Round 7, 2025 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
It’s our second attempt to get the Round 7 fixtures played. After the washout a fortnight ago, the forecast looks better this time. We’re starting with some weeknight games, and continuing into Saturday; leaving some long weekend available after the last game is done and dusted.
Plenty of enticing games await this round. The University Derby rarely fails to deliver, and with both clubs well placed in both Men’s and Women’s, there’s sure to be plenty of passion this time round. We’ve got the Bats and the Dragons fighting to stay in finals contention. And the Demons locking horns with the Bombers for the second time this season.
Manly have the bye in the Women’s, a long weekend off and a well-earned break after a win over East Coast in the Grand Final replay. The Eagles will look to bounce back against the Goannas; while their Men are off to Rosedale for a meeting with the Blues.
It all adds up to another big week of footy.
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
UTS Bats v St George Dragons
Bat & Ball Oval, Thursday 6:40pm
Bats – 8th. Played 7, Won 1, Lost 6, 61.22%. Streak – W1
Dragons – 9th. Played 7, Won 1, Lost 6, 54.99%. Streak – L5
We begin with a Thursday night at Bat & Ball with a match in which both teams will be desperate for a win. The Bats finally got on the board last week while the Dragons haven’t won since before Easter; and with both teams having only one win so far this year, there’s no time to lose if they are to get back into the finals race.
The Bats’ breakthrough result came last week at Waverley, when they took the lead in the third quarter against South-West Sydney and hung on in the last for a 12-point win. Blake Tabe, Hamish Latchford and Henry Giosse played pivotal roles for the Bats; and the Bats will be looking for another big effort from them this time. Singing the song felt good after finally getting the first win of the season, but one win isn’t enough. The Bats need to turn it into a winning streak.
St George suffered their fifth loss on the trot last week at Olds Park when they went down to Pennant Hills by 54 points. There wasn’t much in it in a low-scoring first half, but when the game opened up after half time the Dragons didn’t have the firepower to match it with the Demons; despite the determined efforts of Lachlan Querzoli, Cave McKnight and Thomas Ingram. The Dragons need to keep it tight for four quarters; a good first half only won’t cut it this time.
When you’ve made it to June and have only saluted once so far this season, there’s no time to lose. This season can get away unless you can start stringing some wins together. For the winner, there’s still hope for a rise up the ladder. But, although still mathematically possible, the loser will see the finals looking out of reach. There’s no time like the present to hit the straps and knuckle down to some good footy. It’s now or never.
Sydney University Students v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Friday 7:30pm
Students – 4th. Played 7, Won 4, Lost 2, Drawn 1, 130.68%. Streak – L2
Bulldogs – 1st. Played 7, Won 6, Lost 1, 228.26%. Streak – W3
Across many sports, the University Derby between Sydney Uni and UNSW is one of the big rivalries in Sydney. AFL is no exception, and there’s no shortage of passion when the Students and the Bulldogs face off. They played in three Grand Finals in a row not all that long ago; and with both clubs well placed on the ladder, there’ll be plenty of spice in this clash. Great prime-time viewing; and if you can’t make it to the Campus, you can catch all the action on Streamer. Click here to watch!
But after leading the competition a couple of weeks ago, the Students have hit a slight snag with back to back losses. Last week at Sydney Uni No 1 they went down to defending premiers North Shore by 25 points. Not even a six goal haul from Alex Witherden and myriad possessions from Oscar Bosnjakovic and Leo Hawkins could get the Students over the line. Two losses in a row has seen them drop to fourth; and in a tight battle for positions within the top five, they can’t afford to make it three defeats in a row. The Students need to lift another gear this week.
After missing the finals last year, the Bulldogs have hit back hard in 2025, and go into this game on top of the ladder. It’s their second Friday night game in a row, after getting up by 43 points against the Magpies at Picken Oval last week. It was a low-scoring slog for three quarters, but eventually the class of the Bulldogs prevailed as they ran away in the last; with Sam Thorne, Kieran Emery and Will Spencer leading the way. They’ve easily knocked off the teams outside the top five this year; but Sydney Uni will test them, and they’ll need to be on top of their game in this clash.
Both these clubs, after the start to the season they’ve had, would have expectations of going deep in the finals this year and could well face off against each other when the business end of the season rolls around. At stake here is not just the four points the winner gets, but the lack of four points for the loser; plus a potential psychological edge against a rival. A win here to kick-start the long weekend is all-important, and it’s there for the taking for the team that is able to reach up and take it.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v Inner West Magpies
Weldon Oval, Saturday 12:00pm
Wolves – 2nd. Played 6, Won 6, Lost 0, 219.81%. Streak – W6
Magpies – 10th. Played 7, Won 0, Lost 7, 48.67%. Streak – L7
We’re up on the Northern Beaches for a clash between the undefeated Wolves and the winless Magpies. On form the Wolves go into this one as hot favourites; but the Magpies have nothing to lose and will throw everything they have into this contest.
So far in 2025, everything has gone well for the Wolves; and it’s only because their opening game against East Coast hasn’t been played yet that they aren’t in top spot. Their return game against the Eagles was last Saturday, when the Wolves barely raised a sweat to cruise to a 49-point win. Byron Laws kept the dream alive with five goals; while Barry O’Connor and Travis Schiller were in the thick of the action around the ground. So far so good for the Wolves; but they know they have to keep going and can’t take a breather in this clash.
The Magpies are winless from seven games, and unless they can find some form quickly, this season is slipping away. Last week at Picken Oval they were held to two goals by UNSW-ES as they went down by 43 points; although for three quarters it looked set to be much closer. Jonathan Bpwyer, Keegan Litchfield and Jye Doyle never stopped putting the effort in, but the Magpies never looked like getting past the Bulldogs. It doesn’t get any easier this week, Weldon is one of the toughest away trips this league has to offer. The Magpies will need to find a gear to step up this week if they are to trouble the Wolves.
On paper this one looks like the Wolves are the hottest of favourites. But footy games aren’t won on paper, they are won with blood and boots on the field. The Wolves still have to turn up and get the job done. And the Magpies will need to come in, contest every possession, pile on the pressure and make life difficult for the home side. If they can do that, anything is possible. If they can’t, this will be a long, hard afternoon for the Magpies.
South-West Sydney Blues v East Coast Eagles
Rosedale Oval, Saturday 12:30pm
Blues – 5th. Played 7, Won 4, Lost 3, 81.13%. Streak – L1
Eagles – 7th. Played 6, Won 2, Lost 4, 48.79%. Streak – L4
Saturday afternoon at Rosedale, and the stakes are high. The home side are still in the top five, but blew an opportunity to consolidate their grip on a finals berth and will be looking to fight back this week; while the Eagles are desperate to arrest the slide down the ladder after a promising start to the season. It’s a match not to be missed; and you don’t have to miss out. Catch all the action as it unfolds by tuning your device to Streamer. Click here to watch live and free!
For the Blues, last week at Waverley was one that got away. Despite having many more scoring shots than UTS, the Blues ‘ wasteful finishing would cost them dearly, a return of 7.18 costing them what should have been four points. Finbar Delbridge, Khy Gibbs and Ryan Shipard were impressive for the Blues; but their inaccuracy would deny them. They stay in the five, but Pennant Hills are breathing down their neck. This week they must make every post a winner.
The Eagles won their first two games this season, raising hopes of a climb up the ladder. But it’s been a tough slog for them after that, and they haven’t won since. Last week at Bruce Purser they never looked like troubling a rampant Manly lineup, despite the valiant fighting efforts of Brody Kane, Jacob Jones and Mitch Bradley. The first two games showed plenty of promise, they can’t let that slip away and this game is an opportunity to re-discover that early form.
For the Blues, it’s quite simple. They’re in the five, but need to win here to be sure of staying there. For the Eagles; even with a game in hand, if they drop this one they’ll be three games out of the five and with an almighty challenge ahead of them to get back into the finals race. It’s all hands on deck, get your best possible team on the park for this game. Neither side can take any risks with their form for this one.
Pennant Hills Demons v North Shore Bombers
Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 1:50pm
Demons – 6th. Played 7, Won 3, Lost 3, Drawn 1, 94.40%. Streak – W2
Bombers – 3rd. Played 7, Won 6, Lost 1, 193.72%. Streak – W5
After a slow start to the year for Pennant Hills, back to back wins has brought them back near parity; an even win-loss record, a percentage not far short of 100 and only half a game out of the five. But the draw isn’t kind to the Demons; and just when they’re getting back on track, they find themselves already up for their second meeting with defending premiers North Shore. The best place to see the action is in person at Mike Kenny; the second best is live on Streamer. To watch live and free click here!
The Demons’ second win on the trot came last week at Olds Park. They led St George by 10 points after a tight first half; but the Demons got on top in the premiership quarter and continued that momentum in the last to complete a 54-point win. Nick Hey spearheaded the charge with five goals; while Nick Eynaud, Lachlan Willey and Zac Elliott were prolific ball-winners for the Demons. It was their best result for the season to date, but the Demons will need to lift another gear this week as they face an in-form North Shore.
The Bombers have won their last five, but were given a test by Sydney Uni at the Campus last week. The Students led narrowly at quarter time, but a burst by the Bombers in the second term proved to be the difference between the two sides as the Bombers made the break and went on to win by 25 points. Matt Buskariol landed four goals; while Cooper Donald, Nick Pavlou and Ned Campbell figured prominently around the ground. After their second-round loss, the Bombers have dealt with every challenge that’s come their way. And they have another challenge awaiting them this time.
The Demons have troubled the Bombers in recent years. In 2023, the game at Mike Kenny was North Shore’s only loss before the Grand Final. Even in the opening round this year at Gore Hill, the Demons stayed within striking distance of the Bombers all day and there was only ten points in it at the final siren. The Demons have hit some form, and will fancy their chances of pulling off the upset. But it won’t be easy. The Bombers are also on a roll, and will take plenty of confidence into this clash after seeing off the Sydney Uni challenge last week. The upset is certainly possible; but the Demons will have to play their best football to pull it off.
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
St George Dragons v UTS Bats
Olds Park, Thursday 7:00pm
Dragons – 7th. Played 6, Won 2, Lost 4, 27.05%
Bats – 5th. Played 7, Won 3, Lost 4, 177.87%. Streak – W2
For some players, it will be a rush to get to Olds Park after work on Thursday. But once the players hit the field, there’s plenty of hard work ahead for both sides. The Bats are back in the five but need a win to keep themselves in contention; while the Dragons will be looking for the upset result to keep themselves in the hunt.
Despite their lowly percentage of just over 20, despite all the heavy losses they’ve had so far this year; the Dragons are only one win outside the top five. They kept themselves within sight last Saturday when they broke through for their second win of the year, holding Pennant Hills to one behind to complete a 60-point win. Jasmine Baily helped herself to four goals; while Montana Doubell and Annabelle McHale also featured prominently for the Dragons. It’s a long shot, and their poor percentage doesn’t help; but if the Dragons can pull off the win here, the finals dream remains alive.
After a four-game losing streak, the Bats have won two in a row to re-enter the top five. Last week at Waverley they were 89 points too good for Parramatta; with Brianna-Lee Wade contributing six goals and Aoife Berry, Laura Donohoe and Emelye Blades in the thick of the action around the ground. Back in the five after demolishing the two winless teams; but the Bats will need to find something more to stay there.
2025 has had its challenges for both clubs. The Dragons have copped some heavy losses so far, while the Bats’ four-game losing streak after the opening round will count against them. Although the Bats are in the five, it’s only on percentage ahead of East Coast who have two games in hand. There’s no margin for error here, and for both sides a win is critical. But it’s a prize that only one team can take out. On a night like this, winning is everything.
Sydney University Students v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Thursday 7:30pm
Students – 1st. Played 6, Won 6, Lost 0, 620.29%. Streak – W6
Bulldogs – 4th. Played 6, Won 4, Lost 2, 297.50%. Streak – L1
The Thursday night University Derby at Sydney Uni No 1 offers plenty of possibilities. Sydney Uni remain undefeated, but they will be tested by a UNSW-ES side that has been waiting a long time for redemption after a loss at their last start but still remains comfortably within the top five.
In a night of thrills last Saturday at Sydney Uni No 1, the Students were under the pump early before getting on top against North Shore. But in the last quarter the Bombers kept coming, and the Students had to defend grimly in the final minutes to hold the Bombers out. But in the end they were able to get it done and remain undefeated; with particular thanks to the evergreen Amanda Farrugia along with Arabella Price and Rose Stuart. No team is going to dominate every week, but the top sides will find a way to win the close ones; and the Students have been able to achieve that so far this season.
Thanks to the bye last week and the washout the week before, it’s been a few weeks since the Bulldogs have taken the field. A long wait to put things right after a disappointing trip to Bruce Purser at their last start; which saw the Bulldogs unable to manage a goal as they went down to the Eagles by 42 points. It’s been a long break between games, but the Bulldogs are rested and ready; and coming in fresh are in a good position to take it up to the Students.
How long can the Students remain undefeated? So far they’ve been able to find a way to win every week; but this is a new challenge for them. The Bulldogs are refreshed and ready, and need a win to stay within reach of the top three. Expect to see a hard-fought contest here, neither side will want to concede an inch to the other.
Pennant Hills Demons v North Shore Bombers
Mike Kenny Oval, Friday 7:20pm
Demons – 9th. Played 6, Won 0, Lost 6, 1.31%. Streak – L6
Bombers – 3rd. Played 6, Won 4, Lost 2, 453.91%. Streak – L1
The lights are on at Cherrybrook for the clash between the Demons and the Bombers. The Demons are yet to salute in 2025 and sit at the bottom of the ladder, desperate for a win. Standing in their way this week is a North Shore side who will be looking to hit back after going down in a thriller last week. And if the trip up to Cherrybrook on a Friday night is problematic, never fear. You can catch all the action as it unfolds on Streamer. Click here to watch live and free!
Pennant Hills went to Olds Park last week hoping that playing a bottom-three team would give them some respite from the heavy losses they’ve copped so far in 2025. But they were to be disappointed as they were held to one behind and went down by 60 points. Sally Faehrmann, Addison Hickey and Caitlin Gurney never gave up; but the Demons again found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard. Now they’re back at home, and need to find every edge they can against an opponent with aspirations of being there at the business end of the season.
It was a heart-breaker for North Shore at Sydney Uni No 1 last week. They got off to a solid start before falling behind; but came home strongly in the last quarter. Try as they might, they were unable to find the equaliser and fell six points short. Tilly Eder, Amelia Rainbow and Ella Daniel were superb for the Bombers; who showed themselves capable of matching it with the top sides in the competition. On the rebound this week, they’ll be looking to hit back hard.
It’s the second meeting between these clubs in 2025. In the opening round at Gore Hill, the Bombers dominated for a 134-point win. And the Bombers will be hungry in this clash; looking to hit back and keep in the hunt for the finals double-chance. The Demons will need to find more than they’ve managed so far this season to hold the Bombers out. The Bombers would love nothing more than to start the long weekend with a big win; and it’s up to the Demons to stop them.
Parramatta Goannas v East Coast Eagles
Gipps Road Oval, Saturday 10:00am
Goannas – 8th. Played 6, Won 0, Lost 6, 5.65%. Streak – L6
Eagles – 6th. Played 5, Won 3, Lost 2, 129.10%. Streak – L1
It’s been a disastrous season to date for the Goannas; and now they get the defending premiers on the rebound. If ever there was a time when the Goannas need to find a spark to finally kick-start the season, it’s now.
Last week was another disappointing day for the Goannas, when they travelled to Waverley and were never in the contest against UTS. Ashley Gray, Imogen Gow and Brea Trevitt battled gamely; but it wasn’t enough for the Goannas as they were held to two behinds and went down by 89 points. The Goannas have only goaled in one game so far this season and need to create goal-scoring options. The effort is there, but a scoreboard reward for effort is required.
Defending premiers East Coast are also looking to hit back after a surprisingly flat showing against Manly at Bruce Purser last week. The Eagles were only able to manage one goal; despite the determined efforts of Emily Goodsir, Jess Whelan and Michelle Foscarini. The Eagles were far from their best last week; and it’s imperative that they bounce back this week.
The Goannas were a finals team last year, but this year has been a struggle. While the defending premiers have had challenges of their own; last week dropping a home game against Manly was not in the Eagles’ script. Champions don’t always win, but they’re known for hitting back after a loss; and that’s the challenge in front of the Eagles this week. The Eagles go into this game as hot favourites; but the Goannas will seek to be competitive. A strong performance will lift the morale of the playing group and give them hope that the breakthrough results aren’t too far away.
