Round 5, 2025 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
April has turned into May. The days are colder, the shadows lengthening earlier, some grounds starting to already show signs of wear and tear; especially after a wet week like we’re having now. But on the field, the action is hotting up.
Sydney Uni may have flown under the radar in the early rounds, but now find themselves on top in both competitions; and they’re a team to watch in both. Manly and North Shore looking good, UNSW-ES had their first losses but are still well placed, East Coast are still the team to beat in the Women’s. But there’s still plenty of time for the other clubs to make a move.
We’ve got a full round of five Men’s games and four Women’s games to play this week. Parramatta have the bye in the Women’s, an opportunity to reset and fine-tune their game plan after a start to the season that hasn’t gone as they’d have hoped. While St George’s Women’s team are basking in the joy of Premier Division victory for the first time ever.
Keep an eye on the AFL Sydney website for any late ground closures or fixture changes – always a risk after a wet week. And prepare yourselves for what’s sure to be an exciting weekend of footy. On election day, we hope you’ll vote with your feet and make your way to an AFL Sydney footy venue.
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Inner West Magpies v South-West Sydney Blues
Picken Oval, Saturday 12:00pm
Magpies – 9th. Played 4, Won 0, Lost 4, 62.11%. Streak – L4
Blues – 6th. Played 4, Won 2, Lost 2, 59.89%. Streak – W1
Our round of footy starts at Picken Oval, where Inner West Magpies will play host to South-West Sydney. The Magpies desperately need a win to kick-start their season; while the Blues have an opportunity to keep within striking distance of the top five after returning to the winning list last week.
Last week the Magpies took part in the annual ANZAC Day blockbuster at Picken Oval. It was a bright start for the Magpies as they kicked the first three goals; but their supply to the forward line was cut after that and they were only able to score one more for the day to go down by 27 points. Pat Wilmot, Lachie Tiziani and Jonty Inglis battled tirelessly for the Magpies, but it was a familiar story as they weren’t able to land the four points. Four games this season without a win; and they need to find a spark to turn their fortunes around. Taking on an opponent they have never lost to gives them that opportunity for the morale boost.
Meanwhile at Rosedale Oval, South-West Sydney’s season took a turn for the better when they got over the line against St George in a tight, low-scoring encounter. There was never much in it all day, but the Blues got in front in the last quarter to record a five-point win. On a day when goals were hard to come by, Nick Dunshea’s five-goal haul was worth its weight in gold; while Omar Matar and Lachlan Konza also featured prominently. Despite a couple of heavy defeats playing havoc with their percentage, the Blues are hanging in there with a 2-2 record; and another win here would well and truly keep them in the hunt.
It’s desperation stakes for the Magpies. After making the finals last year, they’ve dropped the first four this year, and can’t afford another loss here. To scrap, contest every possession and make life difficult for the Blues is absolutely essential. But the Blues will have got a lift from their hard-fought win last week, and will fancy their chances of going two in a row. The Magpies won both games between the two clubs last year, which was enough to get them into the finals ahead of the Blues. They’ll need to do it again this time if they want to be part of the playoff action again in 2025.
Pennant Hills Demons v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 12:00pm
Demons – 7th. Played 4, Won 1, Lost 2, Draw 1, 84.30%. Streak – W1
Wolves – 2nd. Played 3, Won 3, Lost 0, 213.19%. Streak – W3
It’s a high noon shootout at Mike Kenny Oval as the Demons play host to the Wolves in a high-stakes encounter. Maybe not quite as high stakes as their last meeting, in last year’s Preliminary Final with a Grand Final berth on the line. But for the home side, their season is delicately poised; while the Wolves will be looking to maintain their unbeaten status in 2025. This is a game not to be missed; so even if you’re not at Mike Kenny, get your device onto Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/4915 ]
The Demons broke through for their first win in 2025 last week when they took on Inner West on ANZAC Day at Picken Oval. They had to absorb some scoreboard pressure early as the Magpies landed the first three goals; but defended well after that to hold the Magpies to only one more goal for the day. Taking the lead shortly before half time, the Demons went on with the job in the second half to record a 27-point win; with Lachlan Willey, Luke Skrivanic and Ollie Williams standing up at key moments to get the job done. Finally a win is on the board, but more are needed. They’re at home in a game that will test them, but have given themselves every opportunity to get through this test.
Manly are undefeated so far this season, with everything going according to plan so far. Any fears of a let-down against UNSW-ES at Weldon last week were quickly blown out of the water as the Wolves got off to a flying start; a six goal first quarter laying the platform for a comfortable 35-point win. Former Swans & St Kilda forward Trent Dennis-Lane landed four goals; while Travis Schiller, Alex Jacobs and Tom McCaffery were prolific around the ground. So far everything’s gone well for Manly. But Pennant Hills at Mike Kenny are a tough opponent, and the Wolves can’t afford to be off their guard for this one.
The Demons still hang in the balance, one win and one draw so far isn’t enough to get them into the top five; and a loss here will see them fall well behind finals pace. Not panic stations yet, but they won’t want to see the top contenders race too far ahead. But it won’t be easy against a Manly side that haven’t put a foot wrong so far in 2025. Last year these teams played off for a Grand Final spot, with the Wolves making it through to the big dance. They both should be contenders again this season, but the Demons in particular have work to do to get themselves in a position to do some damage at the business end of the season.
East Coast Eagles v Sydney University Students
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 12:20pm
Students – 1st. Played 4, Won 3, Lost 0, Draw 1, 151.79%. Streak – W3
Eagles – 5th. Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1, 74.03%. Streak – L1
A blue & gold derby at Bruce Purser Reserve sees the Eagles hosting the Students. Sydney Uni are off to a flyer in 2025 with a draw followed by three wins on the trot; while the Eagles are looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season last week.
Last week the Students got on top in the second quarter against UTS with a six goal run, enough to cruise to a comfortable 32-point win. Tom Hitchens spearheaded the charge with four goals; while Felix Rugg-Price, Izaac Hughes and Max Kozlik were prolific ball-winners all day. Top of the ladder and looking good, the Students will be well satisfied with how things are going at the moment. But there’s still plenty of work to be done against an Eagles side that will be keen to maintain their grip on a top five place.
East Coast started 2025 with back to back wins, but found the trip to Gore Hill too much for them last week as they went down to North Shore by 90 points. It was competitive for a half, but the Eagles couldn’t go with the Bombers after the long break, despite the determined efforts of Jacob Jones, Cameron Edwards and Corey Dowle. It’s a big learning curve for a young team, but they’ll bounce back from that. Another big challenge awaits this week, but the Eagles will be ready to take this one on.
The Eagles are going to have to pull out something special in this game. But, having already matched last year’s win tally, the Eagles have an opportunity to overtake that total here. A great start to the season, and despite last week’s heavy defeat, the green shoots for an East Coast revival are evident. But they can’t let themselves be run over in this contest. A competitive showing against one of this year’s front-runners will stand them in good stead for upcoming clashes.
UTS Bats v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Monarch Oval, Saturday 2:20pm
Bats – 10th. Played 4, Won 0, Lost 4, 55.31%. Streak – L4
Bulldogs – 3rd. Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1, 173.95%. Streak – L1
The Eastern derby is always a clash that both sides are keen to lift for, and Saturday at Monarch Oval will be no exception as the Bats and Bulldogs lock horns in a must-win encounter.
2025 hasn’t started well for the Bats, and they are yet to sing the song this year. Last week at Sydney Uni No 1 they were blown away in the second quarter and were 43 points down at the long break. But they played better in the second half to recover some of that ground; with Jack Calabro, Henry Gosse and Josh Ralph getting into the contest. They showed in that second half that they can be competitive against a top team; something they’ll need to do for a full four quarters this time. If they can maintain the improvement from last week and put in that effort for a full game, anything is possible.
The Bulldogs, after three home wins to start the season, dropped their first away game at Weldon last week when they were jumped at the start and went down to Manly by 35 points. Hugo Birks played a lone hand up forward, continuing his purple patch in front of goals with a six goal haul; and he’ll be up against his old club for the first time this weekend. While Jack Willis, Tom Unger and Cooper Kilpatrick were also prominent performers. Despite last week’s loss, the Bulldogs are still well placed as front-runners for 2025, but will be looking for a win here to remain ahead of a chasing pack of teams.
These teams always put on a passionate clash when they play each other; and the stakes are high this time. Particularly for the Bats. After four losses on the trot, this season is at risk of getting away from them unless they can do something to turn their fortunes around. While the Bulldogs have a good foundation to build a season on, but can’t afford to let that slip with back to back losses. It’s games like this one that can make or break a season.
St George Dragons v North Shore Bombers
Olds Park, Saturday 3:40pm
Dragons – 8th. Played 4, Won 1, Lost 3, 74.83%. Streak – L2
Bombers – 4th. Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1, 168.06%. Streak – W2
Olds Park will be lit up for the fixture between the Dragons and the Bombers. The Dragons desperately need a win, but they’ve got some work to do against a North Shore team that hit some good form last week.
It wasn’t St George’s day at Rosedale last week when they took on South-West Sydney. A low-scoring slog saw the lead fluctuate throughout the day, but when the final siren sounded the Dragons were five points on the wrong end of the scoreboard. Nelson Carey, Callum Nash and Eddie Marning worked hard; but it was a disappointing end for the Dragons. With a 1-3 record, their season sits at the crossroads; and they will need to use the home ground advantage and any other edge they can find to get up against North Shore in this one. If they don’t, they run the serious risk of losing touch with the finals contenders early and having some catch-up to play.
North Shore had their second big win in a row at Gore Hill last week when they were 90 points too good for East Coast. Matt Buskariol landed five goals and Tom Drum four, while Angus Loebel and Max Toohey also had a big influence over proceedings. Two big wins at home, but now a tough away trip on a heavy track at Olds Park awaits; and this is a new challenge for North Shore. The Bombers will have some hard work to do against what is sure to be a determined opponent.
St George have the home ground advantage, and need to establish their brand of football over the contest early. The Bombers have been in good form, with big wins in their last two matches; and if the visitors can get the early jump, it will be hard for the Dragons to hit back. But not impossible, and the Dragons have matched up well against the Bombers at Olds Park in recent seasons. This isn’t a game that the Bombers can afford to take lightly.
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Pennant Hills Demons v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 10:10am
Demons – 9th. Played 3, Won 0, Lost 3, 2.15%. Streak – L3
Wolves – 5th. Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1, 95.56%. Streak – W2
It’s been a long wait for Pennant Hills to put things right. The Easter break then a bye, it’s been three weeks since they’ve taken to the field. But now they return to their home deck at Mike Kenny for a morning shoot-out with Manly; another tough opponent who have begun to hit some form. Make sure you tune in to Streamer so you don’t miss a minute of the action – [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/4914]
Pennant Hills have had plenty of time to re-set since they last played, back in round 3. On that occasion, taking on UNSW-ES at Henson Park, they fell to a 101-point loss. Bela Nash, Sheridan Baker and Addison Hickey kept working hard, but it was hard for the Demons to get their game going. Having had a few weeks to work on their game plan, now it’s time for a new focus and a new energy and really get their season going.
Manly had to dig deep to get past a determined UNSW-ES side at Weldon last week. There was only a point in it at the last change; but when the game was there to be won, it was the Wolves who stood up and got it done. In a low-scoring game, Isabella Rudolph’s four goals were the difference between the two sides; while Andrea Roditis, Hannah Woolf and Kenya Fahey were steady hands at the wheel to get the Wolves over the line. Two wins on the trot gets Manly’s season on track; but still giving the impression that their best footy is yet to come.
The Demons sit on the bottom of the ladder, winless with a percentage of 2. Even if the win is beyond them, a more competitive performance is essential; and this is certainly achievable. But Manly, after dropping their first game, have lifted and stand ready for this clash. In the Wolves’ quest to go one better than last year’s Grand Final appearance, they can’t afford to give the Demons a sniff in this one.
UTS Bats v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Monarch Oval, Saturday 12:30pm
Bats – 6th. Played 4, Won 1, Lost 3, 126.35%. Streak – L3
Bulldogs – 2nd. Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1, 524.53%. Streak – L1
The Bats and Bulldogs do battle in an Eastern Suburbs derby at Monarch on Saturday afternoon. For the Bats, it’s time to hit back after three losses on the trot threaten to derail their season. While the Bulldogs tasted defeat for the first time last week, but still find themselves well placed in 2025.
UTS started their season with a big win over the Goannas, but three losses in a row have resulted since then. Not by big margins and their percentage is still well over 100; but the Bats are at risk of losing contact with the top five unless they can arrest their slump. Last week at Sydney Uni No 1 they were never in the contest and went down by 35 points. Elly Rudd, Serina Baukes and Charlotte Owen kept putting the effort in; but the Bats never looked like running the Students down. Back on their home ground at Waverley this week, the Bats need to find a spark.
The Bulldogs had three big wins at home to start their season, but came unstuck on their first away trip when they travelled to Weldon last week. It was close for most of the day, only a point in it at the last change. But when it came to the key moments in the last quarter, the Bulldogs were unable to seal the deal, going down by 12 points. Aimee Whelan, Renee Scheffer and Hayley Stanford worked hard all afternoon; but in the end the Bulldogs fell just short. But it was a competitive performance on the road against a strong opponent; one that gives the Bulldogs plenty of encouragement about their chances in 2025. And they’re still in second place.
There’s always plenty of feeling when these two clubs meet, and this game will be no exception. After three losses on the trot, the Bats must hit back here, and hit back hard at home. It’s games like this that can make or break a season. If the Bulldogs get up, it makes life hard for the Bats, and they’ll have plenty of work to do to get into finals contention. But if the Bats can win, they stay in touch and then the Bulldogs will find themselves under pressure. It’s one thing to beat the bottom three teams easily; but the Bulldogs’ finals hopes rest on knocking off some more highly credentialled opponents. This is their opportunity.
St George Dragons v North Shore Bombers
Olds Park, Saturday 2:00pm
Dragons – 7th. Played 3, Won 1, Lost 2, 31.36%. Streak – W1
Bombers – 3rd. Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1, 445.16%. Streak – L1
St George breathe a sigh of relief. The monkey is off their back. After going through their first season in Premier Division without a win, the Dragons broke through and sang the song for the first time last week. Now they return home to Olds Park; but they’ll have to lift even further if they want to maintain that sweet winning feel.
Last week at Gipps Road, the Dragons pulled off that historic result when they overcame the Goannas by seven points. There was only a kick in it at the long break, but the Dragons made the decisive move in the third quarter to set up a match-winning lead. Biance Rugzis, Caydelan Mitchell Bruce and Jasmine Baily featured prominently. And singing the song in the rooms felt so good. But to turn that one win into a streak, the Dragons will know they need to even more this week. North Shore will be a tough opponent.
North Shore suffered their first loss last week, in a game that was tight for three quarters but the Bombers were unable to keep up with East Coast in the last quarter. Zoe Hurrell, Sophie Kavanagh and Ella Daniel battled gamely, but in the end the Bombers fell short. Now they travel to Olds Park looking to hit back. Regaining the winning momentum will be on their mind, and they’ll be a hard team to stop.
The Dragons finally have a win at this level. But they’re not finished yet. To beat Parramatta, who hadn’t scored all season until that game, is one thing. But to get that winning feeling again, they need even more, It won’t be easy, taking on a North Shore team looking to hit back and remain a contender. But with the confidence that only a win can give, the Dragons will relish this contest and be determined to hit the ground running and give themselves the best chance of back to back victories,
East Coast Eagles v Sydney University
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 2:40pm
Students – 1st. Played 3, Won 3, Lost 0, 928.57%. Streak – W3
Eagles – 4th. Played 2, Won 2, Lost 0, 165.63%. Streak – W2
Two undefeated teams match up at Bruce Purser when East Coast host Sydney Uni; in a game that will tell us plenty about where the Students are at in 2025.
Last week the Students got out to an early lead and cruised home against UTS, winning by 35 points while barely raising a sweat. Claudia Gray, Maryanne Harley and Saskia Johnson were again in the thick of the action in another great day for Sydney Uni. Undefeated with an enormous percentage, everything so far as going to plan. But there’s still a long way to go; and this will be their toughest test yet.
East Coast have only played two games so far, but won them both. Last week at Gore Hill they were pushed by North Shore, and there was only a kick in it at the last change. But when the game was in the balance and there to be won, the Eagles found a way to get the job done; with Summer Hall, Erin Naden and Michelle Foscarini playing key roles in getting the Eagles over the line. You’re not going to dominate every week, but the quality teams will find a way to win the tight ones; and the Eagles have consistently done that in recent years.
The Students sit on top of the ladder. The Eagles a game behind with a game in hand. So far it’s been a good start to the season for both. But here is where their paths divide. The credentials of the Eagles are well known after three straight premierships. But who are their biggest challengers for this year’s title? This game gives Sydney Uni a chance to make a statement. But the Eagles, having seen off a challenger last week, have every intention of doing it again. This game has the ingredients of a cracker.
