Round 13, 24 Jul
Campbelltown at Clark Oval
Awaiting Scott’s report
Round 12, 17 Jul
South West Tigers Yellow at Greygums Oval
A fine sunny day saw the return clash against the Tigers. The yellow n black team were no doubt out to revenge their 8-point defeat in round #2 earlier in the season. The absence of Jesse & Bryn meant that we play 16-a-side with no interchange. The Tiges came out with all guns blazing as they piled on the majors. The Swans didn’t help matters with undisciplined play and as consequence, a man short. The second quarter was also hard slog as the team attempted their best to hold the ticking over of the opposition’s score
Some tactical positional changes and a change of focus saw a complete turnaround in the second half. Good teamwork and praise among teammates helped lift spirits and motivation. Strong tackling and pressure on the opposition caused many turnovers and scoring opportunities for the Swans. Dillion played his heart out in his assigned role and this proved to be a positive move for the sake of the team.
Three quarter time and the Penrith boys had a sense that they could still clinch victory. The final quarter saw more attacking drive and scoring chances from the Swans. Unfortunately, the kicking for goal didn’t go our way. Just one goal and it would have been a different result. Tigers by 4 points at siren end.
All players were congratulated for their second-half effort. Despite the loss, the players were asked to lift their heads high and to continue belief in themselves.
Round 11, 03 Jul
Hawkesbury at Benson’s Lane
Awaiting Scott’s report
Round 10, 26 Jun
Liverpool at Greygums Oval
A full complement of players and a beautiful sunny day had our team ready & raring to go against Liverpool at Greygums. Unfortunately, the Eagles were unable to field minimum players so thus we accommodated the scratch match with a supply of players to the opposition.
Both sides played hard but fair footy with strong tackles and eyes firmly for the ball. With most players new to the Under 12 competition, it was a good lesson in correct ball disposal with many correct decisions paid by the umpires. A big reminder to all players that the umpire’s decision is final, so there’s no need to question or dispute the call – move on… just play and enjoy your footy boys.
In the second half there were some glimpses of fantastic running football with hand offs, shepherding and kicking to targets a feature of our good team. A few new positional moves within the forward line paid dividend with Sean playing a superb role at full forward.
The backline was back at its fighting best but special mention and player of match from the coaching staff went to Harrison for his determination, marking of opposing player and improved ball skills from the back pocket - awesome stuff Harrison… keep up the great work.
Many gracious thanks to our players that played for the Eagles. All players were hard at the ball and were a credit for a fine display of good sportsmanship. Many thanks were also received and conveyed to you from the Liverpool Coach which in itself shows the true meaning of the spirit of the game.
Finally, besides the element of fun, there will also be a need to continue good team play in the pursuing weeks. We will be coming to face strong opposition in the rounds that lay ahead. More focus will be placed on the 1% ers which can get you over the line in tight matches. Let’s see if we can listen & learn at training, and employ these 1% ers into our game.
Round 9, 19 Jun
Blue Mountains at Tom Hunter
Awaiting Scott’s report
Round 8, 05 Jun
Rooty Hill at Blacktown Olympic Park
Unfortunately this game was a washout. Be on your toes for a challenging game against the might of the Blue Mountains Kangaroos next match!
Round 7, 29 May
Quakers Hill at Wright’s Reserve
Despite some light showers, our team was able to get on the paddock and play some footy. We were missing a bit of firepower with Luke away and Jacob out due to an appendix operation. Hope you’re back with us soon Jacob.
The game commenced with either team unable to gain ascendency. The Quakers Hill Bombers were not giving an inch with good tackling and pressure on the ball carrier. A few messages via the runner and the tide started to change with more open ball play. With a wet slippery ball, chest marks were the order of the day and this proved valuable as the scoreboard started to tick over with 4 unanswered goals to the Swans come quarter time.
The 2nd quarter saw the Bombers attack and a jubilant goal got the spirits up. The Swans didn’t lie down; however, they were their own worst enemy with a very congested forward line. Half time had the scoreboard at 7-11 to 1-1.
A half-time snake (sugar fix) and the appointment of zone captains saw a positive change in our play. Players were held to their positions with good captaincy from Sam (backs), Blake (midfield) and Jordan (forwards). The rotation of Sean and Liam E in the ruck was another factor in keeping fresh legs around the constant stoppages.
The Swans continued to attack in the final quarter. Many thanks to all the players who had a stint in the forward line then unselfishly gave it up for some of our backs to have a go. This great teamwork was reflected with nine individual goal scorers. Dillion proved again to be a bit of a Stevie Milne (St Kilda) goal sneak with 4 goals to his name. Final scores saw Swans finish with 16 goals to Bombers 1 goal.
Round 6, 22 May
St Clair Gold at Greygums Oval
We faced up against the St Clair team who were short a couple of players and so we lent them two players each quarter. As we have always told the boys that it is important that they play as hard for the other team as for us and any goals would count to their club record.
The game was very competitive from the beginning with our players looking a bit sluggish and taking the opposition too easy. We managed to hold a small lead going into the second quarter but St Clair were able to keep in touch thanks to a goal kicked by Joshua.
The Penrith boys have been working hard on staying in position on the field but found it hard when most of the St Clair players were in our forward half. As a result the game continued with Penrith controlling the play but not being able to put a score on the board as the forward line remained congested. Blake played a great quarter for the St Clair team and come three quarter time there was a chance of an upset loss.
Some confusion relating to a mass attack on a pack of snakes led to the team being sent back out for the last quarter with the instruction to get the ball and kick it long. With some great ruckwork in the centre from Liam E the midfielders were able to push the ball forward quickly resulting in a number of goals and a comfortable win.
There were many good players today including Liam Mc who was captain for the day and continues to tackle everything that moves. Harrison manned up on a player for the whole day and is proving to be a good defender. There was good midfield play from Luke, Sam and Blake.
Round 5, 15 May
Camden at Blacktown Olympic Park
A full complement of players had both teams playing 18-a-side on a nice sunny day at BOP.
Right from the first ball up, one could tell that this would be another tight encounter with strong tackling from both sides. Liam McGlynn was the stand out player in the 1st quarter with his many possessions and determination at the ball, even despite the towering height of the opposition.
Great defence showed on the scoreboard with the Blues at only one behind to the Swans 2-1. Changes were made at half time so as to allow the backs a chance in the forwards as well as rests for the midfielders.
In the final quarter the Swans kicked two goals including a great kick by Jordan who has been practising really hard on his technique.
A late surge from the Blues saw them pile on 3 quick goals to have both teams equal with only minutes to play. Thankfully our forwards were able to scrape two behinds before the final siren sounded.
Round 4, 08 May
Sth West Tigers White at Greygums Oval
The Swans were down a few players with Sean out through injury (thanks to his scooter) and Jacob absent due to an exam sitting. Thanks however to Jarrod for stepping up from the Under 10s and playing in his very first u12 game.
The Tigers had something to prove with their consistent hard tackling and pressure on the ball carrier. Scoring opportunities were few and far between with great defence from both sides.
With this in mind, we decided to bring Sam into the midfield and this saw instant results with much improved drive into our forward line. A further move to place Cameron at full-forward was also positive with strong marks just forward of the goal square with attacking links from Josh & Luke on the half-forward line. The Swans kicked away in the final quarter with 3 unanswered goals and our 4th consecutive win.
As with the past matches, the backline again stood up and repelled any hints of attack from the opposition. As always emphasised, players are made aware of the importance, role and ultimately, success that the backs play in our team - keep up the great work guys.
Round 3, 01 May
South West Tigers Yellow at Greenway Park
After two forfeits against under manned teams we were not sure how our players would come together as a full team. Today’s match would test us out because we were playing South West Tigers Yellow who had won their first two matches by mercy rule.
The day was fine and we had some extra players so we loaned the Tigers a player for each quarter. Right from the start it was obvious that we were up against a good team. All our tackling training was paying off as every time the Tigers got the ball one of our boys would be there to stop them in their tracks.
After a scoreless first quarter we finally scored a goal after some good scrambling teamwork led to a Josh mark. He played on and it was smothered but after gathering the ball he fed it off to Sean who put it through. The rest of the quarter was a slog and the Tigers also scored a goal to keep it tight.
Our smaller players in Tom, Isaac, Dillon and Liam M were keeping their bigger players on their toes and another goalless quarter saw us with only a small lead.
The final quarter was even tougher than the first three and we knew that the team who scored would most likely have the strength to win. The team was rewarded for all their hard work with another goal and the boys were able to close out for a well deserved win much to the delight of some nervous and noisy parents.
Penrith White had let the competition know that they were a force to be reckoned with during the year. The commitment of every player was seen and at our best we will be hard to beat this year.
Round 2, 24 April
Campbelltown at Greygums Oval
No report due to Scott & Dave’s Anzac Day trip to Melbourne. Love those Pies!
Round 1, 17 April
Liverpool at Rosedale Oval
After a long pre-season and the two weeks holiday we finally got down to playing football. While we had played some good practice matches this was the first year most of the boys had the opportunity to play tackle and no zones. We also had three players new to AFL in Liam P, Sam and Bryn and we were not sure how we would come together as a team.
All 18 players were ready to play but unfortunately the Liverpool team only had 8 turn up. This meant that five of our players would swap across each quarter. There was a minute silence before the game to pay respects to one of the South West umpires who had passed away during the off-season.
While the match was considered a forfeit it was a great opportunity to see how each of the boys played without the pressure of worrying about the scoreboard. Everyone really applied themselves regardless of which jumper they were wearing. In fact I think a lot of the boys enjoyed being able to tackle and bump each other.
Penrith Whites came away with a good score and a wide range of goal scorers and goals scored for the other team were included in their personal tallies.
The Liverpool coach and parents were very impressed by how well our boys played when they were on the Liverpool side and praised them for their good sportsmanship. On today’s efforts I believe we will have a good season this year.
Thanks to the Mums who have taken on the job of managing the team this year and for the great overall support of parents, extended family and friends.