Round 2, 2025 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
There’s something about the start of an AFL Sydney season that seems to cause the heavens to open. For several years in a row, the scheduled opening day has seen wet weather. Unfortunately, Weldon Oval and Picken Oval were closed at the last minute, and the games scheduled there were postponed. They’ll be played later in the season.
But the other venues were open, and three Men’s and three Women’s matches went ahead. This week the remaining Premier Division teams, and our divisional teams, get their season under way.
There’s plenty to like about this week’s matches. A Grand Final replay, some keen rivalries and the chance to make an early impression in 2025. Five Men’s matches, four Women’s matches.
St George have the bye in the Women’s this week, a chance to fine-tune their game plan after they didn’t quite get it right in the opening round. But they’ll be back next week ready to show the footy world that they’ll be a tougher opponent in 2025 than they were last year.
After opening round, some teams have played while the others have a game in hand. But this weekend the forecast looks OK, and it’s time for a full round of footy. Time to get into it!
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Manly-Warringah Wolves v North Shore Bombers
Weldon Oval, Saturday 12:20pm
There’s always plenty of passion when the Battle of the Spit Bridge comes around. Especially when the Wolves and the Bombers have met in a Grand Final. North Shore were too good in last year’s Grand Final, but in this clash we’re on the Wolves’ turf, and this is their opportunity to make a statement. This is a game not to be missed. The best place to see it is at Weldon Oval; the next best is on your device watching it on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/4684 ]
Unfortunately for Manly, they weren’t able to get on the field last week. They’ve been training through the summer, and their campaign to go one better in 2025 starts right here. They’ve bolstered their lineup, mainly with local talent from their Under 19.5s. In last year’s premiership decider, they were blown away at the start. There wasn’t much in it after quarter time, but the damage was done. They’ll be determined to get off to a good start this time, at the very least to stay within striking distance of the Bombers.
The Bombers got to play last week, unfurling their flag on the Gore Hill synthetic; but they were given a solid test by Pennant Hills and it was far from a dominant performance. But even when put under pressure, with the Demons drawing level in the third quarter, they never fell behind the Demons. The top sides aren’t going to dominate every week, but even when the pressure is on, they find a way to win. Thanks in a large part to the efforts of Mitch Rogers, James Tidemann and Finn Chalmers, the Bombers managed to get it done.
The battle for supremacy on the North side of town is always one that both sides are keen to lift for. And in a Grand Final replay, this match will be no exception. The Wolves have a score to settle, while the Bombers won’t want to drop a game against a rival club. But the Bombers aren’t invincible, Manly are up for this challenge; and North Shore will have to be at their best to maintain their unbeaten run. This game should be a cracker.
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v South-West Sydney Blues
Henson Park, Saturday 1:40pm
For what it’s worth after an incomplete first round, they’re the top two teams. But either the Bulldogs or the Blues will have got their season off to an ideal 2-0 flying start after this Henson Park clash on Saturday.
UNSW-ES are playing their second home game in a row. Last Sunday they hit the ground running with a comfortable 55-point win over St George. Hugo Birks, joining the Bullldogs this season, spearheaded the charge with four goals, while former premiership hero Keiran Emery scored three on his return to the club after playing in the country last year; with Tom Baxter, Oscar Peter and Birks being named the Bulldogs’ best. It was an impressive performance which gives the Bulldogs’ faithful plenty of cause for optimism about the season.
The Blues started their second season in Premier Division in style, completing a 42-point win over UTS at Monarch last Saturday. It was tight for three quarters, but the Blues finished full of running; with Josh Croft landing four goals, while Jacob Croft, Fin Delbridge and Callum Burns picked up plenty of the ball around the ground. Now they’re on the road, and this is a test for them; but it’s a challenge the Blues will embrace.
It’s a long season, and there’s plenty of footy to come. But a 2-0 record from the first two games is a great platform to build on; and would see a team of players in solid form and with the confidence that comes with that. That’s the prize on offer in this contest. The winner sends out the message “catch us if you can”, while the loser drops back to the pack of chasing teams. For an early season boost, this is the sort of game that a finals aspirant will want to put in a solid effort.
St George Dragons v Inner West Magpies
Olds Park, Saturday 2:40pm
The Dragons and the Magpies have fought plenty of epic battles over the years; and both will be keen to strike an early blow in the 2025 season when these clubs lock horns at Olds Park on Saturday afternoon.
St George were unable to keep up with UNSW-ES at Henson Park last Sunday, with a slow start costing the Dragons dearly as they went down by 55 points. Alex Box, Jack Druery and Eddie Marning battled hard, but it wasn’t the start to the season the Dragons were hoping for. But this time they’re on their home turf, and in front of the red and white faithful, here is their opportunity to shine.
Unfortunately for the Magpies, they weren’t able to get on the field and take on Sydney Uni last week. They have a game in hand; but this is their first opportunity to make a play for premiership points. After making the finals last season, this year they’re wanting to capitalise on the momentum they built and make a decent run at the business end of the season. But they must make the finals first; and matches like this one are crucial towards making that happen.
It’s a high stakes contest, and there’ll be no quarter asked or given. The four premiership points will be worth their weight in gold; the spark that gets the fire going. Although it’s early in the season, momentum and form is built on games like this. Drop this game, and it’s a long way back into contention. But if you get the points here, the season is under way and there’s reasons for hope about the season to come. There’ll be no shortage of motivation for a strong performance here.
Pennant Hills Demons v Sydney University Students
Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 2:55pm
Two regular finals combatants, Pennant Hills and Sydney Uni, head up to Cherrybrook for an enticing match-up that will tell us plenty about their prospects for the season ahead of us. The Demons went down fighting against the defending champions last week; while this week marks the first appearance for the Students in 2025.
Pennant Hills had a tough draw, being sent to Gore Hill to take on North Shore in the season opener. But the young Demons side containing several names making their Premier Division debut gave a good account of themselves. They didn’t win, but the relentless physical pressure put the defending champions under the pump; and if the Demons can maintain that intensity week after week, they’ll win more than they’ll lose. Mitch Blow, Nick Hey and Nick Eynaud were prominent performers for the Demons; who are usually thereabouts at the business end of the season. And they showed enough in their season opener to suggest that they’ll be contenders this year.
Sydney Uni didn’t get to start their season last week, with Picken Oval being closed last Saturday and the Students’ clash with Inner West Magpies being postponed. The Students, after winning the premiership in 2020, have finished fourth for the last three seasons; and they have aspirations of at least a top three finish this year. That quest starts here, against a team that they’ve had some memorable finals clashes with in recent years.
It was a gutsy performance from Pennant Hills last week, but that counts for nothing if they can’t follow it up this time round. To go 0-2 would put the Demons under pressure and playing catch-up footy for the next few weeks to get towards the top five. But Sydney Uni, refreshed and raring to go, are ready for this challenge. There isn’t usually much in it when these teams battle it out. It’s not just four points on offer, but a psychological edge against a potential finals rival. Both sides are sure to give it their all in this clash, and you can expect a hard-fought closely-contested encounter.
East Coast Eagles v UTS Bats
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 3:40pm
It’s a twilight encounter at Rouse Hill as the Eagles host the Bats. It’s the season opener for the Eagles, while the Bats are looking to bounce back after a disappointing last quarter against South-West Sydney last week.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, their trip to Manly was cancelled last week when Weldon Oval was closed. But now they’re ready for action. After just three wins in the last three years, this is the year when the Eagles need to lift their on-field performance; and they’ve got some exciting new talent to unveil when they take the field. They’ve been training hard, and now is the time to make it count.
It wasn’t a great opening for the Bats last week, when they travelled to Monarch to take on the Blues. For three quarters the game was in the balance, but when the game was there to be won, too many players weren’t able to keep up. That’s something they’ll be working on ahead of this clash. Hamish Latchford, George Boyd and Henry Gosse played solid games in tricky conditions last week; and the Bats will again be looking for them to step up and make a key contribution this time.
A season is a long time. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. But an early win will boost the spirits and give comfort that the team is on the right track. And that’s the reward on offer for the team that is good enough to step up and take it. Wins have been hard to come by for both clubs in recent seasons; but both clubs have aspirations to move up the ladder this year. And it’s games like this one that can make it happen.
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v Parramatta Goannas
Henson Park, Saturday 12:00pm
Our Women’s round begins with a high noon shootout at Henson Park between two clubs with wildly different form from last weekend. The Bulldogs will be looking to continue the encouraging form they showed last week, while the Goannas will be aiming to regroup and hit back hard.
The Bulldogs hit the ground running last Sunday when they powered away to a 54-point win over St George at Henson Park. Emily Conlan looked impressive on the forward line to finish with four goals; while Rani Sossai, Zali Deep and Amala Wain were prominent performers around the ground. Last year wasn’t a great one for the Bulldogs, but they’d be feeling good about the start to 2025 and have some momentum to build on this week.
Meanwhile at Gipps Road, the Goannas weren’t having the start to the season that they wanted. They’ve had some massive departures since last season, but the new-look Goannas side showed they’re yet to hit their best form as they were unable to score against UTS, going down by 118 points. Brea Trevitt, Ashley Gray and Imogen Gow kept putting the effort in; but things weren’t going their way. It’s a young team, including several from their Under 20s premiership side from last year; and it will take time for them to realise their best footy at this level.
If the Bulldogs can get the job done here, they go 2-0 and have already got half-way to last year’s total for the season; and would be feeling confident of their prospects of improvement and making a move up the ladder this season. But they’ll face resistance from a determined Parramatta side. Last week’s result was below their usual standards, and the Goannas will surely have to come out swinging into this encounter. After failing to score last week, to go 0-2 with a poor percentage will have them chasing the season with a lot of catch-up work to do.
Pennant Hills Demons v Sydney University Students
Mike Kenny Oval (lower oval), Saturday 12:50pm
A high-stakes encounter on the lower oval at Mike Kenny sees Pennant Hills hosting Sydney Uni. It’s the first appearance for the year for the University club, while the Demons will be desperate to hit back after a heavy loss to North Shore last week.
The Demons were unable to keep up with the Bombers at Gore Hill last week. After the departure of some key players from a side that only won two matches last year, the Demons didn’t have the firepower to match it with a strong North Shore side and were unable to raise a finger from the goal umpires as they went down by 134 points. Sheridan Baker, Caitlin Gurney and Amelia Bennett never stopped putting the effort in, but the Demons still have some work to do to get themselves to the level they’re looking for in 2025.
The Students had the bye last week. Regular finals participants, they got up in a couple of close finals last season and went so close to the Grand Final. This year the aim surely has to be to make it through to the big dance; and that campaign starts right here. They’ve got what, at least on paper, looks like a lineup capable of troubling the top sides. And now it’s time to show that form on the field.
The Students will go into this game as favourites, a strong lineup that managed to avoid the wet conditions last week without a postponement game to catch up on. But the Demons will be desperate here. Last week fell short of their hopes, and they can’t let that happen again; especially in front of the Demon faithful at home. They’ll be showing plenty of fight and pressure. They have to.
East Coast Eagles v UTS Bats
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 2:00pm
East Coast Eagles, three-time premiers at this level, will unfurl their latest premiership flag at Bruce Purser on Saturday afternoon. They then have a tough first home game for the season, as they take on their 2023 Grand Final foes in UTS; a Bats side that got off to an impressive start last week and has some good form on the board.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, they weren’t able to play their Grand Final replay against Manly when Weldon Oval was closed last week. The Eagles got the job done in last year’s decider. But they’ll get their chance to repeat that performance later in the year. But the job at hand is against the Bats, a team that has given them grief in the past. It’s another strong looking East Coast team this year, but with some new challengers in the mix for 2025, the Eagles will be keen to show that they’re still the benchmark.
UTS got on the field last week at Gipps Road, and it was a dream start to the season for them. The Bats dominated from start to finish as they held the Goannas scoreless to win by 118 points. Jessica Quade was an imposing target up forward to finish with four goals; while Aoife Berry, Sophia Guakrodger and Tallulah Kirk were in the thick of the action around the ground. The Bats have an experienced and accomplished lineup in 2025, further strengthened by some quality recruits; and they’re aiming for a shot at the premiership this year.
But while the Bats have aspirations to take out the title, the Eagles are the true test of where they’re really at. The Eagles have done it before, three premierships in a row; and they won’t be giving up their title without a fight. This is the start for the Eagles, and they’re ready for action. This game should be a cracker, there probably won’t be much in it. But it will tell us whether the Bats are in a position to mount a serious challenge to the Eagles’ supremacy at this level.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v North Shore Bombers
Weldon Oval, Saturday 2:40pm
The Battle of the Spit Bridge sees the Northern bragging rights up for grabs as Manly take on North Shore. The Wolves were in last year’s Grand Final and are usually in the mix at the business end of the year. While the Bombers, after a big win last week, are a team on the rise and this will be a test of where they are at. A grudge match like this one is not to be missed; and even if you can’t get to Curl Curl, never fear. You can see it all unfold live on Streamer. ]link – https://streamer.com.au/match/4685 ]
Manly missed out on playing last week when wet weather forced them off Weldon Oval. After a Grand Final appearance, the Wolves have aspirations to go one better this year and take out the title; but their quest has had to be delayed a week. But it starts right here, right now. They’ve got a strong lineup, they’re fit, they’re ready. And the time to stand and deliver has come.
The wet conditions didn’t worry North Shore as they got to play on their Gore Hill synthetic; and it was a one-sided contest from start to finish as the Bombers kept Pennant Hills scoreless to win by 134 points. Adrienne Keeffe landed five goals and Heidi de Saxe four; while Charli Tidemann, Lucy Yates and Sophie Kavanagh were ball magnets around the ground. The Bombers returned to the finals last year, but their aspirations are to go much deeper into the playoffs this year. If they’re going to do that, this is the sort of game they need to win.
Despite a few close calls, North Shore have never beaten Manly in Womens Premier Division. Is this the day the drought breaks? Not if Manly have anything to do with it. These are two clubs that fancy their chances of contending for the premiership, a true test for both as they vie for local supremacy and the chance to make an early statement about their hopes for 2025. This has all the ingredients of a cracking game, and neither side will have any trouble motivating themselves for this one.
