FINALS PREVIEWS
PREMIER LEAGUE
SECOND SEMI FINAL
UNSW-EASTERN SUBURBS (1st 15-3) v PENNANT HILLS (2nd 15-4)
At North Dalton Park, 2.20pm Saturday.
Last Five Games: UNSWES LWWWW; Pennant Hills WWWLW
Season Head to Head: UNSWES 2, Pennant Hills 0.
Round 8: UNSWES 14.10 94 def Pennant Hills 13.11 89 (Ern Holmes Oval)
Goals: UNSWES: B Abbott 5, M Carey, S Pech 2. PENNANT HILLS: N Campbell 4, K Wright 3.
Best: UNSWES: B Sutton, S Pech, M Collett. PENNANT HILLS: M Carey, T Angel, A Crisfield.
Round 18: UNSWES 14.9 93 def Pennant Hills 8.19 67 (Village Green)
Goals: UNSWES: B Abbott 7, J Bradfield 3, M Carey 2. PENNANT HILLS: L Spencer, A Goodall, L Bilbe 2.
Best: UNSWES: P Kefalas, D Coupe, B Oliver. PENNANT HILLS: A Richardson, C Richardson, A Goodall.
The rundown: The Bulldogs asserted themselves as the team to beat for this year?s premiership with a dominant performance against the Demons just two weeks ago to give them four straight wins going into the finals. As bad as Penno were in that game at the Village Green, they were very impressive either side in round 17 and last week?s qualifying final against the Crows. The Dogs are a terrific team and as tough as they come, and with Brad Abbott closing in on his ton, he will be out to snag another bag of five or more. But I still think the Demons are the best I?ve personally seen this year and the wide expanses of North Dalton Park will suit them down to the ground, especially with Campbell back in form. However, I?ll be jumping off if they can?t get it done the third time around.
The Verdict: Pennant Hills by 8 points
FIRST SEMI FINAL
ST GEORGE (3rd 14-5) v EAST COAST (4th 14-5)
At Henson Park, 2.20pm Sunday.
Last Five Games: St George WLWWL; East Coast WWLWW
Season Head to Head: St George 1, East Coast 1.
Round 2: East Coast 14.17 101 def St George 10.8 68 (Olds Park)
Goals: EAST COAST: B Rogers 5, S Ryan, R Smyth 2. ST GEORGE: P Dugmore 5, D Donohue 2.
Best: EAST COAST: S Ryan, L Stanford, A Stubbs. ST GEORGE: N Charlwood, S Richmond, D Williams.
Round 14: St George 16.10 106 def East Coast 16.6 102 (Charles McLaughlin Oval)
Goals: ST GEORGE: M Goolagong 5, P Dugmore 3, C MacDougal, D Watkins 2. EAST COAST: B Rogers 5, R Smyth 3, A Byerlee, G Seebeck 2.
Best: ST GEORGE: D Donohue, M Cers, R Craig. EAST COAST: M Sankey, B Rogers, J Coulloupas.
The rundown: The performances of these two teams last week could not have been further apart. The Crows were outclassed from start to finish by the Demons and will need to regroup quickly to avoid a straight sets exit from the finals. With a question mark over the fitness of the best player in the competition in Donohue, they need their forwards to stand up. It is a terrific forward line, with Dugmore, Goolagong and MacDougal all capable of bags, so the Crows can never be underestimated. By contrast, the Eagles were always a step ahead of the Bombers despite a lapse in concentration in the second half of the first term, and won the way a team with three more wins throughout the year should win. Their good players are up and running, and a team that can afford to leave a young star like Spiteri out is good enough for me.
The Verdict: East Coast by 18 points
PREMIER RESERVES
SECOND SEMI FINAL
EAST COAST (1st 16-2) v PENNANT HILLS (2nd 16-2-1)
At North Dalton Park, 12pm Saturday.
Last Five Games: East Coast WWWWW; Pennant Hills WWLWW
Season Head to Head: East Coast 1, Pennant Hills 1.
Round 5: Pennant Hills 14.10 94 def East Coast 11.6 72 (Charles McLaughlin Reserve)
Goals: PENNANT HILLS: J Gaggin, L Spencer 3, P McLaren, S Myers 2. EAST COAST: R Frost 4, J Patira, A Moeller 2.
Best: PENNANT HILLS: N Low, B Rankine, M Carter. EAST COAST: B Whale, M Murrell, T Kear.
Round 17: East Coast 10.11 71 def Pennant Hills 8.6 54 (Ern Holmes Oval)
Goals: EAST COAST: J Patira 3, T Kear, R Frost 2. PENNANT HILLS: J Hancock, P Barnes 2.
Best: EAST COAST: D Spiteri, S O?Connor, D Griffith. PENNANT HILLS: P Barnes, B Beaston, N Wright.
The rundown: There doesn?t seem to be much between these two arch-rivals once again. The Eagles and the Demons have been fighting out some enthralling encounters in recent times, and have once again split their matches this year. East Coast was well clear at three quarter time three weeks ago before the Demons came home late to regain some confidence, and they cashed in with two impressive wins over the previously top placed Bulldogs. The Eagles have won 12 in a row since their back to back losses in rounds five and six and on that evidence, must start favourite.
The Verdict: East Coast by 19 points
FIRST SEMI FINAL
UNSW-EASTERN SUBURBS (3rd 15-3-1) v SYDNEY UNIVERSITY (4th 13-6)
At Henson Park, 12pm Sunday.
Last Five Games: UNSWES WWWLL; Sydney University LWWWW
Season Head to Head: UNSWES 2, Sydney University 0.
Round 7: UNSWES 9.14 68 def Sydney University 5.10 40 (Village Green)
Goals: UNSWES: L Lavery 4. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY: A Scott 2.
Best: UNSWES: N O?Brien, D Saleccha, A Bantoft. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY: F McEwin, J Leary, L Barnes.
Round 15: UNSWES 11.14 80 def Sydney University 10.18 78 (Sydney Uni No.1 Oval)
Goals: UNSWES: K Emery 3, N O?Brien, T Linehan 2. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY: A Clark, T Air 2.
Best: UNSWES: T Linehan, H Lee, K Emery. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY: B Mankarious, F McEwin, A Clark.
The rundown: The Bulldogs took all before them throughout the course of the season, and led the competition with one round remaining before the finals. But a pair of convincing losses to the Pennant Hills has them staring down the barrel of a quick exit. The Students were in outstanding touch on Sunday and will have their confidence up, coupled with the knowledge that they should have won the last encounter between these teams but for poor kicking. A lot of people have jumped off the Dogs in this past fortnight, but they are too good to go out without a fight.
The Verdict: UNSWES by 11 points
FIRST DIVISION
PRELIMINARY FINAL
MANLY-WARRINGAH (2nd 13-6) v HOLROYD-PARRAMATTA (3rd 12-7)
At Kelso Oval, 2.20pm Saturday.
Last Five Games: Manly-Warringah LLLWL; Holroyd-Parramatta WWWWW
Season Head to Head: Manly-Warringah 2, Holroyd-Parramatta 1.
Round 3: Manly-Warringah 14.16 100 def Holroyd-Parramatta 11.12 78 (Gipps Rd Oval)
Goals: MANLY-WARRINGAH: M Rawle, S Murray 3, D McMillan, M Dodds 2. HOLROYD-PARRAMATTA: S Costello, G Adams 3, B Harland 2.
Best: MANLY-WARRINGAH: B Hawkins, S Murray, C Pridgeon. HOLROYD-PARRAMATTA: G Adams, J Haurua, S Costello.
Round 10: Manly-Warringah 10.14 74 def Holroyd-Parramatta 10.7 67 (Weldon Oval)
Goals: MANLY-WARRINGAH: M Rawle 4, M Dodds, A Wright 2. HOLROYD-PARRAMATTA: S McKinley 4, B Harland 3, D Worrall 2.
Best: MANLY-WARRINGAH: K Hayward, M Rawle, S Murray. HOLROYD-PARRAMATTA: J Haurua, A Bishop, B Harland.
Round 16: Holroyd-Parramatta 14.9 93 def Manly-Warringah 12.15 87 (Gipps Rd Oval)
Goals: HOLROYD-PARRAMATTA: G Adams 4, D Worrell 3, B Harland, B Crane 2. MANLY-WARRINGAH: D McMillan 4, M Rawle 2.
Best: HOLROYD-PARRAMATTA: S Fifita, D Hook, B Crane. MANLY-WARRINGAH: C Pridgeon, P Bourke, D McMillan.
The rundown: Who would have thought we?d be talking about a preliminary final where the Goannas could realistically go in as favourites? The boys from Gipps Rd were putting along with a 7-7 record after round 14 and looked likely to finish fifth after last year?s semi final appearance. But they have exploded since, winning five straight matches, including the scalps of the Sharks (twice) and the Wolves. And they appear to match up well with Manly, having pushed them twice before their impressive win in round 16. The Wolves, on the other hand, are stuck in a rut and bear no resemblance to the defending premier that won seven in a row from round 3-9. Their wins since have been less than dominant and they need to find that spark again quickly, or it will be all over.
The Verdict: Manly-Warringah by 7 points
FIRST DIVISION RESERVES
PRELIMINARY FINAL
MANLY-WARRINGAH (2nd 15-3-1) v MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY (3rd 12-7)
At Kelso Oval, 12pm Saturday.
Last Five Games: Manly-Warringah WWLWL; Macquarie University WLWWW
Season Head to Head: Manly-Warringah 2, Macquarie University 0.
Round 9: Manly-Warringah 15.21 111 def Macquarie University 3.6 24 (Roger Sheeran Oval)
Goals: MANLY-WARRINGAH: A Jarvie 5, T Anderson 3, C Hickford 2. MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY: P Hyndman 3.
Best: MANLY-WARRINGAH: A Jarvie, M Jackman, A Wright. MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY: D Marsh, S Millard, D Leonard.
Round 14: Manly-Warringah 19.8 122 def Macquarie University 7.2 44 (Weldon Oval)
Goals: MANLY-WARRINGAH: T Kohlhagen, S MacKinlay 5, F Pettersson, R Clack, R McSorley 2. MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY: S Uglow, C Lobascher 2.
Best: MANLY-WARRINGAH: R Clack, T Adams, F Petterson. MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY: T McMurrich, D Marsh, P Sobb.
The rundown: The Wolves have lost two of their past three matches, and on face value that could make them look vulnerable. But a second look shows those two losses were against flag favourites UTS. The Warriors are in strong touch at the moment with three straight wins, but have been easily brushed aside in both previous clashes this year. It?s hard to see anything different this time.
The Verdict: Manly-Warringah by 55 points
SECOND DIVISION
PRELIMINARY FINAL
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY BLUE (2nd 16-3) v UNSW-EASTERN SUBURBS BULLDOGS (3rd 15-3-1)
At Kelso Oval, 8.15am Saturday.
Last Five Games: Sydney University Blue WWWWL; UNSWES Bulldogs WWWDW
Season Head to Head: Sydney University Blue 2; UNSWES Bulldogs 0.
Round 1: Sydney University Blue 10.9 69 def UNSWES Bulldogs 7.9 51 (Village Green)
Goals: BLUE: C Greatbatch, G O?Connor 3, D Owen 2. BULLDOGS: P Gallo 3.
Best: BLUE: M McCleary, G O?Connor, P Tangney. BULLDOGS: D Hughey, N Fitzhardinge, N O?Leanachain.
Round 11: Sydney University Blue 18.10 118 def UNSWES Bulldogs 10.4 64 (St Paul?s Oval)
Goals: BLUE: G Mitchell 8, D Archer 4, R Stokes 2. BULLDOGS: A Clarke 3.
Best: BLUE: N Marquez, G Mitchell, M McCleary. BULLDOGS: D Waugh, R Pike, T Deering.
The rundown: Two of the best three teams all season will fight for the right to take on the other one, Pennant Hills, in the grand final. Both have had excellent seasons, losing just six of 37 matches between them. There is a lot less between them than the round 11 result, but the Blues will again start as a narrow favourite.
The Verdict: Sydney University Blue by 14 points
UNDER 18 PREMIER CUP
SECOND SEMI FINAL
NORTH SHORE BOMBERS (1st 15-1) v EAST COAST (2nd 12-5)
At North Dalton Park, 9.45am Saturday.
Last Five Games: North Shore Bombers WWWWW; East Coast WLLWW
Season Head to Head: North Shore Bombers 2; East Coast 0.
Round 3: North Shore Bombers 10.9 69 def East Coast 5.7 37 (Henson Park)
Goals: BOMBERS: J Cole 3. EAST COAST: no multiples.
Best: BOMBERS: N Roberts, C Mackinnon, E Burke. EAST COAST: M Power, D Clinch, J Shephard.
Round 12: North Shore Bombers 15.10 100 def East Coast 3.7 25 (Gore Hill Oval)
Goals: BOMBERS: L Brain 3, D Tran, J Mason, M Carter, J Hall 2. EAST COAST: no multiples.
Best: BOMBERS: D Dickerson, L Brain, S Rix. EAST COAST: S Pinchen, J Shephard, A Groome.
The rundown: The Bombers have been the clear No.1 pick all season, with their only loss being a two-pointer to Pennant Hills in round 10. The Eagles won one of the best games of junior footy in recent years against the Demons last week, which will give them plenty of confidence, but they?ve been well in arrears of North Shore so far this season and will be rank underdogs again.
The Verdict: North Shore Bombers by 35 points
FIRST SEMI FINAL
PENNANT HILLS (3rd 12-5) v CAMPBELLTOWN (4th 11-6)
At Henson Park, 9.45am Sunday.
Last Five Games: Pennant Hills WLWWL; Campbelltown LWwfLW
Season Head to Head: Pennant Hills 1; Campbelltown 1.
Round 6: Campbelltown 10.15 75 def Pennant Hills 8.12 60 (Ern Holmes Oval)
Goals: CAMPBELLTOWN: B Farrow 4, A Sneddon 2. PENNANT HILLS: S Koutouzis, L Cocks 2.
Best: CAMPBELLTOWN: B Bourke, M Keys, A Syrros. PENNANT HILLS: B Jones, B McGrath, N Varnish.
Round 14: Pennant Hills 16.8 104 def Campbelltown 3.3 21 (Monarch Oval)
Goals: PENNANT HILLS: A Govendor 5, M Thomas, S Koutouzis 3, N Baglin 2. CAMPBELLTOWN: no multiples.
Best: PENNANT HILLS: J Fenaroli, L Cocks, T Widmer. CAMPBELLTOWN: D Wolfe, A Sneddon, A Syrros.
The rundown: The Demons will be hurting after their thrilling loss to the Eagles that confined them to the sudden death route through the finals. They sat second for most of the year and are the only team to beat the Bombers, and they will be desperate to get another crack them. The Blues pulled off an impressive win in a high scoring game against the Lions and are firing on all cylinders after battling with injury through the middle of the season. The question is whether they can turn around an 83-point margin in six weeks.
The Verdict: Pennant Hills by 26 points
UNDER 18 CHALLENGE CUP
PRELIMINARY FINAL
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY (2nd 14-5) v SOUTHERN POWER (3rd 11-8)
At Kelso Oval, 10.15am Saturday.
Last Five Games: Macquarie University WWWWL; Southern Power WLLWW
Season Head to Head: Macquarie University 1; Southern Power 1.
Round 3: Macquarie University 11.8 74 def Southern Power 8.11 59 (Gwawley Oval)
Goals: MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY: J James 5, J Craig 2. SOUTHERN POWER: L Hall 5.
Best: MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY: M Hobern, J Mobbs, G Smith. SOUTHERN POWER: M Young, L Allen, M Cairnduff.
Round 10: Southern Power 11.13 79 def Macquarie University 7.8 50 (Gwawley Oval)
Goals: SOUTHERN POWER: M Young, L Jansson 2. MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY: J Craig, D Moore 2.
Best: SOUTHERN POWER: M Young, J Brain, M Cairnduff. MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY: J McBrien, G Smith, C Poole.
The rundown: Two matches at the Power?s home ground this season, two totally different results. The difference came in one quarter of each match ? the last in round three and the third in round 10. Whichever team can get a run on for 20 minutes here will get the chocolates, and on current form, it might just be the Warriors.
The Verdict: Macquarie University by 14 points
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