AFL Sydney: North Shore, UTS among the high flyers to start the men’s, women’s premier divisions
With four rounds down, contenders are starting to emerge in the men’s and women’s AFL Sydney premier divisions. We look at the stars of the competition, plus see how your team is faring on the ladder.
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WITH a month of the AFL Sydney season down, the contenders are starting to emerge from the pack and put their hands up as the year heats up.
We take a look at the latest from the premier men’s and women’s divisions this year.
PREMIER MEN
The North Shore Bombers and Sydney University are leading the charge at the moment as they only undefeated teams remaining.
A dynamite second term from Sydney Uni that saw them boot six unanswered majors guided them to a 10.10 (70) to 7.12 (54) win over Manly-Warringah at Weldon Oval at the weekend.
The going was much easier for the Bombers, dismantling St George 19.12 (136) to 7.6 (48) at Gore Hill Oval, on the back of four goals for Josh Rayner.
North Shore head coach Andrew Rogers was quietly pleased with how his side has started the year, but said the club isn’t getting carried away with things just yet.
“The most pleasing thing for us so far is we’ve worked on those things we wanted to in the pre-season,” Rogers said.
“We’re starting to see some results there. There’s still some work to do, but with a 16-game season, we’ve set ourselves up nicely.
“At this stage it’s not so much about the win, but how we want to play and continuing to develop that level of play. If we do that we’re always a chance of winning.”
He paid special mention to the efforts of Luke Robertson, who has taken on added responsibility in his stride.
“We elevated him to the leadership group on the back of a strong pre-season,” Rogers said.
“He’s got himself really fit and been strong in how he’s played. He’s been a standout thus far.”
In the leading goalscorer race, UNSW-ES key forward Kieran Emery heads the standings with 18, headlined by nine at the weekend against UTS.
Max Thomas (North Shore) has 15, while Pennant Hills’ Harry Maguire sits in third with 13.
PREMIER WOMEN
The East Coast Eagles and UTS Bats are currently soaring at the top of the women’s standings with four wins apiece.
Percentage has the Eagles just ahead, with the side recording an impressive feat over the last three weeks, conceding just one goal in those matches.
UTS has had to do it the hard way in some of their games, but has looked impressive in doing so.
At the weekend they trailed by 13 points at halftime, before keeping UNSW-ES scoreless for the second half to come out 6.9 (45) to 4.1 (25) winners.
Bats coach Miguel Limson said he has been proud of the way his side has been able to compete over the first four rounds.
“It’s been a pleasing start,” he said. “We’ve felt like we’ve played a good mixture of what the competition will be this season.
“One of our main goals is not necessarily having a belief we can compete, but getting into those good habits to win matches.
“We’ve wanted to play four quarters of football. Even though some haven’t gone our way, we’ve been able to make up for it in others and find a way to come back. The team has shown an ability to grind wins.”
Such has been the form to start the season, one of their key talents has attracted AFLW attention.
“Tanya Kennedy has come on board with us this season and has added a whole new dimension,” Limson said.
“She brings those old school footy vibes getting in and under, breaking tackles and racking up a lot of possessions.
“She has missed the last two weeks with Swans AFLW trials, which we love to see.
“Mel Lindsay consistency wise has been one of the leaders in the team. She’s a veteran who is always a solid contributor and is averaging a goal per game.”
Caitlin Davidson (East Coast) and Michala Ford (Macquarie Uni Goannas) sit atop the leading goalscorer tally with nine apiece.
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