Heartbeat Issue #17 - Home Round on the Home Stretch

Welcome to Heartbeat Issue #17 for the 2026 Season.

Last weekend was beautiful weather for football at MKO, despite the tough results for our teams, most of whom versed Sydney University. Our Men's Division 3 walked away with a well fought victory against Sydney Uni on the lower oval.

We had a number of late changes in some of our teams, which resulted in a lack of stability in our lower division teams with a number of players playing up in higher divisions. Nevertheless, there was some fantastic team displays and individual performances on the weekend.

A special mention and congratulations must go to Kallan Murray, who debuted in our Men's Premier Division side and kicked a major in his debut game.

All scores and reports can be found below.

This weekend we return to MKO, with most of our teams playing at home against St George for Round 15. It is also the official round for 100 Years of the Phelan Medal. The Premier Division game will be livestreamed for those who are unable to make it to the ground. The field will be painted with a special Phelan Medal logo to mark the occassion, and we will also have four of our Club's Phelan Medal Winners - Matt Carey, Stephen Wray, Eddie Ediriwickrama and Kieran Wright - in attendance who will be interviewed at half time.

Please check game times for the most up to date game schedule.

I look forward to seeing you down at MKO supporting our teams against St George.

Go D's.

Date : 29 Jul 2026 (Wed)

Location : MKO Clubrooms

Address : Greenway Park, Cherrybrook

Stewart Woodward
President
0410 042 076
president@phafl.com.au

Upcoming Events

We're inviting all past players, coaches, volunteers, committee members, supporters and club legends to Mike Kenny Oval to celebrate those who have built, shaped and strengthened our club throughout its history. Join us for Round 17 on Saturday 15th of August from 11am to reconnect, share stories, celebrate achievements and honour the generations of contributions that have helped make our great club what it is. Tickets are just $35, and are available now via Athlete Tracker here.

Match Results

MPD -R14

25 Jul 2026 Sat - 14:45 pm - MKO1

	G	B	Score
PENNO	8	11	59
Sydney Uni	17	7	109

G	B	(Q1)	ST
1	4	(10)	10
1	2	(8)	8

G	B	(Q2)	ST
1	5	(11)	21
5	0	(30)	38

G	B	(Q3)	ST
4	1	(25)	46
6	2	(38)	76

G	B	(Q4)	ST
2	1	(13)	59
5	3	(33)	109

G	B	(Q1)	ST
1	4	(10)	10
1	2	(8)	8

G	B	(Q2)	ST
1	5	(11)	21
5	0	(30)	38

G	B	(Q3)	ST
4	1	(25)	46
6	2	(38)	76

G	B	(Q4)	ST
2	1	(13)	59
5	3	(33)	109

Best Players

Cameron Este Ryan Mardling Mitchell Blow Michael Carroll Thomas Edmonds Xavier Russell

Goal Scorers

Mitchell Blow - 3 Charlie Allison - 1 Liam Everett - 1 Kalan Murray - 1 Cooper Smith - 1 Josh Stern - 1

Match Report

It was a challenging afternoon against a strong and polished Sydney University, with the visitors proving too strong.

The opening quarter was an arm wrestle, with both sides finding it difficult to make the most of their opportunities. We trailed by just two points at the first break and remained well in the contest, but Sydney Uni capitalised on their chances in the second term to open up a 17-point lead by half-time.

To the group's credit, they responded strongly after the main break. The third quarter was our most productive of the day, with the boys attacking the contest with greater intensity and putting four goals on the board. While we were able to create opportunities going forward, Sydney Uni continued to respond each time we challenged, maintaining their advantage heading into the final quarter before finishing strongly in the closing stages.

Although the scoreboard wasn't in our favour, there were encouraging signs throughout the game, particularly in the way the group continued to compete and look for opportunities to play our brand of football. These experiences against quality opposition will continue to build the team's growth as we work towards the finals.

Cameron Este, Ryan Mardling, Mitchell Blow, Michael Carroll, Thomas Edmonds and Xavier Russell were among our best contributors on the day. Mitchell Blow was a standout in front of goal with three majors, while Charlie Allison, Liam Everett, Kalan Murray, Cooper Smith and Josh Stern each added a goal.

A special mention must be made to Kalan Murray, who debuted in the Premier Division Side.

Videos

Q1

https://youtu.be/_7Wu4dVNcWQ

Q2

https://youtu.be/ASSUuRS5NT8

Q3

https://youtu.be/Hk08NfXQ58I

Q4

https://youtu.be/S8MjFjSQicU

WPD -R14

25 Jul 2026 Sat - 13:00 pm - MKO1

	G	B	Score
PENNO	0	0	0
Sydney Uni	23	18	156

G	B	(Q1)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
9	2	(56)	56

G	B	(Q2)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
4	5	(29)	85

G	B	(Q3)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
3	9	(27)	112

G	B	(Q4)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
7	2	(44)	156

G	B	(Q1)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
9	2	(56)	56

G	B	(Q2)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
4	5	(29)	85

G	B	(Q3)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
3	9	(27)	112

G	B	(Q4)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
7	2	(44)	156

Best Players

Ashleigh Grubba Remy Ally Ava Clegg Makayla Nassar Lucy Boyd Kate Quadrio

Match Report

An early afternoon start saw us return to a well-worn Mike Kenny Oval after a full morning of football. Half of our WPD side had already completed a tough Division 3 match against Hawkesbury, but after the team photo it was time to roll up our sleeves and get back to work.

Q1 – Find our routine
WPD has been a season of discovery. With so many of our Division 3 girls backing up each week, we've not only been blessed with incredible commitment from across the club but have also created enormous opportunities for player development. Coming up against a top-two side, our objectives remained unchanged. Through both the numbers and the vision we've developed a clear understanding of where our strengths lie and where our next areas of growth are.

USYD started exactly as expected—fast, clean and accurate—booting nine goals straight while our girls worked tirelessly to stem the flow. Although the scoreboard wasn't kind, something far more important began to emerge. We started finding our routine.
Penno 0.0 (0) to USYD 9.2 (56)

Q2 – Be like Quads
Late in the opening quarter Kate "Quads" Quadrio reminded everyone what competitive football looks like. After laying several strong bumps around a centre bounce, the physicality clearly frustrated her opponent, eventually resulting in Quads being pushed to ground. No free kick came. No reward appeared on the scoreboard. But everyone wearing red and blue knew exactly what they had just witnessed. Competitive spirit. Determination. Refusal to be beaten.

Our quarter-time message became wonderfully simple. "Be like Quads." The response was immediate. Returning to our key themes reduced both the number and quality of USYD's scoring opportunities. Although they still finished with nine scoring shots, only four resulted in goals. That resilience continues to define this playing group.
Penno 0.0 (0) to USYD 13.7 (85)

Half Time – Check in
With many players already carrying the workload of a second game, a few positional changes were made and, more importantly, we checked in with everyone. The response was unanimous. No one was giving in.

Q3 – More Quads!
Perhaps the USYD coach expected more. After a 56-point opening quarter, our adjustments had reduced the second quarter to 29 points, and he was clearly asking his players for another level. Our message remained much simpler. More Quads. More contest. More fight.

The girls delivered. USYD generated twelve scoring shots, but our relentless pressure forced them into 3.9 for the quarter. Every player embraced the challenge, continuing to compete despite mounting fatigue.

Week after week we ask these girls to back up, dig deep and give everything they've got. Remarkably......they always do.
Penno 0.0 (0) to USYD 16.16 (112)

Q4 – Fatigue
Holding a quality opposition to another sub-30-point quarter meant one final effort was required. Fatigue was everywhere. Lucy Boyd had come straight from night shift before playing a full Division 3 match. Looking around the ground, every player was carrying heavy legs. Yet nobody stopped competing. Makayla Nassar executed her role superbly, repeatedly charging into contests to slow USYD's ball movement. Ava Clegg produced arguably her best performance of the season with a composed and courageous game across half back. Alongside them, Remy Ally and Ashleigh Grubba continued to repel attack after attack, helping ensure four of our six best players came from the defensive line.

Sometimes the statistics tell you where the football was played. Our Best tells you who refused to surrender.
Final Score
Pennant Hills 0.0 (0)
USYD 23.18 (156)

Our Best
• Ashleigh Grubba
• Remy Ally
• Ava Clegg
• Makayla Nassar
• Lucy Boyd
• Kate Quadrio

Final Words
This football club continues to ask extraordinary things of this group. Playing two games in one day. Backing up week after week. Changing roles. Supporting teammates. Putting the club ahead of themselves. There aren't many scoreboards that measure those things.

But they matter. Because they are the standards that build footballers, teammates and culture.

Continue to believe. Train together. Play together. Have fun together.

MD5 -R14

25 Jul 2026 Sat - 12:30 pm - MKO lower

	G	B	Score
PENNO	5	6	36
SWS	10	9	69

G	B	(Q1)	ST
2	2	(14)	14
2	0	(12)	12

G	B	(Q2)	ST
0	0	(0)	14
4	2	(26)	38

G	B	(Q3)	ST
3	2	(20)	34
2	3	(15)	53

G	B	(Q4)	ST
0	2	(2)	36
2	4	(16)	69

G	B	(Q1)	ST
2	2	(14)	14
2	0	(12)	12

G	B	(Q2)	ST
0	0	(0)	14
4	2	(26)	38

G	B	(Q3)	ST
3	2	(20)	34
2	3	(15)	53

G	B	(Q4)	ST
0	2	(2)	36
2	4	(16)	69

Best Players

Oskar Raue Kieran McMurrich william `coe Dominic Moraitis Cavan Ryan Ryan Jones

Goal Scorers

Oskar Raue - 4 william `coe - 1 Samuel Crane - 1

Match Report

Despite the final margin, there was plenty to like about the group's effort against SWS, particularly the way the boys continued to compete and challenge a strong opposition throughout the afternoon.

The game was played at a high intensity from the opening bounce, with little separating the sides early. Unfortunately, a difficult second quarter proved costly, as SWS took control of field position and made the most of their opportunities to establish a lead that would be difficult to reel in.

Rather than dropping their heads, the boys responded with real intent after the main break. The contest lifted, our pressure around the ball improved and we were rewarded with our best passage of football, narrowing the margin and forcing SWS to earn every score. Although the visitors finished strongly in the final term, the willingness of the group to keep competing until the final siren was a pleasing sign.

Oskar Raue was a constant threat up forward, finishing with four goals in an excellent individual performance. He was well supported by Kieran McMurrich, William Coe, Dominic Moraitis, Cavan Ryan and Ryan Jones, who all worked tirelessly across the ground. William Coe and Samuel Crane also added to the scoreboard as the group continued to show encouraging signs of growth and resilience against quality opposition.

MU19D1 -R14

25 Jul 2026 Sat - 09:00 am - MKO1

	G	B	Score
PENNO	4	6	30
Sydney Uni	6	5	41

G	B	(Q1)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
2	2	(14)	14

G	B	(Q2)	ST
1	2	(8)	8
2	3	(15)	29

G	B	(Q3)	ST
2	1	(13)	21
2	0	(12)	41

G	B	(Q4)	ST
1	3	(9)	30
0	0	(0)	41

G	B	(Q1)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
2	2	(14)	14

G	B	(Q2)	ST
1	2	(8)	8
2	3	(15)	29

G	B	(Q3)	ST
2	1	(13)	21
2	0	(12)	41

G	B	(Q4)	ST
1	3	(9)	30
0	0	(0)	41

Best Players

Leo Bayliss Joshua Chapple William Baker Alexander Bayliss William Arrowsmith Noah Dunn

Goal Scorers

Joshua Chapple - 1 Noah Dunn - 1 Jacob Lackas - 1 Eamon Macauley - 1

Match Report

It was a hard-fought contest against Sydney Uni, with the final scoreboard not fully reflecting the intensity and effort the boys brought across the four quarters.

Sydney Uni made a strong start, capitalising on their early opportunities to open up a lead, while we found it difficult to convert our own chances. Despite the early deficit, the group remained composed and continued to work their way into the contest, lifting their pressure around the ball and creating more opportunities as the game progressed.

The second half was a much more even affair, with the boys matching Sydney Uni's intensity and refusing to let the game get away from them. Defensively, the team stood up in key moments, while our ball movement and contest work improved as confidence grew. The final quarter was particularly pleasing, with the side holding Sydney Uni scoreless and continuing to attack until the final siren. Although the margin proved just out of reach, the ability to finish the game strongly was a positive takeaway.

There were plenty of encouraging signs throughout the afternoon, particularly the group's resilience and willingness to stick to the game plan under pressure. As the season progresses, performances like this continue to build valuable experience and reinforce the standards needed to compete with the competition's strongest sides.

Leo Bayliss, Joshua Chapple, William Baker, Alexander Bayliss, William Arrowsmith and Noah Dunn were outstanding contributors, leading the way with consistent four-quarter efforts. Joshua Chapple, Noah Dunn, Jacob Lackas and Eamon Macauley each found the scoreboard as the boys continued to show positive development and commitment across the ground.

WD3 -R14

25 Jul 2026 Sat - 10:45 am - MKO lower

	G	B	Score
PENNO	4	5	29
Hawkesbury	6	4	40

G	B	(Q1)	ST
0	3	(3)	3
0	1	(1)	1

G	B	(Q2)	ST
2	1	(13)	16
1	1	(7)	8

G	B	(Q3)	ST
1	1	(7)	23
1	0	(6)	14

G	B	(Q4)	ST
1	0	(6)	29
4	2	(26)	40

G	B	(Q1)	ST
0	3	(3)	3
0	1	(1)	1

G	B	(Q2)	ST
2	1	(13)	16
1	1	(7)	8

G	B	(Q3)	ST
1	1	(7)	23
1	0	(6)	14

G	B	(Q4)	ST
1	0	(6)	29
4	2	(26)	40

Best Players

Mia Rajamantri Mia McGregor Zoe Fajemisin Jessica Nagy Amy Fajemisin Georgia Sultana

Goal Scorers

Kellie Cauwood - 1 Amy Fajemisin - 1 Zoe Fajemisin - 1 Ciara Richards - 1

Match Report

The best game of football that this team has played was this weekend on home turf in front of our crowd. We wanted to win the contest and play an expansive game that we new Hawkesbury would not be able to keep up with us. Blessed with talls, for the first time in a while, we could rotate the ruck work and try and keep fresh mids group. Mia dominated in the ruck and kept going in this role for most of the match. Our fight in the stoppage was great.

In the first quarter we were a little to close, and this allowed Hawkesbury to play their wrestling game. We did not break out and were fighting a close-quarters battle against a bigger opponent. However, our fight was up on the day also and we managed to contain them in a tough tussle the first quarter ended with us leading 3 points to 1.

In the second quarter, we trusted our teammate closest to the ball to go in and get it. Support around the outside was good and talk was up. This saw some of our best football. A clearing handball, executed with purposes, then a second to a running player who took the space and kicked forward. Some beautiful chains of football saw us threaten and kick 2 goals 1 in the quarter to their 1 goal 1. We knew they would come out hard in the third, they're not second on the ladder for no reason, so we were ready. Again our expansive game, switching and taking space on the fat side was a pleasure to watch.

But the game had evened up and we missed some scoring opportunities, as well as repelled some of theirs. A tight tussle with good football from both sides saw us kick 1 goal 1 to their 1 goal. We went into the last 9 points up.

I was very proud of this group of women. They contested, they fought, they took their turn when it was needed, they shared the workload, they rewarded effort, bought their mates into the game and kept the talk up. They were tight. Unfortunately, a 10 minute burst by Hawkesbury's three best on ground, and some lucky calls saw them with a four-goal quarter to our 1. They stole the chocolates after a massive scare to their plans for finals.

I again could not be prouder of this group. What a great game they played. What a great spirit they played it in. What fighters what a tight group. Yes one got away from us but we reflected on where we were 14 rounds ago to now and even last time we played the Jets. What an improvement. Better ball movement, better use of the ground, awesome chains of football with each contributing their piece to the execution of the plan.

Very proud ladies, as you should be.

WU20 -R14

25 Jul 2026 Sat - 09:00 am - MKO lower

	G	B	Score
PENNO	0	1	1
Sydney Uni 1	11	13	79

G	B	(Q1)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
2	4	(16)	16

G	B	(Q2)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
4	1	(25)	41

G	B	(Q3)	ST
0	1	(1)	1
2	5	(17)	58

G	B	(Q4)	ST
0	0	(0)	1
3	3	(21)	79

G	B	(Q1)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
2	4	(16)	16

G	B	(Q2)	ST
0	0	(0)	0
4	1	(25)	41

G	B	(Q3)	ST
0	1	(1)	1
2	5	(17)	58

G	B	(Q4)	ST
0	0	(0)	1
3	3	(21)	79

Best Players

Amber Reveley Sierra Timms Mollie Faehrmann Scarlett Castles Tessa Mcleod Remy Ally

Match Report

Knowing just how much the girls love an early morning start, Mike Kenny Oval decided to greet us with a crisp four-degree morning. A light frost covered parts of the ground, and the excitement amongst the group... well, let's just say it was impossible to contain!

USYD have been one of the benchmark sides throughout the competition and, with two strong teams in the league, we knew this would be another significant challenge.

Q1 – Fast... but fast enough?
Our focus before the bounce was simple: think fast and start fast. Unfortunately, our opposition had clearly received the same message. We found ourselves camped inside our defensive 50 for much of the opening quarter. One of our greatest strengths continues to be winning the football at the source, and despite coming up against several Academy players we continued to compete hard around the contest. Eventually, however, the experience and polish of our opposition began to show, holding us scoreless while they finished the quarter strongly.
Penno 0.0 (0) to USYD1 2.4 (16)

Q2 – Time to keep learning
Playing against a side boasting more than 1,500 games of combined experience was always going to test us. While our own group is beginning to build experience together, USYD demonstrated just how valuable those extra games can be. We spoke about containing momentum before forcing the opposition to defend us instead. Although USYD continued to capitalise on their opportunities with another four goals, our girls never stopped competing. Our ball movement by hand improved noticeably and we began to link together some really promising passages of play. Every forward entry reinforced what this group is capable of when composure takes over. Unfortunately, reward on the scoreboard still escaped us.
Penno 0.0 (0) to USYD1 6.5 (41)

Half Time – We are not that far away
Sometimes the scoreboard doesn't tell the whole story. Eight of our twenty players have played fewer than 25 games of football, while only three have reached the 100-game milestone. Despite that inexperience, many of the things we were doing reflected a maturity well beyond our years. The message was simple. Stay calm. Find that word again... composure. (It's becoming a regular feature in these reports, and that's probably no coincidence.) Take back our day.

Q3 – Make them defend
And that's exactly what we did. Our increased forward-half pressure finally brought reward with our first score of the day.
USYD still generated plenty of opportunities, but their accuracy deserted them. They recorded more scoring shots in this quarter than any other, yet our defenders refused to make life easy. Remy Ally was outstanding across half back, continually repelling attacks and refusing to let the contest become one-sided.
Penno 0.1 (1) to USYD1 8.10 (58)

Q4 – We don't lose. We learn.
Every time we walk onto the field we are presented with a choice. We can let the scoreboard define our day. Or we can define success by how much better we become than when the siren first sounded. USYD were stronger, quicker and more established, keeping us under pressure for much of the afternoon. Yet what stood out wasn't the scoreboard. It was the determination of every Penno player to keep competing.

Amber "Beamish" Reveley once again showed her versatility by stepping into the ruck. Tessa "Connor" McLeod continued another outstanding performance, sharing the ruck before moving behind the football where her marking repeatedly halted opposition attacks. Through the midfield, Sierra Timms, Mollie "Dusty" Faehrmann and Scarlett "Ed" Castles worked tirelessly from first bounce until the final siren, each showing another layer of football that continues to emerge week after week.

Final Score
Pennant Hills 0.1 (1)
USYD1 11.13 (79)

Final Words
Every week this group continues to grow. Because many of our players only come together on game day, so much of our learning happens in real time. That makes the challenge greater, but it also makes the progress even more rewarding. The improvement in this group has been remarkable.

As an inaugural Under 20s program, we remain in finals contention while building a list made up of Lightning Pathways players, girls completely new to football (and yes... we're still hoping they'll give up all their other sports next season!), alongside a handful of experienced leaders who continue to guide the next generation. That combination is creating something special.

Not just a team for this year. A program for years to come.

Top Six
• Amber "Beamish" Reveley
• Sierra Timms
• Mollie "Dusty" Faehrmann
• Scarlett "Ed" Castles
• Tessa "Connor" McLeod
• Remy Ally

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

Videos

Q1

https://youtu.be/RhLjwIAxB-c

Q2

https://youtu.be/dWj6eTkYo5E

Q3

https://youtu.be/sFUBNsz7QY8

Q4

https://youtu.be/tkdAfQmBtCI

MD1 -R14

25 Jul 2026 Sat - 10:55 am - MKO1

	G	B	Score
PENNO	10	11	71
Sydney Uni	12	8	80

G	B	(Q1)	ST
2	3	(15)	15
2	4	(16)	16

G	B	(Q2)	ST
2	5	(17)	32
3	1	(19)	35

G	B	(Q3)	ST
5	2	(32)	64
2	0	(12)	47

G	B	(Q4)	ST
1	1	(7)	71
5	3	(33)	80

G	B	(Q1)	ST
2	3	(15)	15
2	4	(16)	16

G	B	(Q2)	ST
2	5	(17)	32
3	1	(19)	35

G	B	(Q3)	ST
5	2	(32)	64
2	0	(12)	47

G	B	(Q4)	ST
1	1	(7)	71
5	3	(33)	80

Best Players

Lachlan Boyd Darcy Carnahan Roman de Vallance Damian Ballard Regan Pinker Michael Weathers

Goal Scorers

Lachlan Boyd - 5 Andrew Murdoch - 3 Matthew Carey - 1 Jake Condon - 1

Match Report

Saturdays 9-point loss to Sydney University was another example of how far this group has come and also a reminder of the fine margins that separate the top teams in this competition.

Looking at the quarter-by-quarter scores, we were right in the contest all day. We trailed by just 1 point at quarter time and 3 points at half time before producing our best football in the third quarter, kicking 5.2 and taking a 17-point lead into the final
change.

Unfortunately, we were unable to maintain that momentum in the last quarter as Sydney University responded strongly, kicking 5.3 to our 1.1 and ultimately overrunning us by 9 points.

While the result is disappointing, there are plenty of positives to take away. Once again, we proved that we could match it with one of the competitions benchmark sides. Throughout the season, we have shown that when we play our brand of football, we are capable of competing with every team in the league. The challenge now is turning competitive performances into victories.

At this stage of the season, moral victories count for very little. The reality is that we need to become more ruthless in key moments and sustain our intensity for four quarters. Against quality opposition, lapses in concentration, execution and defensive accountability are punished quickly, and that was evident in the final term. The equation for our season is simple.

With four games remaining, we need to win at least three to give ourselves any realistic chance of playing finals football. The
opportunity is still there, but it will require a collective commitment from every player, every week.

We have shown we belong with the competitions best. Now is the time to get serious, embrace the challenge ahead, and ensure our actions match our ambitions.

The next month will define our season. The message to the group is straightforward: believe in our ability, trust the
process, but most importantly, deliver when it matters. Three wins from four games starts now.

Go Demons.

Videos

Q1

https://youtu.be/VNQecxEoOKw

Q2

https://youtu.be/5hutFcJ_RMc

Q3

https://youtu.be/J1rK8Wlqb6Q

Q4

https://youtu.be/fQ7nMlA8UIE

MU19D2 -R14

25 Jul 2026 Sat - 14:40 pm - Frank Gray Oval 2

	G	B	Score
PENNO	4	7	31
Manly	12	9	81

G	B	(Q1)	ST
0	3	(3)	3
4	3	(27)	27

G	B	(Q2)	ST
3	2	(20)	23
2	1	(13)	40

G	B	(Q3)	ST
0	1	(1)	24
3	4	(22)	62

G	B	(Q4)	ST
1	1	(7)	31
3	1	(19)	81

G	B	(Q1)	ST
0	3	(3)	3
4	3	(27)	27

G	B	(Q2)	ST
3	2	(20)	23
2	1	(13)	40

G	B	(Q3)	ST
0	1	(1)	24
3	4	(22)	62

G	B	(Q4)	ST
1	1	(7)	31
3	1	(19)	81

Best Players

Hunter Gaunt Luke Hallam Samuel Condon Dean Ballard Lincoln Kellett Noah Luca

Goal Scorers

Lincoln Kellett - 2 Phoenix Galbraith - 1 Spencer Henderson - 1

Match Report

A top-of-the-table clash against fellow premiership contender Manly always promised to be a tough challenge, and despite the final margin, there were plenty of positives to take away from the contest.

After a slow start where Manly capitalised early, the boys responded brilliantly in the second quarter. Our pressure around the contest lifted, we moved the ball with purpose and won our fair share of territory, taking the game right up to one of the competition's benchmark sides. Unfortunately, we couldn't maintain that momentum after half-time, with Manly taking control in the third quarter and making the most of their opportunities.

While the result didn't go our way, this match highlighted the level required against the competition's best and provides valuable lessons as we head towards the business end of the season. The group remains united and determined, with confidence that our best football can match it with anyone in the competition.

Hunter Gaunt, Luke Hallam, Samuel Condon, Dean Ballard, Lincoln Kellett and Noah Luca led the way with strong performances, while Lincoln Kellett finished with two goals alongside majors to Phoenix Galbraith and Spencer Henderson.

MD3 -R14

25 Jul 2026 Sat - 14:15 pm - MKO lower

	G	B	Score
PENNO	6	10	46
Sydney Uni	3	8	26

G	B	(Q1)	ST
1	4	(10)	10
0	2	(2)	2

G	B	(Q2)	ST
1	1	(7)	17
2	4	(16)	18

G	B	(Q3)	ST
2	2	(14)	31
1	1	(7)	25

G	B	(Q4)	ST
2	3	(15)	46
0	1	(1)	26

G	B	(Q1)	ST
1	4	(10)	10
0	2	(2)	2

G	B	(Q2)	ST
1	1	(7)	17
2	4	(16)	18

G	B	(Q3)	ST
2	2	(14)	31
1	1	(7)	25

G	B	(Q4)	ST
2	3	(15)	46
0	1	(1)	26

Best Players

Rowan Love Kieran Wright Tino Manfre Scott Chapman Dom Pyne Matthew Durkin

Goal Scorers

Sebastian Parker - 2 Luke Bray - 1 Jed Corbett - 1 Josh Mott - 1 Kieran Wright - 1

Match Report

The group returned to the winner's list with a hard-fought 20-point victory over Sydney Uni, showing great resilience to overcome a determined opponent and finish the game strongly.

After an even opening quarter, we took a narrow lead into the first break, but Sydney Uni responded well in the second term to edge ahead by a single point at half-time. Credit to the playing group for the way they reset at the main break and came out with renewed intensity. Our pressure around the contest lifted, we won more of the contested ball, and our ability to control field position allowed us to swing the momentum back in our favour during the third quarter.

In the final term, defensively, we were outstanding, limiting Sydney Uni to just a single behind while continuing to create opportunities going forward. The boys remained patient with ball in hand, trusted the game plan and were rewarded with two final-quarter goals to seal a well-earned 20-point victory.

It was a genuine team performance, with every player contributing when it mattered most. Rowan Love, Kieran Wright, Tino Manfre, Scott Chapman, Dom Pyne and Matthew Durkin were influential across the ground, leading by example with their work rate and consistency throughout the day.

Up forward, Sebastian Parker finished with two goals, while Luke Bray, Jed Corbett, Josh Mott and Kieran Wright all added a major as the side secured another valuable four premiership points.

OUR SPONSORS

ARA Group https://aragroup.com info@aragroup.com.au	With over 100 locations across Australia and New Zealand, the ARA Group delivers fully integrated essential services for infrastructure and facilities.

Athlete Tracker www.athletetracker.com.au info@athletetracker.com.au	Sports club management and athlete tracking systems that simplify and streamline club admin and coaching tasks with a reduced volunteer and staff headcount.

Conveyancing at Pittwater www.conveyancingpittwater.com.au maureen@conveyancingpittwater.com.au 02 9997 3460	Conveyancing at Pittwater offer sound advice and effective practical strategies in all areas of Property Law. Mention the Pennant Hills Demons to receive a $500 discount for first home buyers, and $250 for all other matters.

Core Active Health https://www.carlingfordactivehealth.com.au enquiries@carlingfordactivehealth.com.au 02 9873 2770	Led by APA Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist Lauren Cain, together with the experienced Core Active Health team, we provide evidence-based physiotherapy and sports medicine services for everyone, from junior players through to Premier Division footballers

Image Traders www.imagetraders.com.au sales@imagetraders.com.au (02) 8320 7683	Image Traders is an Australian owned Digital Marketing Agency that has been providing Website Development and Online Marketing Services since mid 2000. Get a free SEO report !

Ritera Electrical Wholesaler www.ritera.com.au/ info@riteragroup.com.au 02 9879 5444	Ritera Electrical Wholesaler offers a comprehensive range of quality electrical products for domestic, industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects.

TCA Electrical www.tcaelectrical.net service@tcaelectrical.net 0422 607 548	TCA Electrical specialises in residential construction, commercial fit-outs and maintenance.

FIXTURES

Date	Div	Round	Start	Home	Away	Ground	Address	Video
01-08-2026	MU19D1	R15	9:00AM	Pennant Hills	St George	MKO1	Shepherds Rd, Cherrybrook
01-08-2026	MPD	R15	2:45PM	Pennant Hills	St George	MKO1	Shepherds Dr Cherrybrook	Yes
01-08-2026	MD3	R15	2.15PM	Pennant Hills	UNSW	MKO2	Shepherds Dr Cherrybrook
01-08-2026	MAS	R15	1:45PM	Wollondilly	Pennant Hills	Hanaford Oval	Broughton ave Wilton
01-08-2026	WPD	R15	1:00PM	Pennant Hills	St George	MKO1	Shepherds Dr Cherrybrook	Yes
01-08-2026	MU19D2	R15	12:30PM	Pennant Hills	St George	MOK2	Shepherds Dr, Cherrybrook
01-08-2026	MD5	R15	12:00PM	Wollondilly	Pennant Hills	Hanaford Oval	Broughton Ave Wilton
01-08-2026	MD1	R15	10:55AM	Pennant Hills	St George	MKO1	Shepherds Dr Cherrybrook
01-08-2026	WD3	R15	10:45AM	Pennant Hills	St George	MKO2	Shepherds Dr Cherrybrook
01-08-2026	WU20	R15		Pennant Hills	Bye