History [2]
1981
The Penrith club was formed in 1981 at short notice from an idea principally from Keith Claxton, a prominent footballer then residing in the Penrith area. The Geelong guernsey was chosen as the club's strip and the "Rams" nickname adopted, in reference to the area's contribution to the early development of the wool industry in Australia. Former Western Suburbs player Frank Taylor was appointed inaugural coach of the club.
In its first two years the Rams fielded a Reserve Grade side in the Sydney District Football Association, playing before Hawkesbury's First Grade matches and using that club's home grounds at firstly Deerubbun Park, Windsor and then Colbee Park, McGrath's Hill.
The club played its first match on 11 April 1981 against Manly-Warringah at Weldon Oval, which it won. It also won its second game against Macquarie Uni, also away. Unfortunately, these two games were treated as forfeits due to the club having insufficient registered players. Despite this rocky start, the Rams finished 3rd on the ladder in their initial season, but bowed out in the Preliminary Final, losing to Bankstown Sports.
Individual honours went to Keith Claxton, who won the Association's McFarlane Medal with 20 votes (winning by 4 votes), with Peter Traeger finishing 5th on 11 votes. Peter Traeger also won the SDFA goalkicking award with 50 goals. Peter kicked the Reserve Grade record of 11 goals in the Round 10 game against Manly-Warringah, which stood until broken by Jason Ware in 2006.
1982
Next season, 1982, saw Glenn Petersen (ex-Balmain) appointed coach. With a better preparation to the season, the Rams won the Minor Premiership, losing only two games for the Home & Away season. Getting through to the Grand Final, the Rams unfortunately lost a spiteful match to Sydney Uni by 18 points.
The match on 1 May, against Macquarie Uni at Colbee Park, saw the Rams kick 35.30 (240), which still stands to this day as a record Reserve Grade score.
Again Keith Claxton won the McFarlane Medal - with 18 votes - this time by a single vote. Full-forward Tom Hall finished fourth on 12 votes. Tom also won the SDFA Reserve Grade goalkicking with 119 goals, the first time that a Rams player had kicked 100 goals in a season. His final tally for the season, including finals, was 126 goals.
David McConnell was selected for the SDFA representative side, but was unable to play.
1982 also saw the first Rams age-based senior side fielded, the Under 20's, which finished fourth on the ladder, but unfortunately lost the First Semi-Final.
1983
In 1983, the Rams moved forward in two major areas. Firstly, it expanded to fielding First and Reserve Grade sides in the SDFA. Allan Iles took over the reins as Head Coach, but the club suffered a couple of major playing losses - dual McFarlane Medallist Keith Claxton departed to take over as coach of Camden, while 1982 century goalkicker Tom Hall left for the newly formed Mount Druitt.
The Rams found, however, that fielding two quality sides was difficult and this reflected on the field - Senior Grade finished 10th and Reserve Grade finished 11th, on the bottom of the ladder. One highlight for Senior grade, however, was its win against later 1990s/2000s Sydney FA rivals Sydney University.
Unfortunately, an Under 20s side could not be fielded and the Rams did not field an age-based side again until 1989.
The other major move for the club in 1983 was getting its own home ground at Sales Park, Luddenham, where the Rams stayed until 1987. Whilst it had several drawbacks - inadequate facilities, the ground size and layout being not really suited for Australian Football and lack of ground lighting (meaning the club could not train there) - it did mean the club finally had its first home.
1984
John Terry was appointed Head Coach in 1984. The season saw both grades continue to struggle, with each down one place on the ladder from the previous year - Senior Grade finishing 11th and Reserve Grade 12th. Senior Grade did have one notable win however, defeating future long-term rivals Macquarie Uni for the first time in Round 16.
Individually, David McConnell did well in the Snow Medal (the SDFA Senior Grade's Best & Fairest), finishing in fifth place on 14 votes.
1985
John Terry was reappointed Head Coach in 1985, but David McConnell took over the role before the start of the season. Under David's guidance, First Grade managed an improved 9th position in 1985, but still only won the three games. Reserve Grade struggled again, finishing in 11th spot, winning only the one game on-field for the season.
One highlight fo the season was Senior Grade kicking its record score (to that time) of 34.14 (228) in the Round 10 match against Mount Druitt, with Chris Farrell booting 10 goals.
A further highlight came in Round 17 at Sales Park against Liverpool, when the club won both games on the same day (disregarding those previously won by forfeit) for the first time, Senior Grade by 17 points and Reserve Grade by 30 points.
In the Snow Medal, Barry McLaughlin (11 votes - equal 7th) and Craig Przibilla (10 votes - 9th), both polled well, given the side's on-field struggles.
1986
David Harrison, posted locally with the RAAF, was appointed Head Coach - a position he would hold for two seasons.
The club had its best year whilst fielding two senior sides in 1986, which would prove to be its last year at Sales Park. Senior Grade rose to 6th place, with 7 wins - two wins and percentage out of a final four spot. Having said that, the side was still a class below the top sides.
Senior Grade kicked 62.22 (394) against Camden at Sales Park on 19 July, a new club record score and one which still stands to this day. Clinton Ware kicked 18 goals, a new club record for the time, and John Carroll 9 goals.
Reserve Grade went through the first half of the season winless, but won four games (plus one by forfeit) in the second half. The side still finished 10th, but won more games on the field than its previous three seasons combined - a much improved effort.
1987-93: Move to Lower Division Brings Success
1987
1987 saw a couple of major changes in the fortunes of the Rams. Firstly, they moved to their own home ground, Greygums Oval, in (then) Mount Pleasant and now Cranebrook. Their previous home ground, Sales Park, had been at Luddenham, around 20 km out of Penrith, so the move to a Penrith-based ground was highly beneficial.
The other major change was a restructure of the Sydney District FA - it was renamed the Sydney Football League (SFL) and split into two divisions, with Penrith playing in the second division. This move was taken to try to address the imbalance in the competition and also to make the Second Division somewhat geographically based - the other Senior Grade teams being Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Blacktown and Baulkham Hills. A five team competition did, however, mean just a two-week finals series, with a Preliminary and then Grand Final.
The change of division revitalised the club's fortunes, with First Grade finishing second and being one of the two standout sides of the season (with Liverpool). Despite having beaten Liverpool during the season, the Rams were no match for them in the Grand Final.
Reserve Grade finished third on the ladder, but were defeated by Liverpool by 23 points in the Preliminary Final.
Graeme Tuckwell came second in the SFL Div 2 Reserve Grade Best and Fairest (Armstrong Medal), while Stephen Cox established the club goalkicking record for an individual game, booting 20 goals against Blacktown in Round 18 at Whalan Reserve. Steve's 82 goals for the season were also a Senior Grade record, until beaten by Mitch Stevens in 2017.
1988
In 1988, the SFL Division 2 Senior Grade expanded to 6 teams, while Reserve Grade stayed at five. A final four finals series was adopted for both grades.
The Rams appointed Michael Campbell as their new Senior Grade coach.
The Rams were clearly the second best team in the Senior Grade competition. The best team, however, was light years ahead of them. Liverpool, following on from their 1987 flag, went through 1988 unbeaten with a percentage of over 500. This unfortunately resulted in the Rams being comprehensively beaten by Liverpool in their three meetings during the season, and also subsequently in both the Second-Semi and Grand Finals.
Reserve Grade finished fourth and pushed Heathcote (who had beaten them easily in their final three Home and Away meetings) in the First Semi-Final to lose by just the straight kick.
Individually, Penrith had its first ever representative players, when Alf Bradley, Michael Walker (Vice-Captain), Clinton Ware, Mike Mathews, Michael Campbell and Paul James played for the SFL Division 2 side against the Central Coast League.
At the League Best & Fairest awards, Penrith's best performers were Tony Missen (equal 9th in the Apted Medal - Senior Grade) with 8 votes and Graeme Tuckwell (equal 7th in the Armstrong Medal - Reserve Grade) with 7 votes.
1989
The Sydney Football League Div 2 Reserve Grade competition went into recess in 1989, and wouldn't resume until 1992, leaving an expanded 7 team Senior Grade competition. In addition to fielding a Senior Grade side, the Rams (in conjunction with Blacktown) fielded an under age side for the first time since 1982 - the Nepean Colts Under 20s.
Former coach Glenn Petersen was appointed club coach, although Michael Walker saw the latter part of the season out as coach when Glenn stood down.
Season 1989 saw the "great wet" - Senior Grade had played only 3 Home & Away games, and the Under 20s 5 games, by the end of June due to wet weather. By the end of the season, Seniors had finished 3rd on the ladder and the Under 20s missed the finals by finishing 5th.
Winning through to the Grand Final from the First Semi (in which Michael Campbell set the then club finals goalkicking record with 9 goals), the Rams came up against Auburn at Wagener Oval as rank underdogs (Auburn had beaten the Rams by 158 points in the opening game of the season). However, that counted for nothing as the Rams easily won their first premiership by 51 points.
During the season, Geoff Eldering (Captain), John Oxley, Michael Walker, Michael Campbell and Robert Jeffery played for SFL 2 representative side in the round robin series at Wagga Wagga.
To cap off a great year, Geoff Eldering won the Apted Medal for League Best & Fairest with 11 votes. Alf Bradley, Barry McLaughlin and Michael Campbell also finished in the top 10 with 5 votes each.
The Under 20's featured the competition's leading goalkicker in Phil Lane (38 goals), while Troy Balzan and Gavin Dimery (8 votes) and Travis Hopper (6 votes) all finished in the top 10 in the Armstrong Medal.
At the club's end of season presentation night, Geoff Eldering was awarded the first Rams Life Membership.
1990
Michael Walker took the reins as permanent Senior Coach, however after the triumph of 1989, this was a year of disappointment. Senior Grade finished second on the ladder, but bowed out of the finals in straight sets - losing firstly to top placed Hawkesbury and then to Bargo, where inaccurate goalkicking ultimately cost them the game.
A new Under 20s competition was established in 1990, separate to the previous season's Div 1 competition. The new competition comprised 5 Western Sydney sides - Penrith, Nepean-Blacktown, Hawkesbury, Camden and HMAS Nirimba, with the Rams fielding an U20s side in their own right and Nepean-Blacktown continuing to field a side separately. The Rams finished third and made the First Semi-Final, only to go down to HMAS Nirimba. Former team-mate Travis Hopper, playing for Nepean-Blacktown, won the Armstrong Medal with 16 votes, 11 votes clear of the second place-getters.
The SFL 2 competition again fielded a representative side, this time against the Central Coast at Tacoma, with Geoff Eldering (Captain), John Oxley, Michael Walker and Alf Bradley playing.
On 6 August, the first club reunion was held at the Kingswood Bowling Club.
1991
Under the guidance of new coach Geoff Eldering, 1991 was the most dominant in the club's history to date, with the First Grade side going through the season undefeated. In the newly renamed Sydney Football Association (Penrith were still in Division 2), the nearest thing to a loss was a draw against Bankstown. In the finals, the side kicked 25.12 (162) in the Second Semi-Final (the club's then finals record score and still a record in finals for Rams senior grades) and 22.17 (149) in the Grand Final, both times against Hawkesbury. Gavin Chalker kicked eight and nine goals respectively in these two games - the nine goals, again, is a record in finals for Rams senior grades to this day (with Michael Campbell, 1989 and David Armstrong, 1994).
The Division 2 Under 20's competition expanded from 5 sides to 7 in 1991, but unfortunately the Rams were unable to field a side - a Rams age-based side did not resurface until the 1996 Under 18s. This meant that for only the second - and to date last - time, the Penrith Rams fielded only one side in a season (the other time being the debut season of 1981).
At the Representative level, Penrith players Michael Walker, Travis Hopper, & Jason Makin represented the SFA Div 2 in matches against the Leisure Coast League and Combined Services, while Geoff Eldering coached and Jeff Smith attended as trainer.
The club Presentation Night saw the appointment of the club's 2nd and 3rd Life Members, with Alan Stewart and Ian Smith receiving the honour.
For all the success however, season 1991 was one of unspeakable tragedy for the Penrith Rams and two families involved with the club. On the 28th July, after the Rams had played a game, there was a car crash which took the lives of player Travis Hopper and club supporter Dianne Guymer. Both were only 19 years of age. Travis's guernsey was retired and awards were instituted in the honour of two people who were taken tragically young - the Rams Senior Grade Most Consistent Award is the "Travis Hopper Memorial Award", whilst the "Club Person of the Year" is the "Dianne Guymer Memorial Award".
1992
After a three year absence, the SFA2 Reserve Grade competition was reintroduced, although the Under 20s competition was discontinued. A new SFA3 competition was also introduced.
Geoff Eldering was reappointed as Senior Coach, and the coach of the reinstituted Reserve Grade side also came from within the club, with Barry McLaughlin taking charge.
The Rams fielded Senior and Reserve grade sides in 1992, in a season which saw high hopes following the on-field dominance in 1991. The season started with Greygums Oval hosting the pre-season competition on 21st March.
Both sides had successful H&A seasons, finishing 2nd on the ladder. Despite losses to the top sides in each Second Semi-Final (Bankstown in Senior Grade and Hawkesbury in Reserve Grade), the two sides rebounded via the Prelim Final to make the Grand Final - the first time this had happened to date in club history.
Unfortunately, despite being in excellent positions in the Grand Final, neither side could secure the flag. Senior Grade was 7 points up at the final change, only to concede the final 7 goals of the game. Similarly, Reserve Grade was 13 points up at half-time, but could only score a further two goals to eventually succumb comfortably.
Reserve Grade saw two League honours for Rams players. Graeme Tuckwell won the Armstrong Medal with 11 votes, while David Robinson won the Goalkicking Award with 37 goals.
Rob Jeffery ran equal third in the Armstrong Medal (7 votes), and Clinton Ware was also equal third in the Senior Grade equivalent (Apted Medal), polling 11 votes.
Penrith was represented in the SFA2&3 Representative Side by Geoff Eldering (Captain), John Cammell, Gavin Chalker, Tim Briggs, Tony Andrew and Clinton Ware. The side surprised Combined Services with a 13 point win at the SCG, with Clinton kicking 2 goals and being named in the best players.
At the club Presentation Night, Michael Walker and Peter Freckelton were awarded the 4th and 5th Life Memberships of the Rams.
1993
The Rams ran Senior and Reserve Grade sides again in the SFA Division 2 competition. The SFA Div 3 competition proved to be short lived, folding after just the one season.
After coaching appointments from within the club in recent years, the Rams appointed highly credentialled David Armstrong as its Senior Grade coach. David was working in the Blue Mountains, having previously played seniors and coached (at Under 19s level) with East Sydney. Prior to that he had played with the Thornton-Eildon and Mildura clubs.
Under David's coaching Senior Grade finished second on the ladder and a convincing Second Semi-Final win saw them soar into the Grand Final. The Grand Final rematch against Hawkesbury alas was unsuccessful, the opposition jumping the Rams in the first quarter and maintaining that lead for the rest of the game.
Reserve Grade were still able to make the finals, finishing third, and easily won the First Semi-Final against Camden. However they were no match for their opponents in the Preliminary Final against Hawkesbury.
Representative football continued again in 1993, with Geoff Eldering (cpt), Michael Walker, Jason Ware, Clinton Ware, David Dunn and David Armstrong turning out for the SFA2 side. The side again took on Combined Services at the SCG, but unlike the previous season did not prevail, losing by over 100 points.
The only Ram to feature in League awards was Michael Walker, who finished equal 4th in the Apted Medal with 9 votes.
1994-2008: Back In Higher Division - Under 18s Add New Dimension to Club
1994
Sydney football was again restructured in 1994. The second division of the Sydney Football Association was abolished, and Penrith were promoted to the higher division. The Rams' First Grade side made fifth spot, and played off in the Elimination Final against Wollongong. After trailing all day, the Rams got up to draw the match, only to lose by a single point in extra time. Captain-coach David Armstrong equalled the club finals goalkicking record by booting nine goals in this game, and capped off a great year by also winning the SFA's Snow Medal. Early in the season the First Grade side kicked the club's second highest score, 50.33 (333), against Blacktown at Greygums Oval.
1995-1996
1995 was a lean year for the club, then 1996 saw the reintroduction of an Age Grade side – the Under 18's, which finished a creditable fifth. The First and Reserve Grade sides that year performed moderately on the field, but were able to lift from the results of 1995.
1997
In 1997 the Under 18's did not field a side and the senior sides struggled despite their best efforts.
1998
In 1998 the Under 18's were reintroduced and finished sixth, one place out of the finals. Glenn Bradley booted 70 goals to finish second in the SFL Under 18 goalkicking (as well as being joint runner-up in the Kealey Medal, a sole vote behind the winners), highlights including individual hauls of 12 and 11 goals. The senior sides showed promising results, probably the highlight being the club's first-ever win over Wollongong in both grades at Greygums Oval.
1999
Season 1999 saw a great improvement in the club's on field performances. Both First and Reserve grades were in finals contention until the latter stages of the season, ultimately missing out on the playoffs. The Under 18 competition was split into two divisions, with Penrith playing in the second division and making it through to the First Semi-Final. Mark Egan showed a glimpse of things to come by finishing runner-up in the Hart Medal in that competition.
2000
The following year, 2000, saw First Grade go one better, finishing fifth and making the finals for the first time since 1994 – although they were again to lose the Elimination Final to Wollongong. The side also recorded their first win, after many attempts, against Manly-Warringah – a thumping 77 point win at Weldon Oval. Reserve Grade, however, slipped dramatically in a disappointing year. Despite struggling for numbers at times, the Under 18's made it to the Preliminary Final and were unlucky to lose that game. David Bradley won the Hart Medal as the outstanding player of the season in that division.
2001
Season 2001 saw the club win its third premiership, the Under 18's going through the season unbeaten (the second instance by a Penrith side). The side kicked a record 31.20 (206) against the Western Jets on 7 July. Both First and Reserve Grades were a stone's throw away from the finals, the twos in particular unluckily missing out at the death. A very successful 21st birthday celebration was held on 21 July at Emu Sports Club, at which the club's honour board was officially unveiled. Michael Ross and Greg Masters won the Hart and McFarlane Medals respectively, with Michael also winning the Under 18 Div 2 goalkicking award. Michael's goal tally included a grade record of 15 goals, in the previously mentioned record score.
2002
With the loss of many senior players in 2002 due to injury, relocation and other reasons, both senior sides struggled and could only win three games between them. A highlight for First Grade, however, was their first ever win over Holroyd-Parramatta in Round 2. The Under 18's provided the major success, winning their second consecutive flag and Penrith's fourth. Michael Ross again excelled individually, taking the Hart Medal and League Goalkicking awards for the second successive year.
2003
Season 2003 saw the Rams move home grounds to Dukes Oval, Emu Plains, after 16 seasons at Greygums Oval. The club formed partnerships with St Clair (SFA Div 2) – fielding the Penrith-St Clair Crows – and the Nor-West Jets (SAFL Under 18's) – fielding the Greater West Under 18's. Administration wise, Penrith moved to a Board structure for the first time. Despite often being competitive, First Grade did not manage a win, whilst Reserve Grade won two matches, including a magnificent Round 17 win against then second-placed Macquarie University. Penrith-St Clair lost their final home and away match of the season by three points, relegating them to fourth place on the ladder – a win would have gained them second spot. With a number of players injured and unavailable for the First Semi-Final, the Crows went down to a stronger UTS side. Nathan Baird finished runner-up in the SFA Division 2 Armstrong Medal count. The Greater West Under 18's had a solid season, finishing 8th.
2004
In 2004, the Rams continued the partnership with St Clair in Second Division, but the Under 18's venture did not continue and a side was not fielded. First Grade managed an historic win in Round 5 vs Manly-Warringah at Dukes Oval, their first since 2002. Otherwise, the season was winless for the side, but it proved to be a far more competitive outfit than in recent times. Reserve Grade looked like going through the season winless but, for the second season in a row, defeated Macquarie Uni at home late in the year. Penrith-St Clair finished third at the end of the home and away season however again lost the First Semi-Final to UTS. At the Phelan Medal night, the Crows' Daniel Molkentin won the Armstrong Medal, as the Sydney AFL Second Division's Best & Fairest player. The club's end of season Presentation Night was the best attended for many years, with 125 people there.
2005
Season 2005 saw three sides drop out of the First Division competition, leaving eight remaining clubs. St Clair decided to discontinue the partnership with Penrith, the Rams fielding Senior and Reserve Grade sides in First Division as a result (the first time since 1997 the club has fielded only the two sides). Senior Grade had a very successful season, finishing fourth and contesting the finals for the first time since 2000. Unfortunately, the side could not progress past the First Semi-Final. Reserve Grade finished fifth, after a particularly successful opening half of the season. Matthew Brennan and Cal Curry finished third and fourth respectively in the Snow Medal count, whilst Craig Saad finished fifth in the McFarlane Medal. Season 2005 also saw the formation of the Greater Western Power, with an Under 18 side being fielded in the Sydney AFL Premier Division competition.
2006
Season 2006 started with the club leaving Dukes Oval, its home of three seasons, to return to Greygums Oval. Also prior to the season's start, the committee of the Greater Western Power voted to come under the umbrella of the Penrith club, meaning the Rams fielded an Under 18 side in its own name for the first time since 2002. Jason Ware booted 14 goals in the Round 4 Reserve Grade game against Holroyd-Parramatta, breaking the record for that grade which had stood since 1981. Senior and Reserve Grades missed out on the finals (each finishing sixth), while the Under 18s had a promising season interrupted by rain, which eventually saw them occupy fifth spot. A major highlight of 2006 was the 25th Anniversary Dinner, held at Emu Plains Sporting and Recreation Club on Saturday, 29 July, with approximately 100 people in attendance.
2007
In 2007, the First Division competition went through a further restructure, being reduced to seven teams as a result. The Rams again fielded Senior and Reserve grade sides. After initially hoping to field its own Under 18s side, the club eventually partnered again with the Nor-West Jets to field a joint side, simply titled Penrith/Nor-West. After experiencing the biggest player drain in the club's history, both senior sides struggled, winning just one game each – however, the Under 18s won five games to finish sixth. Dale Chivas polled well in the Snow Medal, finishing in third place with 14 votes – only two behind the winner.
2008
In 2008 the Rams formalised their standalone Under 18's team as well as a First and Reserve grade teams. Although performing well after a great start, a mid-season slump saw the 18's miss the finals. In their last game of the season, however, they defeated Grand Finalists Southern Power at Greygums Oval.
2009
2009 Saw the divisionalisation of Sydney Football with Penrith dropping a division. The senior sides struggled with player numbers and despite some good wins, did not feature in the finals series. However, the Under 18's had a great season and went down narrowly to Southern Power in the Preliminary Final which dashed their aims of a Grand Final berth. Matthew Payne and Harley Stibbard shared the "Best and Fairest" award in the 18's whilst John Keane took the First Grade Award and veteran Jason Ware the Reserve Grade honours. Both Payne and Ware were runners-up in the Sydney AFL Best and Fairest adjudged by the umpires.
In November 2009, a new board was elected with Kevin Tate taking over as chairman. The board of five immediately appointed a seven-person "Advisory Committee" with a wealth of experience, especially with junior football who are committed to youth development in the region and to see success and glory return to the Penrith and Blue Mountains region. In December, a major coup for the Rams was obtained with the partnership and sponsorship agreement between the Rams and Australia's leading grocery products, IGA Signature.
2010
The benefits of the new divisionalization structure and a refreshed administration showed immediate results in season 2010. Senior Grade came from 3rd on the ladder to make the Grand Final, only to lose to Moorebank Sports. Reserve Grade managed a very creditable sixth on the ladder, only missing the finals by one game and percentage. Under 18s provided the success story of the season, going through the Challenge Cup season unbeaten and defeating Holroyd-Parramatta in the Grand Final, thus winning the club's third Under 18s premiership. The club then went on to scoop the pool at the Phelan Medal Awards, with Rams players winning in each grade – Lachlan Smith (McFarlane Medal for Division 3), Jason Ware (Armstrong Medal for Division 4) and Matt Payne (Hart Medal for Under 18s Challenge Cup). Ben McGovern also won the Under 18s Challenge Cup goalkicking award.
2011
The momentum from the previous season continued into 2011. Both Senior and Reserve Grades finished Minor Premiers at the end of the home & away season, both sides going through to the Grand Final. Reserve Grade weren't able to secure a premiership, going down to Moorebank Sports, however Senior Grade won the club's first senior flag in 20 years, defeating Balmain by 35 points. The Under 18s were promoted to the top level Premier Cup competition and performed creditably, without luck on occasions. The Phelan Medal night again brought success, with Rams players Dale Chivas and David Bradley sharing the Sanders Medal and Jason Bradley winning the Division 4 goalkicking award.
2012
2012 saw the Rams field five sides for the first time in its history – 3 senior sides, Under 18s and a ladies side (the Ramettes). First grade played in Division One, the highest grade in which a Penrith side has ever competed, and finished a creditable fifth, making the first week of the finals. Reserve Grade had a stellar season, winning the first ever flag in that grade for the club, defeating Gosford in the Grand Final. Whilst not winning a game, the Ramettes did manage a draw in one game and had an extremely satisfying season. Individually, Ramettes Natalie Camilleri made the Sydney AFL Women's team of the year and Stephanie Kostic won the Sydney AFL Women's Rising Star award.
2013
The Rams maintained five sides for season 2013. The most successful of these was the Ramettes, now in the newly created Women's Division 2 competition, who won their First Semi-Final in extra time and bowed out of contention in the Preliminary Final. The best of the other sides was Senior Grade, finishing in sixth position, whilst Reserve and Third Grade both had competitive seasons. The Under 18s found life far more competitive in the Division 2 competition.
2014
2014 saw the Rams field five sides again. Whilst Senior Grade missed the finals, Reserve and Third Grades both made the Grand Final without being able to bring home the trophy. Meanwhile, the Under 19s and the Ramettes progressed as far as the Preliminary Final. Nikki Perrett won the Women's Div 2 Best & Fairest award and made the Sydney AFL Women's Team of the Year, while Ben Mayer, Tayt Corless (jointly) and Patrick Pope finished runners-up in the McFarlane, Apted and Hart Medals respectively. Mitchell Stevens (73 goals) and Kevin Kirk (79 goals) won the Division 3 and Division 5 League goalkicking awards. Club administrator Greg Corless deservedly won the Sydney AFL Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his tireless work for the Rams.
2015
In 2015, all sides made the finals again, with the four men's sides (Senior, Reserves, Thirds and Under 19s) making the First Semi-Final in each of their respective competitions before bowing out. The Ramettes, after finishing fourth on the ladder, won three finals on the trot (including two by less than a goal) to make it through to their first ever Grand Final. Unfortunately, they went down by three points in a hard-fought game against Gosford. The club again featured in individual awards. Nikki Perrett again won the Women's Div 2 Best & Fairest (now named the James Medal), again made the Sydney AFL Women's Team of the Year and played for the NSW State side. [3] Jessie Burnham (33 goals) became the first Ramette to win a League goalkicking award. Ben Mayer went one better than 2014 in winning the Sanders Medal, with Matthew Payne finishing runner-up in the McFarlane Medal.
2016
With no Under 19 side in 2016, the Rams fielded four sides - Senior, Reserves and Thirds men's sides and the Ramettes. Three of the sides reached the finals, with Senior Grade going deepest, making the Preliminary Final. Phil Aumann (74 goals) won the League goalkicking for Division 2, with that performance also seeing him finish runner-up in the Sanders Medal. For the second year in a row, a Ramette represented the NSW State side, on this occasion Renee Tomkins. [4]
2017
A significant event occurred in 2017, a joint venture between the Ramettes and the Auburn Giants - resulting in the Auburn-Penrith Giants. Two sides were fielded, in Women's Premier Division and Women's Division One. The Premier Division side was immediately competitive, winning nine games, finishing fourth and making the First Semi-Final. Unfortunately the ladies could not progress past a superior Macquarie Uni outfit, but nevertheless the season could be considered a major positive. The Division One side found things more difficult, winning five games and finishing 12th. Ramettes Renee Tomkins and Melissa Brydon gained selection at full-back and in the forward pocket respectively in the Sydney AFL Women's Team of the Year. Renee again won selection at State level, this time representing the Allies against Victoria at Etihad Stadium. Haneen Zreika, from the Auburn side of the joint venture, also represented the Allies Under 18s against Victoria in the curtain raiser.
Men's Senior Grade finished 3rd in 2017 after the Home and Away season, but disappointingly went out in straight sets when it lost both the Qualifying and First Semi Finals. Reserve, Third and the reinstated Under 19s all missed finals action. This was the first time in Rams history that the club fielded six sides. Mitch Stevens became the second Penrith player to kick 100 goals in a season, with 102 in Senior Grade, finishing runner-up in the Sanders Medal, two votes behind the winner.
2018
2018 saw the formation of Platinum Division (for Senior and Reserve Grades). All five Penrith sides finished the regular season in positions to challenge for their respective premierships. First Grade finished one position higher in second spot, however won the Platinum Division premiership, defeating the Western Magic by 17 points. The Under 19s team ended the regular season in second, but did not make it past the semi-final. Women's Premier Division finished third, going down to the eventual premiers by 6 points in the preliminary final. The women's Division 2 side meanwhile made a late season charge to finals, finishing fifth and being eliminated in the Semi Final stage. Individual accolades where bountiful in 2018 with Auburn-Penrith Giants Renee Tomkins (also selected as full-back in the Premier Division Women's Team of the Year) and Haneen Zreika (also finished equal first in the Mostyn Medal as Best and Fairest in Premier Division but was ineligible due to suspension) being drafted by the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL Women's side. Lael Kassem was also selected in the Sydney AFL Premier Division Women's Team of the Year, on the interchange bench. Rams players also won the leading goal-kicker awards in both Platinum Division (Phil Aumann - 45 goals) and Platinum Division Reserves (Rick Ooms - 47 goals). Rick's feat saw him finish runner up in the McFarlane Medal - in a season where he also equalled the Reserve Grade Rams record for goals in a match (held by Jason Ware) when he kicked 14 goals against South-West Sydney at Rosedale Oval.
2019
A policy shift from the Sydney AFL meant that the Auburn-Penrith Giants joint venture could no longer continue from 2019 onwards. This had a devastating impact on both clubs. The Ramettes reverted to fielding a weakened side in Division 1 after losing many of their top players, resulting in only the one win. The Auburn club meanwhile was forced into recess. On the positive side, the Rams men's Senior Grade had a dominant season, losing just the three Home & Away matches to finish Minor Premiers. Unfortunately, for the second time in three years, they went out of the finals in straight sets, losing to Macquarie Uni and Southern Power. Reserve Grade finished fourth, but lost the First Semi-Final to Western Magic. Unfortunately, after a promising start, the Under 19s were unable to finish the season due to lack of numbers. Individually, Phil Aumann won his third League goalkicking award, while Paige Pirotta (Women's Div 1) and Nathan Wright & Brayden Wilson (jointly - Platinum Div) finished runners-up in the League Best & Fairest.
In November 2019, the new facilities building at Greygums was unveiled. Comprising a canteen, social rooms, office and storage space, the building was the latest of many improvements made to Greygums over the years, making it a superb facility for Australian Rules football in Penrith. [5]
2020
COVID hit Australia in March 2020 and had a major effect on all aspects of society, including community sport. For the Sydney AFL it meant an abbreviated nine round season starting on 18 July. Platinum Division's finals were played over a two-week period (semi-finals week one, 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3, the two winners meeting in the Grand Final in week two). The Rams, finishing in third spot after the H&A series, defeated Balmain in a hard-fought semi-final and met Southern Power in the Grand Final at Rosedale Oval. A dominant 8 goal first quarter laid the foundations for a 54-point win, the club winning its fifth Senior Grade flag and second in three years. The Rams' two leading goalkickers in recent years, Mitch Stevens and Phil Aumann, kicked 11 between them. Reserve Grade finished fourth but were no match for Macquarie Uni in the semi-final. The Ramettes had a better year, winning four of their nine games to finish just out of finals contention.
2021-present: Ramettes Resurgence and New Administration
2021
COVID had subsided sufficiently to see the start of the 2021 season. However a third wave hit in June 2021, seeing games suspended after the Round on 19 June. The season was eventually abandoned on 16 August - a first for the Sydney AFL competition since its inception in 1903 (even the war years did not stop the Sydney AFL).
2022
For the first time since 2015, Senior Grade missed the finals in 2022, finishing adrift in fifth place. Six of their eight losses being less than 15 points were a major reason for the finish. Similarly, Reserve Grade missed the finals for only the second time since 2013, finishing well out of finals contention. The highlight of the season was the Ramettes, who dropped to Division Two at the start of the year. Under the guidance of 2012 Reserves premiership co-coach Nathan White, the girls finished third on the ladder. After finals wins against South-West Sydney and Randwick, they unfortunately lost the Grand Final against Pennant Hills by a heartbreaking two points. First year Ramette Ammie Vamah jointly won the Andrews-Burgmann Medal at the Phelan Medal awards.
2023
After a club record seven seasons as head coach, Kevin Kirk stepped down in 2023, as well as relinquishing his board role. Fellow long-serving board members Greg Corless, John Rix and David Stevens also stepped down. A fresh administration headed by Luke Burcher was elected to run the club. Senior and Reserve Grades again missed the finals, finishing sixth and eighth respectively. Again, it was the Ramettes who flew the flag for the club, finishing third after the Home & Away rounds, and making it through to the Preliminary Final - losing to eventual runner-up Newtown. For the second year in a row, a Ramette tied for the Andrews-Burgmann Medal, this time Lauren Russell.
2024
The Platinum Division concept was scrapped in 2024, the League structure reverting to a divisional concept along the lines of that introduced in 2009 (Premier Division, along with men's divisions 1–5). The Rams nominated its Senior and Reserve Grade teams in Divisions two and five respectively. The women's structure remained largely unchanged, with the Ramettes remaining in Division 2. Four time premiership player Jay Edwards was appointed as Senior Grade coach, while Dave Sanders took over the reins of the Ramettes from Nathan White.
