Heartbeat Issue #3 - Footy is BACK !

Last weekend saw season 2026 commencing in full, with all remaining grades playing in their respective competitions excluding master’s that commence their season next weekend.

The weekend saw all teams playing at home for the first time, with most games against the Manly Club.  

What a great day it was at Mike Kenny Oval with some great football on display from all our teams.

I would like to make special mention of the performance of our Men’s Prems team that defeated Last year’s grand finalists Manly what a game that was. Make sure to have a listen to the Sydney AFL Podcast to hear their thoughts on the win.

I would also like to mention the inaugural game of the women under 20’s team representing our club for the first time.
This is a huge step forward in our womens player development program, further enhancing the penno pathways strategy to provide a clear process in transitioning players from Juniors to senior womens football.
Congratulations to all involved in making this happen.

We now have a couple of weeks on the road at various locations before returning home to Mike Kenny on the 2nd of May.

See you all around the grounds as we support our club.

Go D’s

Date : 16 Apr 2026 (Thu)

Location : MKO Clubrooms
Stewart Woodward
President
0410 042 076
president@phafl.com.au


Inaugural Womens Under 20s Team
Check out the player auction groups for 2026
Do your research to find the best group to buy!
https://www.phafl.com.au/player-auction-2026/

Match Results

MU19D1 -R2

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 17:10 pm - MKO1

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 17:10 pm - MKO1

G B Score
PENNO 5 3 33
Manly 11 6 72
G B (Q1) ST
3 0 (18) 18
3 0 (18) 18
G B (Q2) ST
0 1 (1) 19
3 2 (20) 38
G B (Q3) ST
1 1 (7) 26
2 1 (13) 51
G B (Q4) ST
1 1 (7) 33
3 3 (21) 72
G B (Q1) ST
3 0 (18) 18
3 0 (18) 18
G B (Q2) ST
0 1 (1) 19
3 2 (20) 38
G B (Q3) ST
1 1 (7) 26
2 1 (13) 51
G B (Q4) ST
1 1 (7) 33
3 3 (21) 72

Best Players

Cooper Smith William Baker Noah Dinsmore Noah Dunn Joshua Chapple William Arrowsmith

Goal Scorers

William Arrowsmith - 1 Noah Dinsmore - 1 Eamon Macauley - 1 Benjamin Stewart - 1 Cooper Smith - 1

Match Report

Videos

Q1

https://youtu.be/pCvJf2-sJ-M

Q2

https://youtu.be/X_pnYmSwv1Q

Q3

https://youtu.be/ctvQql4kDN4

Q4

https://youtu.be/AsYgEjYstH4

PDW -R02

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 13:20 pm - MKO1

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 13:20 pm - MKO1

G B Score
Penno 0 0 0
Manly 19 15 129
G B (Q1) ST
0 0 (0) 0
5 4 (34) 34
G B (Q2) ST
0 0 (0) 0
4 3 (27) 61
G B (Q3) ST
0 0 (0) 0
4 5 (29) 90
G B (Q4) ST
0 0 (0) 0
6 3 (39) 129
G B (Q1) ST
0 0 (0) 0
5 4 (34) 34
G B (Q2) ST
0 0 (0) 0
4 3 (27) 61
G B (Q3) ST
0 0 (0) 0
4 5 (29) 90
G B (Q4) ST
0 0 (0) 0
6 3 (39) 129

Best Players

Remy Ally Caitlin Gurney Ashleigh Grubba Amelia Bennett Christine Abrams Danielle Keller

Stats Link

https://stats.isports.net.au/league/25/season/55/match-report?id=2213

Match Report

Round 2 against Manly, we took to the field with 5 brand new players and 6 players backing up from earlier matches. Not quite the start we wanted, so we knew we would be well behind Manly's level coming into the match. For us, this is part of our development of a bigger programme, so focusing more on footy iq and player development rather than watching the scoreboard are key elements.

Working our new stoppage structure into the match, proved a vital turning point in an area where we could be competitive. Showing patches of a more modern style of game and using the strengths we had, we kept Manly to an average of 4 goals a quarter which is phenomenal for a team so young on experience and age, and a huge improvement on last year's scorelines. As our bench dwindled with a suspected broken wrist, and tired legs, a few more goals slipped in to boost the overall score, though the Demon players left the field knowing areas they had conquered and proving just the potential this group have. Exciting to see former NRLW Paramatta Eel player Dani Keller taking in the code switch so comfortably even spending some time in ruck and straight away winning hit outs like a seasoned player.
The team also played with black armbands and in a special spirit to honour longtime supporter, Elizabeth Este, Grand Mother of young Steph Este, who passed away during the week.

Best on: Remy Ally, Caitlin Gurney, Ashleigh Grubba, Amelia Bennett, Christine Abrams, Danielle Keller
Players Player: 3 way tie - Steph Este, Caitlin Guerney and Lillie Ward.

History made with an All-Female Coaching panel in Women's Premier Grade. GWS Giants Georgia Garnett getting stuck right into her role as Backs Coach. Former All Australian Kerry Taylor working with our midfield group and covering team statistics, and longtime game analyst Gill Norris as Forward Guru and also in the absence of Annabelle Rickerby covering our bench coach role yesterday.
Pictures attached, Coaching panel, GG in action, newcomer Charis Zacharis laying a big tackle, Dani Keller playing fullback.


Cheers,
Kiwi

Videos

Q1

https://youtu.be/zc7Ha6L7sbw

Q2

https://youtu.be/2kDgm2MalAQ

Q3

https://youtu.be/uljvhQINHpo

Q4

https://youtu.be/r6SLYLLxZ5E

MD5 -R1

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 14:15 pm - MKO lower

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 14:15 pm - MKO lower

G B Score
PENNO 10 5 65
SWS 6 7 43
G B (Q1) ST
1 3 (9) 9
1 1 (7) 7
G B (Q2) ST
4 1 (25) 34
2 0 (12) 19
G B (Q3) ST
3 1 (19) 53
1 2 (8) 27
G B (Q4) ST
2 0 (12) 65
2 4 (16) 43
G B (Q1) ST
1 3 (9) 9
1 1 (7) 7
G B (Q2) ST
4 1 (25) 34
2 0 (12) 19
G B (Q3) ST
3 1 (19) 53
1 2 (8) 27
G B (Q4) ST
2 0 (12) 65
2 4 (16) 43

Best Players

Harry McDiarmid Lachlan Flower Tim Acheson Michael Morris Oskar Raue Luke Bray

Goal Scorers

Oskar Raue - 3 Julian Luciano - 2 William Engelman - 1 Harry McDiarmid - 1 Michael Morris - 1 Julian Oey - 1 Frazer Renu - 1

Match Report

MPD -R2

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 10:55 am - MKO1

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 10:55 am - MKO1

G B Score
PENNO 10 10 70
Manly 6 8 44
G B (Q1) ST
0 2 (2) 2
2 2 (14) 14
G B (Q2) ST
3 5 (23) 25
1 4 (10) 24
G B (Q3) ST
6 1 (37) 62
0 2 (2) 26
G B (Q4) ST
1 2 (8) 70
3 0 (18) 44
G B (Q1) ST
0 2 (2) 2
2 2 (14) 14
G B (Q2) ST
3 5 (23) 25
1 4 (10) 24
G B (Q3) ST
6 1 (37) 62
0 2 (2) 26
G B (Q4) ST
1 2 (8) 70
3 0 (18) 44

Best Players

Nick Hey Cooper Lee Andrew Murdoch Henry Williams Stephen Wray Cameron Mitchell

Goal Scorers

Nick Hey - 5 Darcy Carnahan - 2 Liam Everett - 1 Oscar Irwin - 1 Cooper Lee - 1

Stats Link

https://stats.isports.net.au/league/24/season/56/match-report?id=2183

Match Report

After a slow start on Saturday, the group showed outstanding resilience and composure to come away with a strong 26-point win over Manly, a result that marks a significant turnaround from previous encounters in our first home game at Mike Kenny Oval for 2026.
With seven changes to the side from the previous week, there was a fresh look to the team, including late inclusions Regan Pinker and Henry “Chook” Williams. Pinker returned for his first Premier Division game in five years, a testament to his commitment across the pre-season, while Williams made his debut at the level and would go on to have a major impact on the contest.
Manly made the most of the conditions early, taking advantage of the breeze in the first quarter to open up a two-goal lead at the first break. Given the last time the two sides met at Weldon Oval resulted in a 23-goal defeat, not many across AFL Sydney would have expected the response that followed, making Saturday’s 26-point win a remarkable 164-point turnaround.
From quarter time onwards, the momentum began to shift.
By half time, the boys had lifted their intensity, found their rhythm, and squared the ledger heading into the main break.
The third quarter proved decisive.
Nick Hey led the charge in a best-on-ground performance, finishing with five goals and providing a constant presence up forward. Cooper Lee, awarded Players’ Player for his influence across the day, produced one of the moments of the match with a sensational goal from beyond 50 that lifted the group and set the tone for what followed.
Not long after, it was Gus Lee’s relentless hunger in the forward 50 that broke Manly’s resistance, attacking the contest with intent and setting up Darcy Carnahan for his second goal at the top of the square. That passage typified the mindset of the group as we piled on six unanswered goals to take control of the game in the third quarter.
Behind the ball, the defensive unit was outstanding, holding Manly to under 50 points in a disciplined and composed performance. Henry “Chook” Williams, awarded the Coaches Award, was exceptional in his debut, showing composure well beyond his experience and repeatedly repelling Manly’s forward entries.
He was well supported by Andrew Murdoch in just his third Premier Division game, alongside Stephen Wray and Cameron Mitchell, who played a key role in limiting Manly’s dangerous forward Kale Gabila to just one goal.
To Manly’s credit, they responded in the final quarter, but the boys showed real maturity to steady under pressure. With composure in key moments and a collective team effort, we were able to hold firm and close out the game to secure a 26-point win.
It was a performance built on belief, resilience, and contribution across the entire board — highlighted by the impact of new and returning players, with due recognition of standout individual efforts, and a third-quarter surge that ultimately proved the difference against quality opposition.
Now that we've had a taste of singing the song we're keen to go again this weekend against our local rival, East Coast at Bruce Purser Reserve this coming Saturday afternoon.

Videos

Q1

https://youtu.be/az6o2__gN-Y

Q2

https://youtu.be/levr0-HRjB8

Q3

https://youtu.be/8Y2BkyWxMY8

Q4

https://youtu.be/XYipR-Y9rdA

MD3 -R1

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 21:00 pm - MKO1

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 21:00 pm - MKO1

G B Score
PENNO 6 9 45
UNSW 11 11 77
G B (Q1) ST
1 1 (7) 7
2 2 (14) 14
G B (Q2) ST
2 3 (15) 22
2 3 (15) 29
G B (Q3) ST
2 3 (15) 37
2 4 (16) 45
G B (Q4) ST
1 2 (8) 45
5 2 (32) 77
G B (Q1) ST
1 1 (7) 7
2 2 (14) 14
G B (Q2) ST
2 3 (15) 22
2 3 (15) 29
G B (Q3) ST
2 3 (15) 37
2 4 (16) 45
G B (Q4) ST
1 2 (8) 45
5 2 (32) 77

Best Players

Joshua Natoli Oran Carty Jenson Raue Luc White Sebastian Charon Jacob Adams

Goal Scorers

Jacob Adams - 2 Josh Mott - 2 Liam Hardman - 1 Bill O’Brien - 1

Match Report

ROUND 1 - Pennant Hills Demons (6.9.45) were defeated by UNSW Bulldogs (11.11.77) – Saturday 11th of April. Mike Kenny Oval

MATCH REPORT

Round 1 saw Div 3 kick off a full round of home fixtures against a historically tough rival in UNSW. After strong pre seasons Jake Condon, Bill O'Brien, Oran Carty, Matt Brown & Seb Charon were all given an opportunity to represent Pennant Hills in their first senior game for the club.

The first quarter represented a hot start as both sides were engaged in a game that resembled basketball with the footy moving from end to end. Bill was able to take a contested mark in the goal square and converted for the first goal of the game. UNSW were able to respond quickly and quickly kicked 2 goals to give them a narrow lead at Qtr time.

At the break the group reset and focused on taking some sting out of the game and getting the game more on our terms with more contested footy. The subtle change in tactics was effective and for the next two quarters we were able to match UNSW and looked like the better side for large periods during that time.

Unfortunately in the last qtr the tempo of the game caught up with us and we were unable to match the intensity which saw UNSW convert their opportunities running away with the game by 5 goals.

Post the game the mood was extremely upbeat with alot of positives to take out of the match that we will be able to build on moving on to next week against Camden

Playing his first game Oran (nickname Spicy) was best on ground bringing both alot of aggressive as well as plenty of run and dash. Spicy has quickly become a team favourite and this won't be the last time we see him amongst the best
Div 3 regulars in Natoli, Jenson & Whitey continued to be ever reliable leading the team by example with a consistent 4 qtr efforts and a shout out to Sebastian who in his first senior game essentially rucked for a full game in the heat.

BEST: Oran Carty, Josh Natoli, Jenson Raue, Luc White, Sebastian Charon, Jacob Adams
GOAL KICKERS: Jacob Adams 2, Josh Mott 2, Liam Hardman 1, Bill O'Brien 1


Josh Mott
WD3 -R1

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 09:00 am - MKO lower

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 09:00 am - MKO lower

G B Score
PENNO 1 1 7
Mac Uni 2 3 15
G B (Q1) ST
0 0 (0) 0
0 1 (1) 1
G B (Q2) ST
0 0 (0) 0
0 0 (0) 1
G B (Q3) ST
0 0 (0) 0
1 2 (8) 9
G B (Q4) ST
1 1 (7) 7
1 0 (6) 15
G B (Q1) ST
0 0 (0) 0
0 1 (1) 1
G B (Q2) ST
0 0 (0) 0
0 0 (0) 1
G B (Q3) ST
0 0 (0) 0
1 2 (8) 9
G B (Q4) ST
1 1 (7) 7
1 0 (6) 15

Best Players

Mollie Faehrmann Sienna Lindsay Sophie Pendlebury Lillian Ward Claudia D’Ambros Molly Maguire

Goal Scorers

Sophie Pendlebury - 1

Match Report

Round 1 and we were all excited for what the match would bring. The nervous energy was way up and we knew that the first to control this and execute their plan would most likely take the chocolates.

The game started very congested. Our application to the ball and support for each other was excellent. As a team we played way more for each other than the opposition. We were attacking the ball hard and trying to get it to the outside open play. Our execution let us down here and it was a close quarter, physical tussle for two quarters.

In the third quarter, unfortunately, Mac Uni opened the game up to their advantage first. This resulted in the goal that would be the difference.

Some amazonian efforts saw great pressure applied and no easy game for the opposition. Lillian Ward's second and third efforts seeing them turn over to our favour, Molly Maguire's defensive interceptions, passages of uncontested possession and some awesome support run and carry were all on display from our back five.

The midfield being well served by our rucks, Quads and Sienna worked really hard to get us started with clearances. I am sure on a count we won here. Laura, Kellie, Pendles, Claudia, Natalie (unfortunately broke her wrist doubling up in Prems), Maddi, Bronte and Sophie all rotating through.

I would love a time count on time the ball spent in our forward line, because although we can work on forward delivery and holding marks, the forward pressure to keep the ball in our attacking 50 was outstanding. Well done Elise, Eliza being lynch pins there. Then our outside pace by Louisa, Zara, Mia showed they will be hard to contain when we improve clean delivery.

Congratulations to the girls. Although losing by a goal, we have taken so much from this game. We will work on that composure and execution in contested space. We know we can be at and win the ball first. Effective execution and then and run and gun with the pace we have will serve us well.

Congratulations. A great base line on which we build.
WU20 -R01

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 10:45 am - MKO2 - Lower Ground

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 10:45 am - MKO2 - Lower Ground

G B Score
PENNO 2 1 13
Manly 7 13 55
G B (Q1) ST
1 0 (6) 6
2 3 (15) 15
G B (Q2) ST
1 1 (7) 13
1 4 (10) 25
G B (Q3) ST
0 0 (0) 13
1 4 (10) 35
G B (Q4) ST
0 0 (0) 13
3 2 (20) 55
G B (Q1) ST
1 0 (6) 6
2 3 (15) 15
G B (Q2) ST
1 1 (7) 13
1 4 (10) 25
G B (Q3) ST
0 0 (0) 13
1 4 (10) 35
G B (Q4) ST
0 0 (0) 13
3 2 (20) 55

Best Players

Sierra Timms Charlee Jones Mollie Faehrmann Ella Gillard Rachel Price Amber Reveley

Goal Scorers

Rachel Price - 1 Mia McGregor - 1

Match Report

Pennant Hills AFC
Inaugural Women’s U20s Match Report
Good things come to those who wait — and Penno has waited more than a hot minute to field its first Women’s U20s side.
The significance of this team can’t be understated. Just as our Men’s U19s program has become a critical pathway into senior football, this group represents the future of our women’s program — a place to grow, belong, and build.
And what a day to begin.
Mike Kenny Oval turned it on — lush green grass, blue skies, and perfect autumn sunshine. The stage was set.
The brief for the day was simple:
Have fun. Compete hard. And… learn each other’s names.
Yes — this group of 17 girls hadn’t yet had the chance to properly train together.
We took the field with a mix of excitement and nerves. For some, it was their first ever game of AFL. For others, they brought over 100 games of experience. A true mix — exactly what this program is about.
We were also thrilled to welcome three of our North West Lightning girls — Georgia, Lucy and Kate — who added energy and class. There’s some serious talent coming through our junior ranks.
A special mention to Mollie, Claudia, Mia, Sienna and Sophie, who backed up after playing in the Women’s Division 3 match earlier in the day. Their willingness to support both teams speaks volumes about the culture we’re building.
With no shared training, no established structures, and no time to implement game plans, we simply asked the group to compete.
And what followed?
Wow. Just… wow.
What we saw was effort, courage, and a genuine willingness to have a crack for each other.
While the scoreboard didn’t fall our way (2.1 – 13 to 7.13 – 55), the result doesn’t tell the story.
This team is full of raw ingredients — enthusiasm, resilience, and untapped potential. And like any good recipe, it’s only a matter of time before it all comes together.
? Top Six
Our inaugural top six set the tone with their effort, intent, and willingness to compete:
Sierra Timms, Charlee Jones, Mollie Faehrmann, Ella Gillard, Rachel Price, Amber Reveley
A special shoutout to Dan and Alex, who came to support their U17 NWL girls and ended up jumping in as runner and water carrier — absolute legends. That’s what club footy is all about.
This is just the beginning.
And if day one is anything to go by, the future of Women’s footy at Pennant Hills is in very, very good hands.
#BuiltNotBought #ThePlaceYoudRatherBe ? ? ? ?


MD1 -R2

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 15:05 pm - MKO1

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 15:05 pm - MKO1

G B Score
PENNO 10 8 68
Manly 4 11 35
G B (Q1) ST
3 3 (21) 21
1 2 (8) 8
G B (Q2) ST
3 2 (20) 41
2 1 (13) 21
G B (Q3) ST
2 1 (13) 54
1 3 (9) 30
G B (Q4) ST
2 2 (14) 68
0 5 (5) 35
G B (Q1) ST
3 3 (21) 21
1 2 (8) 8
G B (Q2) ST
3 2 (20) 41
2 1 (13) 21
G B (Q3) ST
2 1 (13) 54
1 3 (9) 30
G B (Q4) ST
2 2 (14) 68
0 5 (5) 35

Best Players

Pat Witt Jack Lucas Kalan Murray Harvey Barrett Roman de Vallance Matthew Carey

Goal Scorers

Kalan Murray - 4 Lachlan Boyd - 2 Zac Morris - 2 Regan Pinker - 1 Henry Toczydlowski - 1

Match Report

If ever there was a day to showcase Pennant Hills footy, Saturday at Mike Kenny Oval was it.

The ground looked an absolute treat, the sun was out, the canteen was doing strong numbers, and the Demons ran out at home ready for business. With six changes from our Round 1 side, there was plenty of intrigue heading into the match — and as it turned out, plenty to like by the final siren.

By the end of the afternoon, Pennant Hills had secured a convincing 10.8 (68) to 4.11 (35) win over a stubborn Manly outfit. A 33 point margin that reflected steady control rather than an easy cruise.

From the opening bounce it was clear we were up for a contest. Manly never stopped coming and played the role of the classic annoying gnat — just when you thought you’d shaken them off, they were back again, buzzing around and refusing to let us relax. Credit to them for their persistence and competitiveness throughout the game.

Despite that pressure, our boys maintained composure and structure from the outset. There were moments where polish wasn’t perfect (early season football will do that), but the intent and effort never dipped.

One of the standout features of the day was our ruck dominance. Roman de Vallance and Squid were immense, giving our midfield first use time and again. Their work around stoppage laid the foundation for much of what followed, allowing us to play the game in our forward half for large stretches.

When the ball went forward, the forward line looked dangerous and — more importantly — functional. Squid was in outstanding form, finishing with four goals and providing a constant contest. His work rate and presence made life hard for Manly defenders all afternoon, earning him the $50 Flex Player of the Day.

Boyd chipped in with two goals, continuing his strong early season form, while Zac M added two of his own, making the most of his opportunities. Pinks and HT also found the scoreboard, rounding out a forward group that shared the load and applied consistent pressure.

What pleased the coaching group most was the balance — strong aerial contests, smart ground level pressure, and forwards working up the ground to create options. When one avenue closed, another appeared.

Through the middle, the group worked hard all day. While Manly brought plenty of heat around the contest, our mids stuck to their roles and trusted the system. Clean exits, repeat efforts, and smart decisions under pressure allowed us to control momentum without needing to chase the game.

Jack Lucas was influential both ways, earning him the $50 Coaches Award. His composure and work rate stood out, particularly when the game threatened to become scrappy.

Kalan Murray, Harvey Barrett, and Matt Carey all contributed strongly, ensuring we didn’t lose traction when rotations came into play.

A special mention needs to go to the backline, which quietly produced one of the most pleasing aspects of the win.

With the unit made up largely of traditionally Div 3 players and newly graduated Under 19s, this was an area that tested us on paper. What we got instead was a rock steady defensive effort built on discipline, communication, and trust.

They held their shape, applied consistent pressure, and forced Manly wide and long. Add Wombat’s experience and leadership into the mix, and suddenly the group looked settled well beyond its collective experience.

The standout among them was Patrick Witt, whose blend of class and brutality added a physical edge without sacrificing composure. Paddy’s performance earned him a deserved $50 Player of the Day and set the tone defensively.

This was a really solid team performance, particularly given the number of changes from our opening game. The ruck division gave us ascendancy, the forward line was relentless, and the backline showed maturity beyond its years.

Manly deserves credit — they never rolled over and kept pushing all day. But our ability to stay patient, trust our structures, and absorb pressure proved telling.

Looking ahead, the next three rounds are going to test us — no doubt about that. With multiple inclusions predicted as early as next week, there’s excitement building around what this group can become if we continue to build.

The coaching group is very pleased with where we’re heading. The foundation is there, the depth is emerging, and the competition for spots is just warming up.

Enjoy the win, enjoy the recovery, and let’s get ready for the challenges ahead. Up the Demons.

Videos

Q1

https://youtu.be/v5ObEVjTpQE

Q2

https://youtu.be/Xr-v6G2uBtw

Q3

https://youtu.be/qCNh3cxSmak

Q4

https://youtu.be/SxL89SPH3pc

MU19D2 -R1

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 12:30 pm - MKO lower

11 Apr 2026 Sat - 12:30 pm - MKO lower

G B Score
PENNO 8 9 57
Manly 9 10 64
G B (Q1) ST
0 3 (3) 3
3 4 (22) 22
G B (Q2) ST
2 1 (13) 16
2 0 (12) 34
G B (Q3) ST
1 2 (8) 24
3 5 (23) 57
G B (Q4) ST
5 3 (33) 57
1 1 (7) 64
G B (Q1) ST
0 3 (3) 3
3 4 (22) 22
G B (Q2) ST
2 1 (13) 16
2 0 (12) 34
G B (Q3) ST
1 2 (8) 24
3 5 (23) 57
G B (Q4) ST
5 3 (33) 57
1 1 (7) 64

Best Players

Nicholas Price Hunter Gaunt Lincoln Kellett Hugh Lucas Maximus Baker Matthew Orchard

Goal Scorers

Hugh Lucas - 2 Hunter Gaunt - 1 Noah Hoffman - 1 Lincoln Kellett - 1 Nicholas Price - 1 Ethan Spratt - 1

Match Report

Wowee! Round 1 was a long wait but well worth it, but although we didn’t come home with the chocolates, we’ve learnt a lot and achieved some important things as a team – belief.
The D2 squad is in it’s infancy when we think about it – many on debut with the senior club from U17s, quite a few from the D1 squad that missed out on selection and our experienced stalwarts returning from the 2025 season – our job this early in the season is to learn about each other under match pressure, gel as a team and make sure we all feel like we belong. Players that trust each other do the hard things for each other, and that’s what we needed a bit more of today right from the get go. Our last quarter gave the coaching staff and supporters strong hope for a strong season.
The match in a nutshell: we were jumped early by an undermanned Manly but if we could only have bought another 3 minutes, our steam rolling last quarter would have seen us victors.
1st Qtr: An attacking team structure took to the field and received a wake up call from the Manly side who wanted the ball and were prepared to go body on body more than we did. The Dees could only manage 3 behinds for the period and conceded 3 goals 4 behinds – some due to rookie errors like not manning up, tentative kicks across the face of goal in defence, and the devil 666 rule = my bad, but we’ll learn. I’m guilty of going in more confident than I should have, but we adapted, made some moves and reset for the second quarter.
2nd Qtr: A far more composed and earnest Demons team took to the field and narrowly won the quarter kicking 2 goals 1 behind to 2 straight. This was somewhat settling going into half time anticipating that the limited Manly bench would see them fade away in the premiership quarter…
3rd Qtr: …but alas that wasn’t to be, with a refreshed Manly side slamming on 3 goals 5 behinds to our 1 goal 2, leaving us 33 points down at the last change. Seemingly insurmountable if you didn’t ‘believe’ like the lads didn’t know they did yet!
4th Qtr: At 3qtr time we asked the lads to dig deep and focus on doing 2 hard things each; that’s 40+ contest winning & team support efforts that would add up. The depth of our bench was a god send as the hot dry conditions cramped up some lads who ended up on the physio bench. Notwithstanding the deficit, more and more lads were really starting to play to their strengths and winning contests that mattered. Hunter was winning taps, Nicky P winning the pill off the ground and making the oppo earn every touch, Hughey Lucas going for a trot on his wing & bagging some sausage rolls, Brad P putting his body on the line, Spratty and Maxy presenting leads and creating scoreboard opportunities, Julian’s forward pressure keeping us in the game, Lincoln turning it on in the middle and doing some of those ‘Linc’ things he does, Ryder running his guts out, Matty O & Phoenix showing mongrel in defence, Lukey setting up some flows into attack, Noah Lucca imposing himself up forward and down back. A key turning point for me was a gutsy grab from Noah the Hoff running back into the pack and then setting up a major – we’d already pegged back a couple of goals to that point but the whole team lifted from then on with us kicking 5 goals 3 to 1 goal 1 for the quarter, but alas we ran out of time. We should believe that we can match it with the bigger bodied boys and believe we can run down a deficit – bloody well done, we’re really proud of the turnaround!
An exciting finish indeed; hence the ‘Wowee’ at the start of the report
Majors racked up by: Hugh 2, singles from Lincoln, Hunter, Ryder, Spratty & Nicky P
Best: NickyP, Hunter, Lincoln, Maxy and Hughey Lucas and the News.
Big thanks to Kylie C and Lucas K for stepping in to get us on the paddock and Noah, Harry for their D2 experience on the sidelines.

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With over 50 locations across Australia and New Zealand, the ARA Group delivers fully integrated essential services for infrastructure and facilities. ARA has approximately 3,000 employees working across our four operating Divisions, Fire & Security, Elec
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Sports club management and athlete tracking systems that simplify and streamline club admin and coaching tasks with a reduced volunteer and staff headcount.
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At Ritera Electrical Wholesaler, we offer a comprehensive range of quality products which includes cables, power points, lighting, conduits and more. We really are the your one and only electrical stop.
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Stonebraker Lawyers is a law firm with offices in Windsor and Sydney CBD, providing Commercial and Business Law, Rural and Agribusiness Law, Commercial and Civil Litigation, Property and Conveyancing, and Wills and Estates.
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FIXTURES


Date Div Round Start Home Away Ground Address Video Live
18-04-2026 MU19D2 R2 9:00AM St George Pennant Hills Kelso Park North Panania
18-04-2026 MAS R1 2:40PM UTS Pennant Hills MKO1 Shepherds Dr Cherrybrook
18-04-2026 MD1 R3 2:20PM Camden Pennant Hills Fairfax reserve Sir Warwick Fairfax Dr Harrington Park
18-04-2026 MPD R3 1:40PM East Coast Pennant Hills Kanebridge Oval Withers rd, Rouse Hill Yes Yes
18-04-2026 MD5 R2 1:30PM North Shore Pennant Hills Gore Hill Oval Pacific Hwy St Leonards
18-04-2026 MD3 R2 12:30PM Camden Pennant Hills Fairfax Reserve Sir Warwick Fairfax dr Harrington Park
18-04-2026 WPD R3 12:00PM East Coast Pennant Hills Kanebridge Oval Withers rd, Rouse Hill Yes Yes
18-04-2026 WU20 R2 11:50AM North Shore Pennant Hills Gore Hill Oval Pacific Hwy St Leonards
18-04-2026 MU19D1 R3 10:10AM East Coast Pennant Hills Kanebridge Oval Withers rd, Rouse Hill Yes
18-04-2026 WD3 R2 10:10AM North Shore Pennant Hills Gore Hill Oval 209 pacific Hwy St Leonards