Both Sydney University Premier Division teams remain in the hunt for premiership glory after recording impressive victories during the opening weekend of the AFL Sydney Finals.
The men secured a 20-point qualifying-final victory over the South West Sydney Blues, winning 93-73 after establishing the foundations of the results with an outstanding opening quarter.
Sydney University carried that early momentum through the match and withstood the Blues’ challenge to book a meeting with minor premiers North Shore Bombers on Saturday.
Alex Witherden continued his remarkable season by kicking four goals in the victory. The key forward has now amassed 57 goals from 12 appearances, making it an important part of Sydney University’s push for a place in the Grand Final.
The women produced an even more commanding performance in their elimination final, holding UTS Bats to just three points in a dominant 51-3 victory.
Jessica Lee Urquhart and Jessica Robertson led the scoring with two goals each as the Students controlled the contest and ensured their season would continue into the second week of the finals.
Now it will be renewing its rivalry with the UNSW-ES Bulldogs on Saturday. With a place deeper in the finals series at stake, and will be looking to build on the disciplined defensive performance and balanced attack that carried them past UTS.
Having both Premier Division teams progress is a significant achievement for Sydney University and reflects the strength of its men’s and women’s football programs. Each team now faces one of the competition’s leading clubs as the pressure and excitement of finals football continues to build.
The men will attempt to overcome minor premiers North Shore, while the women’s will face their university rivals in what promises to be another fiercely contested encounter with UNSW-ES.
Sydney University supporters are encouraged to come out in force on Saturday, wear the blue and gold and get behind both teams as they continue their pursuit of AFL Sydney Premiership success.
