Heartbeat Issue #12 - The Mid Way Point

Welcome to Heartbeat Issue #12 for the 2026 Season.
Last weekend saw us return home to Mike Kenny Oval, with most of our teams playing against North Shore.

There was some great games of football on display - unfortunately North Shore got the better of us on the day in most of the games. The day was topped off with our Men's Under 19s Div 1 team beating North Shore under lights. 

All scores and stats for each of the games can be seen below, with reports from the coaches. 

This weekend sees us back on the road, with most of the Club playing against UNSW. With the prediction of some rain, please keep an eye on the status of games as some ground closures could be possible. 

We kicked off the weekend with our U19 Division 2 Men taking on the North Shore Bombers (2nd vs 3rd ladder clash) on the Mike Kenny Oval Top Oval, where we came away with a 11.10.76 to 2.4.16 victory. 

Whichever team you follow, please get out and support the Demons this weekend as we continue through the second half of the season and run into the finals. 

Go D's. 
Date : 24 Jun 2026 (Wed)

Location : MKO Clubrooms
Address : Greenway Park, Cherrybrook
Stewart Woodward
President
0410 042 076
president@phafl.com.au

Upcoming Events


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Match Results

MD5 -R10

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 12:30 pm - MKO lower

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 12:30 pm - MKO lower

G B Score
PENNO 4 1 25
Balmain 11 11 77
G B (Q1) ST
1 0 (6) 6
3 3 (21) 21
G B (Q2) ST
0 0 (0) 6
4 2 (26) 47
G B (Q3) ST
3 0 (18) 24
3 1 (19) 66
G B (Q4) ST
0 1 (1) 25
1 5 (11) 77
G B (Q1) ST
1 0 (6) 6
3 3 (21) 21
G B (Q2) ST
0 0 (0) 6
4 2 (26) 47
G B (Q3) ST
3 0 (18) 24
3 1 (19) 66
G B (Q4) ST
0 1 (1) 25
1 5 (11) 77

Best Players

Luke Bray Bill O’Brien Julian Luciano Tim Acheson Samuel Macauley Adam Wagner

Goal Scorers

Samuel Macauley - 2 william `coe - 1 Oskar Raue - 1

Match Report
WD3 -R10

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 10:45 am - MKO lower

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 10:45 am - MKO lower

G B Score
PENNO 2 0 12
Balmain 5 4 34
G B (Q1) ST
0 0 (0) 0
2 2 (14) 14
G B (Q2) ST
1 0 (6) 6
0 1 (1) 15
G B (Q3) ST
0 0 (0) 6
2 1 (13) 28
G B (Q4) ST
1 0 (6) 12
1 0 (6) 34
G B (Q1) ST
0 0 (0) 0
2 2 (14) 14
G B (Q2) ST
1 0 (6) 6
0 1 (1) 15
G B (Q3) ST
0 0 (0) 6
2 1 (13) 28
G B (Q4) ST
1 0 (6) 12
1 0 (6) 34

Best Players

Jessica Nagy Nikki O Neill Sophie Pendlebury Lillian Ward Emma Dunn Amy Fajemisin

Goal Scorers

Amy Fajemisin - 1 Mia McGregor - 1

Match Report

This game saw a quarter by quarter battle with the team who came out more determined to win the first use of the ball winning the quarter. Unfortunately we started a reactionary game, waiting to adapt to what Balmain did seeing them get first use and finish the quarter 2 goals up. In the second quarter it was us who wanted to dictate and so we did. Some hard ball win and then excellent use saw the quarter played in our forward territory. We struggled to convert though and finished the quarter gaining one goal back and keeping Balmain to one point only. Unfortunately, Balmain stole the initiative back in the second and scored the two goals that would see them home at the end of the game. In typical Pennant Hills play we never gave up or went away and again dominated control in the last quarter but could only again steal back the one goal. Some outstanding backline play by Lucy and Mollie intercepted and converted to attack much of Balmain push.

Welcoming Jess Nagy into the team, after a few seasons off after juniors, was awesome. Jess provided a tall marking capability who gave us further attacking depth. Amy Fajemisin in her first time as a rucking role, rotating forward was dangerous all over the ground, winning the players player votes. Mia has really stepped her football up and is a hard attacking half back who can also go forward and kick goals. Dangerous and reliable saw her getting a lot of attention from the opposition. Our wings of Tiarne and Louisa grow each week and transition from defense to attack rapidly, there pace making them threatening on the outside. Lillian Ward also a great link player can defend and attack. Georgia laid the strongest, team inspiring, tackle of the year and rebounded quickly to create another attacking foray and showed the fight this squad has. Our Captain, Pendles, again, was dangerous around the stoppages and got us going forward many times.

Unfortunately we didn't sustain the hunger of first use of the ball as long as Balmain was the difference. But we learn that with four quarters of our determined fight and our attacking ability we can hold it with the best. Balmain go to second on the ladder and we will take the learnings to win back a finals spot. Some extremely pleasing signs and the support from our home crowd was awesome (Thank you Divvy 5 boys).

Onwards and upwards for this squad.

Todd Williams - WD3 Coach
MD1 -R10

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 10:55 am - MKO1

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 10:55 am - MKO1

G B Score
PENNO 8 5 53
North Shore 10 8 68
G B (Q1) ST
4 1 (25) 25
2 2 (14) 14
G B (Q2) ST
1 2 (8) 33
1 2 (8) 22
G B (Q3) ST
1 2 (8) 41
5 4 (34) 56
G B (Q4) ST
2 0 (12) 53
2 0 (12) 68
G B (Q1) ST
4 1 (25) 25
2 2 (14) 14
G B (Q2) ST
1 2 (8) 33
1 2 (8) 22
G B (Q3) ST
1 2 (8) 41
5 4 (34) 56
G B (Q4) ST
2 0 (12) 53
2 0 (12) 68

Best Players

Pat Witt Zac Morris Jack Lucas Joshua Bartlett Zac Elliott Damian Ballard

Goal Scorers

Kalan Murray - 3 Damian Ballard - 1 Joshua Bartlett - 1 Zac Elliott - 1 Oscar Keyes - 1 Zac Morris - 1

Match Report

A tough one to swallow on the weekend, going down to the ladder leaders North Shore Bombers, 8.5 (53) to 10.8 (68), but there is plenty to be proud of from a performance that showed real grit and character.

From the outset, the group brought the right intent. The first half was exactly the brand of footy we’ve been building towards—hard at the contest, disciplined around the ball, and willing to take the game on. To hold North Shore to just 3.4 (22) at halftime while we put up 5.3 (33) was a reflection of our defensive structure and collective buy-in. We controlled territory well and gave ourselves every chance against a very strong outfit.

The third quarter proved decisive. North Shore were able to open the game up, adding 5.4 (34) in that period, which ultimately created the gap. While that run hurt us on the scoreboard, the response from our group late in the game was important—we stuck to task, fought it out, and refused to let the game blow out. That resilience is something we can build on.

It’s important to highlight that this performance came without several key top-end players available, which makes the effort even more commendable. The depth and willingness of this group to step up against the benchmark side in the competition speaks volumes about where we’re heading. To push the ladder leaders the way we did, despite those absences, shows we are not far off.

There were some strong individual contributions.
• Zac Morris and Patrick Witt were consistent all day and worked tirelessly around the contest.
• Jack Lucas and Joshua Bartlett provided drive and presence, particularly in the first half where we dictated terms.
• Zac Elliott and Damian Ballard also played their roles and contributed to a team-first performance.

What stood out most was the collective effort—this was a genuine team performance built on effort, pressure, and accountability.
While there is definitely a sense of disappointment given how close we were to a genuine upset—a near “Goliath” performance—the overriding feeling should be belief. We have proven that when we bring our system and intensity for four quarters, we can match it with the best side in the competition.

Looking ahead, this level sets a clear standard. If we can replicate that effort and consistency against teams around and below us on the ladder, we give ourselves every opportunity to string wins together and build momentum into the back half of the season.

The message is simple: Stay the course, trust the system, and bring that same intensity every week. If we do that, results will follow.

Jeff Hardman - MD1 Coach

Videos

Q1

https://youtu.be/LwgGCOBHTLA

Q2

https://youtu.be/NY3FG0asCow

Q3

https://youtu.be/EA6lL1loW7s

Q4

https://youtu.be/uZJJcdXHf18

MU19D1 -R10

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 17:10 pm - MKO1

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 17:10 pm - MKO1

G B Score
PENNO 12 16 88
North Shore 8 4 52
G B (Q1) ST
4 4 (28) 28
0 2 (2) 2
G B (Q2) ST
3 4 (22) 50
3 0 (18) 20
G B (Q3) ST
4 4 (28) 78
3 0 (18) 38
G B (Q4) ST
1 4 (10) 88
2 2 (14) 52
G B (Q1) ST
4 4 (28) 28
0 2 (2) 2
G B (Q2) ST
3 4 (22) 50
3 0 (18) 20
G B (Q3) ST
4 4 (28) 78
3 0 (18) 38
G B (Q4) ST
1 4 (10) 88
2 2 (14) 52

Best Players

Jacob Lackas Cooper Smith Henry Williams Joshua Chapple Eamon Macauley William Arrowsmith

Match Report
WU20 -R10

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 09:00 am - MKO lower

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 09:00 am - MKO lower

G B Score
PENNO 4 5 29
North Shore 8 6 54
G B (Q1) ST
1 4 (10) 10
1 1 (7) 7
G B (Q2) ST
0 0 (0) 10
4 0 (24) 31
G B (Q3) ST
2 1 (13) 23
1 1 (7) 38
G B (Q4) ST
1 0 (6) 29
2 4 (16) 54
G B (Q1) ST
1 4 (10) 10
1 1 (7) 7
G B (Q2) ST
0 0 (0) 10
4 0 (24) 31
G B (Q3) ST
2 1 (13) 23
1 1 (7) 38
G B (Q4) ST
1 0 (6) 29
2 4 (16) 54

Best Players

Jemima Graham Bree Hirst Charlotte Denney Matilda Brown Caitlin Gurney Greta Clatworthy

Goal Scorers

Greta Clatworthy - 2 Matilda Brown - 1 Bree Hirst - 1

Match Report

Mike Kenny did it again! An absolutely glorious morning for footy. Sunshine, little wind and Mike Kenny Oval putting on its best grass and best vibes.

Q1 – Wrestle Time
Our girls came together again, with a strong Northwest Lightning representation and a terrific turnout of true-age U20 players ready to take on a talented NSB side. From the opening bounce, the contest was fierce. We matched NSB at the source, applied strong pressure around the ball and established a healthy forward 50 presence. Five scoring shots to two told the story of a side prepared to compete and willing to back its contest work. At quarter time, we held a deserved lead, 1.4 (10) to 1.1 (7).

Q2 – Open Players
The second quarter brought plenty of learning. NSB found greater access to players in space and began linking possessions together, creating opportunities to move the ball quickly into attack. Four accurate scoring shots helped them build momentum while we were held scoreless for the term. As our style of play continues to evolve around close contest work and controlling the game at the source, this quarter highlighted the next step in our development journey: what happens after we win the footy. We don't lose. We learn. At the main break, we trailed 1.4 (10) to 5.1 (31).

Half Time – Composure
Across the women's programme we have introduced three key themes:
• Own the ball at source.
• Control the contest.
• Treasure possession.

Half time gave us an opportunity to focus on composure and ball security. Our ability to win the contest remains a strength. The challenge ahead was making our next disposal purposeful and ensuring we valued every possession we earned.

Q3 – Theme in Action
Our girls took the field with a clear understanding of the task ahead. Jemima and Bree continued their strong work at the source, while Caitlin and Charlotte applied relentless pressure around the contest. Their efforts helped bring the ball into what we call our "treasure chest" — the place where we cherish possession and look for purposeful use. The result was some of our most composed football of the morning. Three scoring shots to two saw us apply scoreboard pressure and edge our way back into the contest. At three-quarter time, we had narrowed the margin to 3.5 (23) to 6.2 (38).

Q4 – Training Together
We are a team that comes together once a week — on game day. Building game style, structure and connection happens largely through playing together, and against well-established sides that train regularly, that can sometimes present challenges. NSB's ball movement and handball chains began to create space in the final term, generating scoreboard pressure that proved difficult to contain. While we adjusted roles and found another goal ourselves, the margin ultimately stretched beyond reach. The quarter also provided valuable learning opportunities as we continue preparing for next week's clash against UNSW.

Final Result
The final siren saw the Demons U20s fall short on the scoreboard but never in effort, going down 4.5 (29) to 8.6 (54). Our ability to compete at the source remains a genuine strength and our football identity continues to emerge as this inaugural group grows together.

Final Words
Source. Contest. Security. Across our women's programme, three themes continue to guide how we play and how we develop:
• Own the ball at source.
• Control the contest.
• Treasure possession.
The exciting part is that these are no longer simply coaching messages. They are beginning to appear consistently in the way our U20s play. This inaugural group continues to grow each week. Their contest work is strong, their willingness to learn is exceptional and, most importantly, they continue to embrace the challenge of building something new together. We know there is still development ahead. We know there are moments where composure and ball security can improve. But we can also see the foundations of a genuine football identity taking shape. And if we can find more opportunities to train together and continue building connection, trust and understanding, the second half of the season could produce outcomes that seemed a long way away back in Round 1.

One final observation.
Against a side with WPD players backing up, our girls scored:
• 10 points in Q1
• 0 in Q2
• 13 in Q3
• 6 in Q4
That is not the scoring profile of a side being outclassed. That is the scoring profile of a young side learning how to sustain good football for four quarters. There is a big difference between those two stories.

Train together. Play together. Have fun together. This is just the beginning.

#BuiltNotBought #NorthwestFooty #ThePlaceYoudRatherBe

Ian Wilkins - WU20s Coach

Videos

Q1

https://youtu.be/jlTh2kYXL9s

Q2

https://youtu.be/HCMBEZidkVg

Q3

https://youtu.be/xBLw4SXcCow

Q4

https://youtu.be/7PrwkZ75buI

MPD -R10

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 02:45 am - MKO1

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 02:45 am - MKO1

G B Score
PENNO 7 6 48
North Shore 11 7 73
G B (Q1) ST
3 2 (20) 20
3 2 (20) 20
G B (Q2) ST
1 2 (8) 28
0 2 (2) 22
G B (Q3) ST
1 1 (7) 35
5 2 (32) 54
G B (Q4) ST
2 1 (13) 48
3 1 (19) 73
G B (Q1) ST
3 2 (20) 20
3 2 (20) 20
G B (Q2) ST
1 2 (8) 28
0 2 (2) 22
G B (Q3) ST
1 1 (7) 35
5 2 (32) 54
G B (Q4) ST
2 1 (13) 48
3 1 (19) 73

Best Players

Cooper Lee Michael Carroll Ryan Mardling Stephen Wray Benjamin Lamb Cameron Este

Goal Scorers

Oscar Irwin - 3 Josh Stern - 2 Nick Hey - 1 Mitchell Zywietz - 1

Match Report

Videos

Q1

https://youtu.be/xApKAl5ba04

Q2

https://youtu.be/oHICr34lNyI

Q3

https://youtu.be/ffjEQwVpFNw

Q4

https://youtu.be/oJD4UQa9NM8

MU19D2 -R10

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 14:15 pm - MKO2 - Lower Ground

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 14:15 pm - MKO2 - Lower Ground

G B Score
PENNO 3 8 26
Sydney Uni 7 6 48
G B (Q1) ST
1 2 (8) 8
0 1 (1) 1
G B (Q2) ST
0 2 (2) 10
2 2 (14) 15
G B (Q3) ST
2 2 (14) 24
2 1 (13) 28
G B (Q4) ST
0 2 (2) 26
3 2 (20) 48
G B (Q1) ST
1 2 (8) 8
0 1 (1) 1
G B (Q2) ST
0 2 (2) 10
2 2 (14) 15
G B (Q3) ST
2 2 (14) 24
2 1 (13) 28
G B (Q4) ST
0 2 (2) 26
3 2 (20) 48

Best Players

Samuel Condon Hunter Gaunt Nicholas Price Ryder Alley Luke Hallam Noah Luca

Goal Scorers

Ryder Alley - 1 Maximus Baker - 1 Liam Pass - 1

Match Report
WPD -R10

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 13:00 pm - MKO1

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 13:00 pm - MKO1

G B Score
PENNO 0 0 0
North Shore 22 20 152
G B (Q1) ST
0 0 (0) 0
3 7 (25) 25
G B (Q2) ST
0 0 (0) 0
8 2 (50) 75
G B (Q3) ST
0 0 (0) 0
8 4 (52) 127
G B (Q4) ST
0 0 (0) 0
3 7 (25) 152
G B (Q1) ST
0 0 (0) 0
3 7 (25) 25
G B (Q2) ST
0 0 (0) 0
8 2 (50) 75
G B (Q3) ST
0 0 (0) 0
8 4 (52) 127
G B (Q4) ST
0 0 (0) 0
3 7 (25) 152

Best Players

Caitlin Gurney Eliza Michie Allyana Levy Remy Ally Ashleigh Grubba Amelia Bennett

Match Report

There were lots of nerves as we prepared to take on a top 4 side loaded with talent and height. We had to steer the focus to what we could control. That was a ground ball wrestle and valuing the football when won. With the opposition holding a height advantage across the ground we needed to be tough at the contest.

Eliza gave a contest at the jump and the fight was on. Our skip Amelia tackled and fought hard. The opposition run through was strong though and we were fighting in our defensive 50. Some deep entries by the opposition to strong,, tall, long kicking forwards hurt us. But our backs were to be commended for the fight.

Some change ups to even the match ups, as much as we could, enhanced the contest around the ball. Cookie took on their speedster in the middle and negated her impact. We now had more of the contest around the middle of the field. Mini, on return, battled hard, Amelia continued to beast around the contest. To boost the defence and increase the centre ground ball challenge the smallest of our team was put into ruck. Mollie can jump but it was to contest and boost the ground ball wins. Mollie you starred for us in this role.

Our backs Grubb, Remy, Claudi, debutante Allyana, Allie, Greta, Bronte continued to fight in an exhausting battle. Our mids were pushing in to assist and with some outside speedster support from Mack, Tiarne, Laura and Lou we started to get some great chains of football happening. Moving the ball from out of defense to our forward 50 in some uncontested runs was extremely pleasing to see.

The challenge was put to the girls to stem the flow and continue the fight in the last quarter. Anyone watching that quarter would be very proud of this squad. When tired and behind many would give up. We don't. In the last quarter the dominating opposition was held to only 23 points. Their frustration was obvious. We were controlling our controllables.. Again some hard ball wins and effective clearances saw us break out and down the ground multiple times.

Yes, we were beaten by a strong opposition. We were not beaten in heart and fight. We were executing our game style in patches. We will continue to work on building our effective use of the football and scores will come. Right now all can be very proud of the fight, application and persistence all bought. These traits cannot be coached but are highly valued at Penno.

Well done ladies. We continue to work on our skills and effective use of the ball across the ground. This squad has an awesome base upon which we build.

Todd Williams & Ian Wilkins - WPD Coaches

Videos

Q1

https://youtu.be/aj2rbLJ9D1I

Q2

https://youtu.be/s0EgA-r1xNc

Q3

https://youtu.be/5FevnyxXfrw

Q4

https://youtu.be/OwCUd1q_9IA

MD3 -R10

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 09:00 am - MKO1

20 Jun 2026 Sat - 09:00 am - MKO1

G B Score
PENNO 4 6 30
Balmain 9 14 68
G B (Q1) ST
2 3 (15) 15
0 3 (3) 3
G B (Q2) ST
1 0 (6) 21
4 5 (29) 32
G B (Q3) ST
1 2 (8) 29
2 3 (15) 47
G B (Q4) ST
0 1 (1) 30
3 3 (21) 68
G B (Q1) ST
2 3 (15) 15
0 3 (3) 3
G B (Q2) ST
1 0 (6) 21
4 5 (29) 32
G B (Q3) ST
1 2 (8) 29
2 3 (15) 47
G B (Q4) ST
0 1 (1) 30
3 3 (21) 68

Best Players

Tino Manfre Jed Corbett Sebastian Charon Callum Toohey Scott Chapman Michael Morris

Goal Scorers

Josh Mott - 3 Jed Corbett - 1

Match Report

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FIXTURES


Date Div Round Start Home Away Ground Address Video Live
26-06-2026 MU19D2 R11 6:30PM North Shore Pennant Hills MKO1 Shepherds Dr Cherrybrook
27-06-2026 MU19D1 R11 4:20PM UNSW Pennant Hills Henson Park Marrickville
27-06-2026 MD3 R11 3:50PM Camden Pennant Hills Fairfax reserve Sir Warwick Fairfax dr Harrington Park
27-06-2026 MAS R6 2:40PM Manly Pennant Hills Frank Grey Oval Curl Curl
27-06-2026 MPD R11 2:00PM UNSW Pennant Hills Henson Park Marrickville Yes Yes
27-06-2026 WPD R11 12:20PM UNSW Pennant Hills Henson Park Marrickville Yes Yes
27-06-2026 WD3 R11 11:10AM Mac Uni Pennant Hills Mac Uni Oval Culloden rd, Macquarie Park
27-06-2026 MD1 R11 10:20AM UNSW Pennant Hills Henson Park Marrickville
27-06-2026 D5M R11 UNSW Pennant Hills Cancelled