Premier Division Men with thanks to Pennant Hills Toyota
(PH 11.15.81 defeated Manly 8.7.55)

Round 17 saw the Demons line up against the Manly-Warringah Wolves in a clash that was do or die for the Demons. Win, and their finals hopes would remain alive or lose, and they could say goodbye to their chance at a premiership in 2022. On the other hand, Manly were coming off a very impressive month of football, only just going down to Wests by 2 points last week and one thing was for sure – they’d want to finish their season on a high and knock Penno out of finals contention.

The first quarter saw both teams battle in hard at the contest, with both teams finding their feet early at a windy Weldon Oval. The Demons began well, with plenty of inside 50’s and forward pressure, cornering the Wolves in their back 50 for the first half of the quarter. A smart goal out of the ruck from Penno debutant Jordy Le lay got the boys up and about, and Penno controlled the match early. However, unable to capitalise on their dominance, Penno made a few costly errors which brought the Wolves right back into the match and with the wind in their favour, ended the quarter full of running and kicked four unanswered goals to go in at the break 28-8.

No surprise to see Penno get a rev up from Robbo at quarter time, knowing the importance of a win. Penno bounced right back, stamping their authority on the match. A purple patch by young Sam Eynaud saw the small forward kick 2 goals within the first 10 minutes of the quarter. Using the wind to their advantage, the Dee’s controlled the second quarter and played to our style. Jackson Potter and Tom Edmonds were prolific in the midfield, winning a lot of the ball and giving Penno first use. The Dee’s quickly clawed back the margin and ended the quarter up 41 to 30.

The third quarter began much like the first, with both teams competitive early. A masterstroke by coach Ben Roberts moving a young Ollie Nockles from half back to half forward saw the 22 year old dominate the forward line and become the Dee’s most damaging forward. Together with Sam Eynaud the young boys stood up in the third quarter along with Wilson Mudge who provided plenty of run. However, poor kicking accuracy hurt the Dee’s and kept Manly right in the match. Penno kicked 1.7 for the quarter and let in 2.0 for Manly, leaving for a tense last quarter. 3QT score – Pennant Hills 54 – 42 Manly Wolves.

With the wind disappearing the last quarter was shaping up for a good finish. Knowing what was at stake, Penno came out and dominated early. Again, inaccuracy hurt the Dee’s, however their experienced players really led from the front. Patt Witt was rewarded with a holding the ball free kick inside 50 and kicked Penno’s first of the quarter. The last quarter was very back and forth however the Dee’s having much more to play for, ended up running out the quarter on top, kicking 4.3 to add to their margin and keep their finals hopes alive.

Full Time Score: Pennant Hills: 11.15. 81 v Manly Wolves: 8.7. 55
Best: Sam Eynaud, Jackson Potter, Oliver Nockles, Thomas Edmonds, Wilson Mudge, Mitchell Blow

Penno plays St George next week, the winner to play finals. Game is 2:40pm at Greenway Oval.

Luke Skrivanic – Premier Division Men’s Co-Captain

Premier Division Reserves 
(PH 15.13.103 defeated Manly 4.4.28)

Goal Kickers: I Franks 5, S Zikman 4, B Hunt 1, J Carroll 1, A Murdoch 1, L Pauly 1, J Rene 1, B Thompson 1
Best: M Browne, B Hunt, I Franks, M Collins, S Zikman, M Trenaman

A dominant performance to keep our top 3 chances alive!

We travelled to Manly for a twilight game on Saturday to face the Wolves in a make-or-break game for our top 3 hopes this season.

Our first quarter was a bit of mixed bag. We had the game by the scruff of the neck but couldn’t seem to capitalise on the scoreboard. To Manly’s credit, they seemed up for the fight early on and at quarter time we went in only six points ahead.

After a rev-up from the coaching staff at the first break, and a focus on our pressure and energy, the game began to turn. We quickly got a hold of Manly around the ground and the scoreboard reflected our dominant game play.

The second half was much the same as the second quarter. We were able to hold Manly goalless for this half and continued to pile them on ourselves. Credit to our backline who stood up well against the oppositions attack.

A special mention needs to be made for returning superstar Isaac Franks, who booted 5 goals in an all-round performance – well done Isaac.

Overall, it was a very impressive 3 quarters of footy played by the boys. We now turn our attention to St George at home. A win here will secure a spot in the top 3 for finals.

Tom Dureau – Premier Division Reserves Assistant Coach

Division 3 Men
(PH 4.5.29 defeated by Sydney Uni 8.7.55)

Great character is required to pick yourself up and give your all when your season has fallen just short of the finals contest, but today Penno showed the spirit we are known for to generate a rugged contest against a recently improving Sydney Uni squad. The scene was set in Q1 after Uni scored in the first few minutes, followed by an off-the-ball bump in the back against our tough midfielder Michael Elsley. Els is a tough nugget and to take the wind out of his sails takes some effort – made easier I guess when it comes from behind and the ball is 50m away. Like I said, the scene was set, and Uni backed this behaviour up with another unsavoury incident involving our ginger wizard, Tom Pellizzon. He too is a tough rooster, and despite the treatment he received, and some recovery time on the bench, he returned to play with the right mindset to focus on the footy and helping his teammates. Tommy ended up once more elevating his game, taking key marks across the half-back line and delivering kicks with the poise and accuracy of a seasoned player.

Michael Morris was our best on ground and in Q1 generated a goal for himself with a brave smother, a scramble to regain possession and calmly slot home. His effort today was simply exceptional and lifted those around him, most notably Morgan Hide. Morgan was called on to play multiple roles in the backs and the forward line and will be remembered by our opponents as a tenacious, tough tackling, never-say-die Penno player. His vision and coolness under pressure improves every game and has grown significantly as the season went on.

Down at quarter time, another giant of the game, Zac Baglin (yes I put the word ‘Zac’ and ‘giant’ in the same sentence), stepped up to tackle guys twice his height and weight, and show the class that flows freely through the veins of those who bare the Baglin name. He helped guys like Josh Ward, who, by his own measure, struggled today, but again he didn’t quit when things weren’t quite working for him. He brought his A game aggression to every contest ,and by games end had left a mark on practically every opponent who crossed his path. Fair but combative is Josh, plays the game in the right spirit and makes a statement every time he goes near the ball.

Waz Atwell ended up playing div 3 and div 1 today and boy was he strong. Winning taps, swatting away opponents, kicking goals and creating challenges for his midfielders when he kicks the wrong way. “Fetch that” he yells to Yeungy, Rice and Bray who looked bewildered as Waz just turned arrogantly wondering why his teammates weren’t on the same wavelength. Gotta love div 3!

Hayden Mitchell is another who never gives in. He created havoc at every contest and almost grabbed a ‘Papley-like’ goal with a fresh air shot from the boundary. Hayden provided great support for Michael Yeung when he kicked the goal of the game. This oval is best suited for grade cricket, and from the centre, Yeungy smashed a ball forward with spin that the late Shane Warne would have been proud of. Heading out of bounds (from straight in front!!), the ball turned right angles to split the big ones and lift our spirits

Q3 was uncharacteristically off for the Demons, but with nothing but pride to play for in Q4, we kept our opponents scoreless, but alas, could not bridge the gap. Alex Rashleigh burned himself out with constant and consistent effort, and a great deal of class in midfield. Matty Miles thought for a moment he was a goalscoring freak when he lined up from 50 on the boundary. Again uncharacteristically, he hit the ball firm and straight, only to fall short by a metre. The downside for Matt was that his great mate Jack Watkins took a screamer 5m out on a 45 degree angle and slotted home. Well, “slotted” may be a stretch in terms of defining the kick. His kick had more curves than a weight watchers meeting, but the scorebook doesn’t say what the kick looked like, just which sticks it went through – well done Jack!

Special mention to Ryan Pascoe and Matthew Peters who have played regularly in D3, stepped up to help out Seb in D1 and performed magnificently again, a great example of our culture and the opportunities available for our players to shine. Well done lads.

One more to go boys, lets make it special.

I will see you in the next one.

Nigel Blow – Division 3 Men’s Coach

Division 3 Women
(PH 5.2.32 defeated Dragons 2.5.17)

Second last game of the regular season was a must win game for the Penno WD3. We came up against the St George dragons at home which did not pose happy memories for us as they gave us a wholloping on the first match of the season at the same venue. This was our third meeting, and having beaten them in our second meeting, it was time to settle it. It was a must-win match to keep our finals hopes alive and the girls gave it everything they had.

Our midfield was on fire once again, with first possession being granted almost every time by our ruck combo in Alyce and Jasmine but it was the hard running from the likes of Sophia “Dusty” Wall and Katie “doesn’t care about your” Wellfare that took the ball deep into our forward line and gave our forwards an opportunity to run onto the ball and kick some nice goals.

Jodie was awesome once again up forward kicking 3 on the fly and was helped ably by Emma and Maddie with Lucy pinch hitting between forwards and mids. We executed the game plan once again with Gurks sitting as the spare behind the ball, she took possessions aplomb and was able to rebound multiple times.

The entire backline was working well in tandem and have been our fortress the past few weeks – The back 6 mesh so well and have been the difference at times between some of our close wins.

The girls were able to come through again against St George who put in a big fight back in the last half. A big congratulations to the girls who played – it just goes to show how far we have come this year.

Last regular round next week against North Shore who are back to the top of the table – I believe it would only be poetic if we bring them back down again.

Nick DeGorter– Division 3 Women’s Coach

Round 18 Fixtures

There will be some very high-quality football played this weekend as we host St George in a must win Premier Division game for both sides and Reserves look to gain a double chance in finals. Under 19’s had a very close game last time they faced off and will want to flip the coin this weekend.

Women’s Div 2 were gracious in accepting a move of ground to Penrith to help support their Mental health round, thank you ladies. We know how critical Mental health is to the health of our competition and society. Women’s Div 3 and under 19’s will play at our historic home, the Ern, christening the new facilities there and undertaking some important recruitment/retention work for our club. Our Masters will play their last game of the season on our bottom oval, supported by their partners who will be enjoying the comfort of our club rooms.
 

Events

The following is our calendar of confirmed events for Season 2022:

Saturday 24^th September – AFL Grand Final Function – Clubrooms
Sunday 30^th October – Presentation Day – Clubrooms
Monday 12^th December – Annual General Meeting