Preliminary Quarter-Year Review

We’re coming into Round 5 of the Preliminary competition and the teams are starting to heat up. 

Let’s take a look at how the teams are faring across the Preliminary competitions, following the first 4 rounds of the season.

First Grade Men

After narrowly falling short last season, Ainslie have started the season hot, displaying dominant performances in all their matches so far. The Tricolours currently sit atop the ladder with an undefeated record. 

The top 4 battle between Ainslie, Queanbeyan, Belconnen, and Eastlake is tightly contested and filled with excitement. These teams will be strong contenders for the flag at the back end of the season.

Compared to previous years, Gungahlin and Tuggeranong have shown improvement.  

Gungahlin put on a dominant performance against Tuggeranong in round 2 of the season, securing 4 competition points. To compete with the top 4, they will need to replicate and further build on this performance.

Tuggeranong continue to narrow their losing margins as the season progresses, chasing their first win of the year.

Although there is significant room for improvement for these two teams, they are showing some promising signs to start the year.

First Grade Women

Ainslie have been playing with a chip on their shoulder, following their disappointing end to last season. They are currently undefeated and occupy top spot on the ladder. However, they can’t get too ahead of themselves, as their undefeated season last year was blown in the Grand Final.

Queanbeyan have started the season with confidence as the reigning premiers, winning 3 of the 4 games they’ve played.

Aiming to recover from their disappointing finals performances last season, Belconnen have started the year on a positive note by winning 3 out of 4.

Despite being competitive against the top teams, Eastlake have struggled to secure victories. To be considered as serious flag contenders, they will need to dig deep for the remainder of the season.

Tuggeranong and Gungahlin have struggled so far, suffering significant defeats against the stronger teams. Gungahlin, in particular, have been kept scoreless 3 out of their 4 games.

Second Grade Men

The top 3 battle between Ainslie, Belconnen, and Eastlake is fiercely contested, as they all enter round 5 with a 3-1 record. This indicates that the flag is up for grabs by either of these teams.

Queanbeyan have struggled against the top teams, managing to secure their two victories against Tuggeranong.  

Tuggeranong have shown greater resilience this season, putting up more resistance against Queanbeyan in their two encounters, resulting in closer margins than usual.

Second Grade Women

The inaugural Preliminary Women’s Second Grade competition has already demonstrated its high level of competitiveness and excitement.

Matches have been closely contested, and the unpredictability of outcomes has added to the thrill. 

Tuggeranong have been particularly impressive. They put on a dominant performance over Gungahlin in round 2 and managed to defeat the competition leaders, Queanbeyan, in a tight 7-point game, despite having suffered a significant loss to them in round 1.

Drawing from the first 4 rounds of the Women’s Second Grade, the majority of teams have proven they have the capability to defeat any other team in the competition, setting the stage for an exhilarating remainder of the season.

Round 5 Fixtures

Queanbeyan Tigers v Gungahlin Jets

Eastlake Demons v Ainslie Tricolours

Belconnen Magpies v Tuggeranong Valley

Written by Liam Wyllie

Photo by Fiona McQueenie