the stand out. We were able to win every quarter, eventually running out winners 13.7 to 5.6. The only downside was a nasty head clash for Fraser Nixon in the last quarter that saw his day come to an end in what will result in some time on the sideline, we wish him a speedy recovery.
Better players were Ryan De Vries and Jed Corbett back from Div 1 whose class and composure stood out, Nick Glancy and Kieran Wright down back who repelled many an opposition attack, Jarrod French whose class around the contest stood out whilst his partner in crime Rowan Love was a clear standout after doing a brilliant job down back on the oppositions most dangerous player.
Once again, a good team performance across the board that now sees us 3 & 0. An away game against Camden Cats, also undefeated, will be a good test next weekend.
Sebastian Parker (Coach)
Best: Rowan Love, Nicholas Glancy, Jarrod French, Kieran Wright, Jed Corbett, Daniel Poletto
Goal Kickers: F. Nixon 3, T. Pellizzon 3, A. Nixon 2, S. Zikman 2, J. Durkin, R. Devries, J. French.
Under 19.5’s Division 2 vs UTS Bats (PH 8.10.58 Defeated UTS 6.8.44)
In an exhilarating clash between the Pennant Hills Demons and the UTS Bats, the U19 Div 2 boys got their first win in another close and at times fiery encounter.
First Quarter
The game kicked off with both teams displaying their competitiveness from the get-go. The Demons showcased our trademark skills with swift ball movement and kick mark abilities, while the Bats exhibited toughness and tricky counter-attacking capabilities. It was a tightly contested quarter with both teams trading blows, capped by a brilliant long-range goal by Lincoln Kellett, but the Demons managed to gain a slight advantage, leading by a narrow margin at the first break. (2 – 2- 14 v 1 – 1- 7)
Second Quarter
As the game progressed into the second quarter, the intensity on the field only escalated. The Demons continued to apply pressure, forcing turnovers leading to a multitude of scoring shots to big Jack Dwyer. 3 Goals in his first quarter out of defence not a bad return… After a great quarter the Demons maintained their lead heading into halftime. (5 – 5 – 35 v 2 – 2 – 14)
Third Quarter
The third quarter witnessed a fierce battle between the two sides, with momentum swinging back and forth. The Bats, fueled by their desire to claw their way back into the contest, launched a relentless assault. Some out of character poor discipline hurt us as they managed to bridge the gap and reduce the deficit. A brilliant coast to coast counter-attack by Patty McMurrich allowed us to get a crucial late score and lead at the break. (7 – 5 – 47 V 5 – 4 – 34)
Fourth Quarter
With everything to play for in the final quarter, both teams left it all on the field. The Bats, refusing to go down without a fight, launched a spirited comeback attempt, mounting pressure on the Demons and threatening to snatch victory. A score miscommunication left the team thinking they were trailing with under 5 minutes left. However, the Demons stood firm, showcasing their resilience and determination to hold on to their lead. Encouragingly, after losing late in our first two the team stepped up, maintained composure and played the smart footy we needed. In a thrilling climax to the contest, and hard on their poor coaches heart, the Demons emerged victorious, Lincoln snapping a clutch major, securing a hard-fought win in front of extremely proud parents and friends.
Big shout out to the best 6 on the day.
- Patrick McMurrich: Best game of the year, strong overhead marking and scintillating counterattack. A deceptively quick bloke that can do it all, Patty had a blinder.
- Cohen Denne: 2 brilliant games on the trot for young Cohen. Couldn’t be prouder of him so far. Silky kick mark abilities he has a big future at Pennant Hills Football Club. UTS made sure to give him a special mention to “superstar” was the words used.
- Jack Dwyer: Consistently dominant. Jack wins all his contests at the back and was simply unplayable with his 3 goals in 2nd. Keep knocking the rust off and he’ll be a force to reckon with this year.
- Noah Dunn: Only 3 quarters today but made his presence felt. You must be a little pest on the field mate because your opposition is always trying to smash you. Keep it up, you’re killing it this year – consistently a ball winner in the middle and run all day.
- Lincoln Kellett: One of our 17’s backing up to play two games in a day. Best game of the year for Lincoln. Two classy goals and looked strong every time he had a possession. We’d love to see much more of him with us this year.
- Toby Conway: First game back for big Tobes and we loved having him. Strong in the ruck and rotating back. Nobody likes going against him and that’s as big of a compliment as I can pay. Going from strength to strength this year after a super consistent season last year.
Harry McDiarmid (Coach)
Best: Patrick McMurrich, Cohen Denne, Jack Dwyer, Noah Dunn, Lincoln Kellett, Toby Conway
Goal Kickers: J.Dwyer 3, P. McMurrich 2, L. Kellett 2, J. Condon,
Division 5 Men's Match Report with thanks to Conveyancing at Pittwater
Men’s Division 5 vs Macquarie University Warriors (PH 5.8.38 Defeated MU 5.1.31)
Fun trivia question…in a game where each team kicks 5 goals, is it possible for one club to kick 7 of 10 goals?
Well that’s just what happened when the D5 men’s team got their first win for 2024 with a nail biting game against Macquarie Uni.
After a disappointing loss the previous week to SWS, the boys needed a bounce. With 7 more debutants, we fielded a relatively inexperienced side, but with hearts as big as lions, we roared home in the final quarter to get the W.
There was a first ever goal was kicked by Will Engleman who showed determination and skills beyond his years and experience. He’s one to watch! Backed up by the supremely calm full forward Oskar Raue with 2 and singles to Alex Turner and Mick Elsley.
So who kicked the other 2 goals? We lent our opponent 5 players for this game and their integrity shone through as evidenced with Ducky Morris and Adam Wagner (kicking his first for the club) contributing goals.
Luke Bray, Flynn Hume and Morgans Hide gave everything for Uni, and the coach was left very relieved when the final siren sounded and Penno prevailed.
Well done lads and bring on East Coast.
I will see you in the next one.
Nigel Blow (Coach)
Best: Michael Elsley, Luke Richards, Brayden Rohr, Alexander Rashleigh, William Engelman, Tadhg Richards
Goal Kickers: O. Raue 2, W. Engelman, M. Elsley, A. Turner
Masters Round 2 Match Report
Masters vs Inner West Magpies (PH 10.4.64 Defeated IWM 3.2.20)
Round two for the Masters saw us take on the Inner West Magpies at the picturesque Picken Oval. Both teams had lost their round one games, with the Magpies suffering a big defeat to Sydney Uni and us losing by 11 points to the reigning premiers. We expected a tough game from Wests, who had five players coming down from higher grades in their improved lineup.
The game was hard and scrappy from the start, with Wests putting pressure on us and making it difficult for us to get clean possessions. We managed to score a handful of goals in the first quarter while keeping them goalless.
The second quarter was similar to the first, with us having more control of the game but not converting our opportunities with the third quarter following a similar pattern, with our dominance not reflected on the scoreboard.
The last quarter was much improved, with the team finally kicking accurately and winning by seven goals in the end. After the disappointing round one loss, we have got our season back on track and ready to face South West Sydney in our next game.
Peter Carey (Coach)
Best: Tim Wolnizer, Mark Hadfield, Alex Huggins, Sebastian Parker, Aaron King, Radlee Moller
Goal Kickers: A. Huggins 2, C. Barnes, A. Looker, N. Rayment, P. Hull, R. Moller, S. Mitchell, M. Hadfield, J. Seven.
What’s on This week
Warren “Pops” Quintrell Shield: The clash between East Coast Eagles and Pennant Hills is always a fight for the Warren “Pops” Quintrell Shield.
Club Thursday: This week we head back to WPHSC for a Demons meal deal
