Men’s Premier League Round 18 Preview
We’ve finally reached the end of the season, with all but two catch up games still to play. We couldn’t be happier with all the work gone into completing this full season after two tough years. With that said, we have our final round this weekend. First Grade champions seems all but decided as The Gorillas enter the weekend three points clear and plus 10 goal difference. However, they won’t be able to truly celebrate until the final whistles on Saturday afternoon. Glebe Wanderers will need a huge goal haul to take top spot and a win to remain second and out of reach of Phoenix who have been on top form in recent weeks. Coogee have secured fourth place and will play the Minor Premiers in the semifinals in two weeks.
Congratulations to Dunbar Rovers on taking out the Reserve Grade Premiers title. The remainder of the top four is almost set, with Waverley taking second place, Gorillas in third and Waverley (unless they win 16-0) in fourth. For the top four, this weekends games will serve as an opportunity to iron out any kinks and prepare for finals in two weeks.
Glebe Wanderers vs Coogee United, FG 3:00PM RG 1:00PM, Heffron Park
The Wanderers FG will be happy with their performance this year, after finishing the shortened season in 6th place last year. Coogee conversely will be disappointed to not have capitalised on last year’s success after finishing top with 23 points in 10 games. They will have their eyes set on the Grand Final to relive their success of 2021.
Glebe was victorious in the previous two meetings between these clubs, in 1-0 and 3-2 wins against a tough Coogee outfit.
The RG story is very similar to last year, with The Wanderers making significant improvements on last years efforts finishing 5th, to second this year. Equally, Coogee will be dissatisfied with their season this year having not made finals, after topping the league this year. They will be keen to support their First-Grade counterparts and reconvene for next year.
The previous two fixtures between these teams saw Glebe take 4 points, with a 5-1 aggregate.
Glebe Gorillas vs Randwick City, FG 3:00PM, Centennial Park
The Gorillas will need a point, or maintain their goal surplus on The Wanderers to take the crown tomorrow. They’ve scored a whopping 53 goals this season including 24 goals in their last five wins, and will be full of confidence leading into Saturday’s game. They will be especially delighted with their season this year after finishing third last year. Randwick could cause a big upset on Saturday if they can sustain their success from their previous few rounds.
The previous two meetings saw these teams claim three points each in 7-7 goal-fest aggregate.
The RG Round 18 fixture was forfeited by Randwick.
Waverley Old Boys vs Sydney CBD, FG 3:00PM, RG 1:00PM, Centennial Park
This First Grade fixture will motivate both teams to finish off the bottom of the ladder and generate momentum leading into next year.
CBD claimed all six points in Round 5 and 12 with a 7-3 aggregate.
Waverley RG will be happy to be competing in Finals this year even if they did fall short of their second-place success last year. CBD have this weekends game plus a catch-up next week to finish the season. Two wins could see them jump into 6th place.
Conversely, Waverley scooped up all points in the previous two games.
Phoenix FC MPL vs Dunbar Rovers, FG 3:00PM, RG 1:00PM, Paine Reserve
Phoenix has the potential to jump to second place with a win along with a loss for Glebe Wanderers. With the home advantage and three previous wins, they will be overflowing with confidence. They have made a significant improvement on last years performance after finishing 7th, to this year making finals. Dunbar will be displeased with their 5th place finish this year after coming second last year. They will be focused on finishing the season on a high and then supporting their second placed Ressies as they head towards finals.
Phoenix walked away with 4 points in the previous two fixtures between these teams.
Phoenix will finish just shy of the top four despite a run of impressive games in previous rounds. Despite finishing 5th last year, they will be happy to have maintained some consistency from last year and can focus on their First-Grade counterparts.
Dunbar have successfully taken the Reserve Grade title with a game to spare and will want to remain strong leading into finals football. Improving on their third-place finish last year, Dunbar have remained strong this year, claiming big wins against last years front runners, early in the 2022 season.
The previous two meetings saw these teams share three points each.
Good luck to all teams this weekend!