Round 8, 2025 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
Last week the weather wasn’t kind to us, with every ground scheduled for a Premier Division game being closed and the round being called off. It will be played on the long weekend – unfortunate but these things are sent to try us.
But this week the weather has looked better, and there shouldn’t be any trouble getting a full round of footy in. And there’s some big matches on the program this week.
In the Men’s, Manly are the only undefeated team. The Wolves are off to Bruce Purser this week to play East Coast; two teams that still have a round 1 game to make up. Sydney Uni and North Shore are in hot pursuit, and they play each other this week in a mouth-watering clash at the Campus. And we start with a Friday night blockbuster at Picken Oval, with the Magpies desperate for a win as they host the Bulldogs.
In the Women’s, Sydney Uni remain undefeated but they’ll be given a test this week by North Shore. East Coast and Manly have an appetising Grand Final replay at Bruce Purser; while St George and Pennant Hills are desperate for a win as they face off at Olds Park. UNSW-ES, after a strong start to the season, have the bye this week.
Plenty of critical games. You won’t want to miss another week of footy this week.
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Inner West Magpies v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Picken Oval, Friday 7:00pm
Magpies – 10th. Played 6, Won 0, Lost 6, 55.11%. Streak – L6
Bulldogs – 1st. Played 6, Won 5, Lost 1, 222.92%. Streak – W2
We begin with a Friday night at Picken Oval; west v east as the Magpies host the Bulldogs. Two teams with contrasting fortunes. The Magpies are desperate for a breakthrough win; while the Bulldogs are flying high, top of the ladder and looking good for a return to finals action after missing out last year. If you can’t get to Picken Oval after work on Friday, never fear. Put your device onto Streamer and you won’t miss a minute of the action.
Click here to watch!
Six losses in a row was not the start to the season the Magpies wanted; and they have some work to do to replicate last year’s finals appearance. Last start was a tough road trip, when they were unable to match it with North Shore at Gore Hill and went down by 114 points. Keegan Litchfield, Leroy Veerhuis and Will Deller never stopped putting the effort in; but Gore Hill is a tough away trip and the Magpies never got into the contest. And it doesn’t get any easier this week against the top team, and the Magpies will need to find something more this week.
After missing out on the finals last year, the rise of the Bulldogs in 2025 has in a large part come from their ability to kick a winning score. Hugo Birks and Kieran Emery have played a key role in this; neither was at the club last year. Emery has played for the Bulldogs before, but this is Birks’ first year in Bulldogs colours. Last match at Bruce Purser was no contest as the Bulldogs ran rampant, with Birks kicking 11 and Emery five as they powered to a 121-point win over the Eagles. The Magpies’ defenders will need to keep them quiet if the home side to get up in this clash.
Time is running out for the Magpies. We’re nearly at the end of May and they haven’t won a game yet; and if they are to replicate last year’s finals appearance, they’ll need to get a move on. The talent is there, but they haven’t clicked to their best form yet. And they’ll need to blunt the Bulldogs’ weaponry if they are to do so this time. The Bulldogs are on a roll, and will be wanting to bank a win here; they have a few tough games in a row coming up.
UTS Bats v South-West Sydney Blues
Waverley Oval, Saturday 12:30pm
Bats – 9th. Played 6, Won 0, Lost 6, 55.11%. Streak – L6
Blues – 5th. Played 6, Won 4, Lost 2, 80.77%. Streak – W3
It’s not quite panic stations for the Bats yet, but they’ll need to click into gear and lift their performance compared to what we’ve seen so far. And on their home deck, now is the time. But it won’t be easy against a Blues side that finds themselves in the top five on the back of a three-game winning streak and, in this their second season in the top flight, has the finals in their sights. It’s the second meeting for these clubs in 2025, with the Blues having won by 42 points when they met at Monarch in the opening round. This time we’re on the Bats’ turf. And for those who can’t do the trip down Bondi Road, make sure you tune in to Streamer to see it all as it unfolds.
Click here to watch!
UTS are yet to win in 2025, but they had their best shot at the four points in their last game, at Mike Kenny when they gave the Demons an almighty scare. A poor third quarter cost the Bats dearly, but they came storming home with five goals in the last quarter, with Tom Larby, Hamish Latchford and Henry Gosse in the thick of the action. In the end they fell just seven points short; heartbreak on the day but they can take re-assurance that the breakthrough win shouldn’t be too far away.
Last start was South-West Sydney’s best win of the season to date, arguably their best in their Premier Division history; when a burst of four unanswered goals in the second quarter set up a 31-point win over the previously unbeaten Sydney Uni. Eddie Keogh, Finbar Delbridge and Ethan Matthews were superb; and the Blues will be looking for another strong effort from them as they endeavour to keep their winning streak going.
For the Blues, finals beckon. They’re a game and a half clear in fifth place. All they have to do is keep winning, their fate is in their own hands. Their percentage isn’t great, but that doesn’t matter if they keep winning. Against a winless opponent, if they want to be finals contenders, this is a game they should win. But that winless team will be desperate and determined; and Waverley is their home deck. For the Bats, the breakthrough win to kick-start their season is the aim. If they can catch a break, get their best game going; they can catch the Blues out here. It’s now or never.
St George Dragons v Pennant Hills Demons
Olds Park, Saturday 2:40pm
Dragons – 8th, Played 6, Won 1, Lost 5, 57.56%. Streak – L4
Demons – 6th. Played 6, Won 2, Lost 3, Drawn 1, 81.35%, Streak – W1
It’s an important clash for two teams who haven’t yet hit their best form when the Dragons and the Demons lock horns at Olds Park. Both teams will come out breathing fire, but only one can snare the critical four points on offer.
It hasn’t been easy for St George so far this season, and their last matcb got even tougher when Olds Park was closed and their match against Manly moved to Weldon Oval. In the end the Dragons weren’t able to match it with the Wolves, going down by 98 points. Lachlan Cabor, Dave McKnight and Jack Martin kept putting the effort in; but the Dragons didn’t have the firepower to match it with the Wolves. But they can’t let that happen again this week, and an all-out effort is needed to get the points here.
The Demons took out their second win for the year last start, not particularly convincingly, with a narrow seven-point win over UTS. It was close at half time, but the Demons found the winning move in the third quarter; helped along by strong efforts from Charles Allison, Maine Vidler and Nick Eynaud. Not a massive margin, but a win’s a win; and the Demons will need plenty more of them to get into the top five.
The Demons finally got their second win, but haven’t yet hit their best form. But now’s the time they need to hit their straps. They’re still a game and a half outside the top five, and have some ground to make up. They’re usually thereabouts at the business end of the season, and still have a good chance this year; but they’ll need to string some wins together. But they’ll be facing a determined opponent. The Dragons have only saluted once this season, and the clock is ticking on their playoff hopes if they can’t get a winning streak going. They need to make that happen, and it all starts here in the Dragons’ lair.
East Coast Eagles v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 3:40pm
Eagles – 7th. Played 5, Won 2, Lost 3, 49.21%. Streak – L3
Wolves – 2nd. Played 5, Won 5, Lost 0, 221.09%. Streak – W5
While every other club has played six games so far, these two clubs have played five; the postponed opening round match has yet to be played. So this is the first meeting of these teams in 2025, with the Eagles looking to get back on track after a promising opening two games while the Wolves are on an undefeated run so far this season.
The Eagles had a promising start to the season with two wins, matching last season’s total. But since then the season has threatened to unravel, with three big losses. In their last match, at Bruce Purser, the Eag;es were blown away from the start, going down to UNSW-ES by 121 points. Nathan Penna, Corey Dowle and Jacob Jones tried hard, but the Eagles were powerless to stop the rampant Bulldogs forwards. Now, against the only remaining undefeated team, it need to be different. They started the season too well to just let it slip away.
Manly have raced out of the blocks in 2025, with five wins already this season plus a game in hand. The most recent win was when their game against St George was switched to Weldon at late notice; and it was a comfortable win for the Wolves with a 98-point result. Zac Youlten spearheaded the charge with four goals; while Travis Schiller continued his purple patch for the Wolves while Aiden Adams and Lachlan Behagg also featured prominently. It’s been a great run for Manly so far in 2025, and they’ll be looking to keep their momentum going in this match.
The Wolves go into this game as the hottest of favourites. Undefeated, they recruited well in 2025 to bolster a team that made the Grand Final last year. 2025 couldn’t have started better; but there’s still a long way to go, and the Wolves know only too well they can’t do anything to jeopardise their momentum. For the Eagles, it’s backs to the wall and time to come out swinging. They haven’t won many in the last few years, but have had a few monumental efforts when they’ve pulled off upsets. Another one is needed here. Can the Eagles find another giant-killing boilover moment?
Sydney University Students v North Shore Bombers
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 4:00pm
Students – 4th. Played 6, Won 4, Lost 1, Drawn 1, 147.34%. Streak – L1
Bombers – 3rd. Played 6, Won 5, Lost 1, 210.03%. Streak – W4
We’ve got a potential cracker of a match at the Campus when Sydney Uni host North Shore. These two clubs have built quite a rivalry in recent years, have met in finals quite a few times. And the Students were the only team to really threaten North Shore’s undefeated season last year. Both clubs are well placed on the ladder, despite the Students having a hiccup against South-West Sydney; and both will have circled this game as one they’re looking forward to.
The Sydney Uni side will be looking to bounce back from a shock 31-point loss to South-West Sydney at Rosedale in their last match. The Students were held to a single goal in the first half, and found the deficit too big a gap to bridge in the second half. Lucas Newman, Michael Nettheim and Rohan Watson battled gamely for the Students; but it wasn’t enough to prevent their first loss of the season. But the Students are still well placed on the ladder; and especially so if they can bounce back here and overtake the Bombers.
Meanwhile North Shore have won their last four games, all by big margins. Last start at Gore Hill was no contest as they got the early jump against Inner West and dominated all day for a 114-point win over Inner West. Tom Drum landed five goals; while first year Bomber Nick Pavlou and captain Ned Campbell each bagged four while Jake Veale was also in everything all day. Since their round 2 loss, the Bombers haven’t put a foot wrong, and their aspiration of back to back flags remains intact. But this game, on what could be a slow track at Sydney Uni, a contrast to the synthetic they’re used to, could challenge them.
These are two teams with plenty of star power, who have played some great footy in 2025 so far. This game has the ingredients to make a classic contest. It’s the team that turns up on the day with their best form and able to rise to the occasion that will take the four points. Shooting for a spot in the upper reaches of the ladder, against one of their biggest rivals; there won’t be any shortage of motivation for either team to get themselves up for this one.
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
UTS Bats v Parramatta Goannas
Waverley Oval, Saturday 3:00pm
Bats – 6th. Played 6, Won 2, Lost 4, 141.74%. Streak – W1
Goannas – 8th. Played 5, Won 0, Lost 5, 6.25%. Streak – L5
It’s the second meeting between the Bats and the Goannas this year. The opening round clash at Gipps Road set the tone for the Goannas’ season when they were held scoreless as the Bats raced to a 118-point win. But 2025 hasn’t been particularly kind to the Bats either, and they would lose their next four before a breakthrough win against Pennant Hills. We’re at the Bats’ home, and although they sit above the bottom three, there’s still plenty of work to do for the home side to get back into finals contention. The best place to watch the action is at Waverley; the second best is on your device through Streamer.
Click here to watch!
The Bats recorded their first win since the opening round when they defeated bottom side Pennant Hills by 111 points at Mike Kenny Oval. Brianna-Lee Wade added five goals against her old club and Mia Hartley four; with Zoe Bush and Tilley Edwards-Hill also looking impressive. It was a welcome turnaround after a four-game losing streak. But there’s still plenty of work ahead if the Bats are to return to finals contention. A win against another bottom-three opponent is an absolute must.
The Goannas’ disastrous season took another turn in their last match when they were again held scoreless at Gipps Road, this time by Sydney Uni. Ava Saad, Ash Gray and Imogen Gow never gave up; but it’s so hard when the rewards don’t come up on the scoreboard. The Goannas desperately need a circuit-breaker, something to kick-start the season. The something that will turn their fortunes around. It’s all-out attack, whatever it takes to get on the scoreboard this week. They just can’t let themselves be held to zero again.
The Bats have plenty of work in front of them. Their percentage looks good at first glance, but they’re a game plus plenty of percentage out of the top five; and fifth-placed East Coast have two games in hand compared to the Bats. There’s absolutely no margin for error for them, this is one they must win comfortably. For the Goannas, it’s been a disappointing start to the season; and they need to find something out of this game that will lift the morale and turn their fortunes around. There’s nothing like hitting the scoreboard for doing that; and the Goannas will need all-out attack to make that happen. To throw caution to the wind and have a red-hot go.
St George Dragons v Pennant Hills Demons
Olds Park, Saturday 5:00pm
Dragons – 7th. Played 5, Won 1, Lost 4, 13.58%. Streak – L2
Demons – 9th. Played 5, Won 0, Lost 5, 1.26%. Streak – L5
This clash at Olds Park puts two teams against each other that, it’s fair to say, desperately need a win. Both with a percentage of less than 14, have copped heavy losses every week except when the Dragons managed a win against the Goannas. Here is their chance for some respite, a chance against a more closely-matched opponent. A chance to win. It’s there for the club that is good enough to take it.
St George do have a win on the board, but they’ve copped some heavy losses in the remaining games to date. Last round the Dragons were the only losing team to kick a goal, but went down to Manly by 135 points at Weldon. Annabelle McHale, Sara Attard and Jasmine Baily were tireless in their backs-to-the-wall efforts against the odds; but it wasn’t enough to stay within striking distance. But with a new game comes a new start, and a more competitive performance is required this time.
When you’ve lost five in a row and your percentage is less than 2, something needs to change. Last startragainst UTS they were unable to raise a flag from the goal umpires as they went down to UTS by 111 points. Sheridan Baker, Sally Faehrmann and Annabelle Rickerby tried hard, but the Demons were out of their depth against the Bats. A new effort and a new resolve is needed for the Demons; a win would be a fresh start. But that takes a much stronger game than they’ve managed so far.
On Court Phillipe Chartrier, the sign on the grandstand roof reads “Victory belongs to the most tenacious”. Such a sign would not be out of place at Olds Park this week. Both these teams have had the odds stacked against them all season, without the talent to match it with the top contenders. But who can steel themselves for this challenge, to rise to the occasion and get the sniff of victory? After the trials and tribulations of the season so far, singing the song will feel so good.
East Coast Eagles v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 6:00pm
Eagles – 5th. Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1, 194.12%. Streak – W1
Wolves – 4th. Played 5, Won 4, Lost 1, 290.14%. Streak – W4
The keenly-awaited Grand Final replay is finally upon us. These teams were scheduled to play in the opening round, but that match was postponed, This should have been the second match between these two teams, but is actually the first. Both have strong hopes of being in the Grand Final again this year, both have only dropped one game. And there’s no shortage of big name players to make this a game that should excite.
East Coast hit back in style after their loss to Sydney Uni as they held UNSW=ES goal-less to complete a 42-point win at Bruce Purser. Bryany Parker, Bailee Hourigan and Sarah Whitton were instrumental in the Eagles’ success. The Eagles have dropped one game, but other than that have successfully handled every challenge that has come their way; and have plenty of gun performers ready to fire up for this clash.
The washout last week had minimal impact on Manly, as they weren’t scheduled to be playing last week anyway. Their last start was against St George the week before, and resulted in a comfortable 135-point win. Isabella Rudolph left the Dragons red-faced as she bagged no less than 11 goals; while Zara Hamilton and Hannah Woolf were unstoppable around the ground. After dropping their first game, the Wolves have won four on the trot; and would love to exact some revenge on the Eagles for last year’s Grand Final result. They’ve waited a long time for this match.
These teams put on an entertaining show in last year’s competition decider, and both have high hopes of being there again in 2025. This game offers not just four points, but a key psychological edge that could make a difference when the business end of the season comes around. There’s no shortage of appetising match-ups around the ground; and there’s probably not going to be much to separate these two very strong sides when the final siren sounds.
Sydney University Students v North Shore Bombers
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 6:20pm
Students – 1st. Played 5, Won 5, Lost 0, 960.98%. Streak – W1
Bombers – 2nd. Played 5, Won 4, Lost 1, 588.30%. Streak – W3
Under lights at the Campus is a match between two sides that look to be on the way up in 2025. The Students, on the back of a Preliminary Final appearance last year, have burst out of the blocks in 2025 to be the only undefeated team. But hot on their heels is North Shore, with the Bombers having only dropped one game and with an impressive percentage putting them into second place. Top spot is on the line in this clash, and both sides will relish this challenge.
The Students haven’t put a foot wrong so far this year and they would be delighted with how things are going. Last start they travelled to Gipps Road and held the Goannas scoreless to record a 117-point win. Lucy Gilfedder was impressive up forward to finish with five goals; while Cassie Brown, Maryanne Harley and Rose Stuart were prolific ball-winners all day. Every opponent the Students have faced this season has been easily handled; but this will test them. To be the best, you’ve got to be tested, and this week the Students are under the microscope.
It’s been several weeks since the Bombers have taken the field. A Rep weekend off, a bye, a washout; finally they return to action. Their last start was a 138-point demolition of St George at Olds Park; spearheaded by a four-goal haul from Lauren O’Sullivan and prolific contributions around the ground from Sophie Kavanagh, Heidi de Saxe and Kiera Yerbury. The Bombers have only dropped one game this season, have an impressive percentage; and are looking to further boost their performance in what has so far been their best season ever at this level.
When two clubs with a strong rivalry go head to head, with top spot on the ladder the reward for the victors; there’s bound to be plenty of spice in this contest. The night air may be cold, but the football action will be red-hot. For both these teams, this will give us a good indication of where they really are at. It’s games like this that separate the contenders from the pretenders.
