Round 11, 2025 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
Ten down, eight to go. We’ve passed half-way; but just when we think we know what’s going to happen, some shock results throw everything back in the air.
In Women’s Premier Division, Sydney Uni’s unbeaten run is over. They’re still on top, but North Shore, Manly and East Coast have the Students in their sight. While in the battle for the last finals shot, UTS have fired a big shot and given themselves the best chance to get there. East Coast has the bye this week; while strugglers Pennant Hills and Parramatta play off in a game that will break the drought for one of them.
For the Men, Manly lead the way. North Shore survived a scare last week but the top two have pulled away from Sydney Uni. Pennant Hills has replaced South-West Sydney in the top five, with the Demons playing the Blues this week. Meanwhile UTS are surging and making a run towards the finals, and will test their momentum against UNSW-ES this week.
It all makes for some intriguing games this week. The days are cold, but the football action is getting hotter.
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Inner West Magpies v East Coast Eagles
Picken Oval, Saturday 12:10pm
Magpies – 10th. Played 10, Won 0, Lost 10, 50.39%. Streak – L10
Eagles – 9th. Played 9, Won 2, Lost 7, 50.56%. Streak – L7
It’s a high noon shootout at Picken Oval as Inner West plays host to Eagles. It’s fair to say both these teams are desperate for a win, with the Magpies yet to salute in 2025 while the Eagles haven’t won since the Easter break. But one of them will finally end the losing streak here.
It was an all-too-familiar story for the Magpies last week when they travelled to Mike Kenny and were never in the contest against Pennant Hills, held scoreless in the first quarter and going down by 52 points. Thye Hamilton, Jordan Ware and Will Deller kept putting the effort in; but the Magpies never looked like getting back into the game after a slow start. This week, at home against another club low on the ladder, they have a chance. But need to be quick off the mark to get a sniff of opportunity. Another slow start will cost them dearly.
The Magpies will also be inspired to put in a strong performance in memory of Rick Scicluna, their assistant coach, who passed away suddenly this week. A long-time assistant, held in high regard by the many coaches he has assisted and so many Magpie players during his long stint at the club, a loyal servant to Wests/Inner West for so many years; and an absolutely top bloke.
East Coast let a golden opportunity to break their losing run slip last week at Olds Park; when they led by 12 points against St George but were unable to score a goal in the last quarter, going down by 17 points. Nathan Penna, Brody Kane and Cameron Edwards battled tirelessly, but the Eagles ran out of legs and weren’t able to last four quarters. Now they have another opportunity, but if they are to prevail this time, they’ve got to run out the whole game.
These teams played at Bruce Purser in round 3; a game in which the Eagles built up a handy lead, enough of a buffer to hold out a fast-finishing Magpies side to take a 12-point win. Neither team has won since. But through the trials and tribulations of 2025, here is an opportunity. For hope, for optimism, for the circuit-breaker to turn their fortunes around. It would take a miracle for either team to make the finals from here; but at least they can launch a positive run in the latter part of the season and lay the foundations for future success.
North Shore Bombers v St George Dragons
Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 1:30pm
Bombers – 2nd. Played 10, Won 9, Lost 1, 197.92%. Streak – W8
Dragons – 8th. Played 10, Won 2, Lost 8, 58.77%. Streak – W1
Finally St George are back on the winning list having previously lost their last seven. But to turn that win into a winning streak is a monumental challenge, as the Dragons have one of the toughest away trips this league has to offer as they face North Shore on the Gore Hill synthetic.
North Shore are on an eight-game winning streak; but it could have been a very different story. The Bombers found themselves in a spot of bother at Rosedale last week when they trailed South-West Sydney by 33 points at the long break. But six unanswered goals turned the scoreboard back in North Shore’s favour, and they would take out a narrow 12-point win. Nick Pavlou, Ethan Grace and Jackson Nelson played key roles in getting the Bombers over the line. You’re not going to dominate every week, and the Bombers were well short of their best performance; but even when you’re below your best, the quality teams will find a way to win.
The Dragons broke their losing run last week at Olds Park when they lasted the distance to overpower East Coast in the last quarter, coming from 12 points down at the last change to take out a 17-point win. Jed Robin was humming along nicely with five goals; while Josh Nicholls and Dominic Michalak picked up plenty of the ball around the ground. The Dragons will need their big guns firing this week if they are to take it up to North Shore.
When the two sides met at Olds Park in round 5, the Bombers had a comfortable 57-point win. And this time we’re on the Bombers’ domain. But as we saw at Rosedale last week, the Bombers are not bullet-proof. They still need to turn up, still need to play. It would take something out of the ordinary for the Dragons to get the points here. But self-belief is critical; and if the Dragons can back themselves to play their best footy, anything is possible.
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v UTS Bats
Henson Park, Saturday 2:00pm
Bulldogs – 4th. Played 10, Won 6, Lost 4, 147.04%. Streak – L3
Bats – 7th. Played 10, Won 4, Lost 6, 72.16%. Streak – W4
There’s always plenty of feeling in an Eastern Suburbs derby, and this clash between the Bulldogs and the Bats will be no exception. Although the Bulldogs go into this game in fourth place, two games plus plenty of percentage ahead of the Bats; it is the Bats who to into this game with winning momentum. When these teams met at Rosedale in round 5, the Bulldogs completed an easy 88-point win. But the Bulldogs have only won once since then, while the Bats have only lost once.
The Bulldogs have lost their last three, but put up a strong effort against Manly last week and caused the ladder leaders a few headaches. The Bulldogs held a 14-point lead at the long break; but were unable to hold out the inevitable Manly surge and dropped behind shortly before three quarter time, eventually going down by 24 points. Billy Longmire landed four goals; while Jordan Endemann, Harry Kyle and Toby Aker were all over the ball all day. But in the end, it was four points that got away; and there’s plenty of work to be done to get back into the double-chance zone.
Meanwhile UTS are on a roll. Bottom of the ladder a month ago, the Bats have won their last four to storm into finals contention. Last week at Waverley, an inspired third quarter opened up a shock 29-point lead against Sydney Uni. Then the Bats were able to hang on for dear life and hold out the Students’ charge in the last quarter, getting up by two points in a thriller. Lachlan McNamara, Jack Calabro and Lewis McCormack were in the thick of the action in one of the most heart-stopping games so far this season. Now the Bats are in the mix, and finals are within reach if they keep winning. But this is the sort of game they need to win to underline their finals credentials.
A rivalry clash will bring out the competitive instincts; and when the stakes are high, even more so. The Bats are on a high; coming from the bottom of the ladder a month ago to be in a position to challenge for the finals. They have the momentum, but need to keep it up here. For the Bulldogs, there’s also plenty on the line. Another loss could make the double-chance slip further away, and potentially be overtaken by the winner of the Demons-Blues clash. They started the season strongly, but can’t let it slip away now.
Pennant Hills Demons v South-West Sydney Blues
Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 2:30pm
Demons – 5th. Played 10, Won 5, Lost 4, Drawn 1, 98.47%. Streak – W2
Blues – 6th. Played 10, Won 5, Lost 5, 93.16%. Streak – L2
The Demons and the Blues are in a keenly-fought battle for the finals; and unless a team above them drops off in the second half of the season, there’s a good chance that only one of these teams can be there at the business end of the season. In that context, today’s game at Mike Kenny Oval has critical implications for this season; and no quarter can be asked or given here. It’s a game with massive finals implications; and there’ll be plenty looking to keep an eye on this one. If you’re not able to get up to Cherrybrook, get your device onto Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5251 ]
The Demons worked their way into the top five last week when they were 52 points too good for the Magpies at Mike Kenny. Nick Hey again was in good form up forward to land four goals; while Charles Allison, Cam Este and Liam Everett were pivotal around the ground. From a long way behind a few weeks ago, the Demons have worked their way into the five. But need a win to stay there.
South-West Sydney, in their second season in the top flight, were on the cusp of claiming the biggest scalp in their Premier Division existence at Rosedale Oval last week when they led North Shore by 33 points at the long break. They were unable to hang on when the Bombers made their move in the second half, but their first half showed that, as their best, they are capable of beating anyone. Eddie Keogh, Ethan Roberts and Ethan Matthews were superb for the Blues as they went so close to pulling off the upset of the season. But to be a true contender, they need to put the disappointment of last week behind them and bring their best game again.
It’s the first meeting between these teams in 2025, they will meet again in the second last round. But this game is critical. A win for the Demons would put them a game and a half clear of the Blues; and this division’s second-year team would have plenty of work ahead of them to get back into a finals position and be depending on other results. But if the Blues can get the job done on the road, they’ll be in the five and their fate will be in their own hands. Anyone who has aspirations to play finals shouldn’t have any trouble getting inspired to put in their best game for a game like this. Their season literally hangs on it.
Sydney University Students v Manly-Warringah Wolve
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 3:20pm
Students – 3rd. Played 10, Won 6, Lost 3, Drawn 1, 144.97%. Streak – L1
Wolves – 1st. Played 9, Won 9, Lost 0, 216.91%. Streak – W9
A mouth-watering clash at the Campus sees the Students matched up against Manly. The home side will be looking to bounce back from their shock loss to UTS last week; but it won’t be an easy assignment for the Students as they take on the unbeaten Wolves.
Sydney Uni’s season hit an expected hurdle at Waverley last week when they fell behind against UTS; and were 29 points down at the last change. But it wasn’t over yet, as the Students surged in the last quarter with four unanswered goals, getting the final margin back to just two points. But the Bats defended grimly, and the Students were unable to complete the miracle comeback; despite the determined efforts of Hugo Blacker, Russell Royal and Tom Ryan. It’s been a season of twists and turns for the Students; but they sit in third place. Every week is a new challenge, but challenges don’t come tougher than what the Wolves will serve up this week.
Manly’s dream season continued last week at Henson Park when the Wolves came from behind to overpower UNSW-ES in the second half and take out a 24-poinr win. Powered by Trent Dennis-Lane’s six goals; with prolific contributions from Ty McGrath, Barry O’Connor and Mackenzie Allen. So far the Wolves have passed every test that’s been thrown their way, and although they didn’t look convincing in the first half last week, they were able to lift a gear when they needed to. Which is one of the distinguishing features of a true title contender.
A big gap has opened between the top two and third-placed Sydney Uni. If the Students drop this one, the minor premiership is almost certainly out of reach; and the question for the Students is whether they can maintain a hold on the finals double-chance. But the Wolves, despite their impressive percentage, are no certainties to maintain top spot if they go down here. These teams are likely finals combatants; and not just the four points but a psychological edge for the playoffs is on offer. There’s always plenty of scope to land some quick goals at the No 1 Oval; and both sides will be licking their lips at the prospect of booting a winning score here.
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Pennant Hills Demons v Parramatta Goannas
Mike Kenny Oval (Lower oval), Saturday 12:00pm
Demons – 9th. Played 8, Won 0, Lost 8, 0.92%. Streak – L8
Goannas – 8th. Played 9, Won 0, Lost 9, 4.30%. Streak – L9
A struggling season can feel like travelliing through desolate desert wastelands. And when you’re winless through half a season with a percentage of less than five, when you didn’t score in your last game, the season is slipping away like sands to the hourglass. Such is the fortune of both these teams. But ahead, for one team, is an oasis. A moment of respite, quenching the thirst and giving the strength to carry on. For the other team, nothing but a mirage as the eternal desert relentlessly rolls on.
It’s the ultimate game of desperation stakes. But if you can’t be at Mike Kenny to see it first hand, get your device on to Streamer and you can see it all as it unfolds. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5252 ]
The Demons have had a fortnight to prepare for this game, having had the bye last week. Their last start was in the Hills derby, when they didn’t score against East Coast and went down by 118 points. Sheridan Baker, Caitlin Gurney and Ash Grubba never gave up; but as it’s been all season, the Demons haven’t had the firepower to compete. This time it’s different. This time they’re prepared. An opponent at their level. This is the moment.
Likewise for the Goannas, this has been a difficult year. Last week at Gipps Road, the Goannas were unable to score against a rampant North Shore and went down by 98 points; despite the determined efforts of . It’s so hard to keep showing up every week when you’re copping heavy loss after heavy loss. But this week is different. This week they have a chance. But it’s so essential this week to show up and play your best footy. Opportunity knocks.
It’s been a season of trial and tribulation for both clubs. Now they meet, and this is the opportunity to salvage something from this season. A competitive game will be a massive percentage booster for both teams. But the win is the aim; and how sweet will it be to sing the song. You keep backing up week after week to prepare for games like this. The chance to bask in the glow of victory. Once someone gets a sniff of victory, momentum and adrenaline will carry them to the finish line. It’s been a long time between drinks. But it’s more desolation for the loser.
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v UTS Bats
Henson Park, Saturday 12:20pm
Bulldogs – 6th. Played 9, Won 4, Lost 5, 152.99%. Streak – L4
Bats – 5th. Played 9, Won 5, Lost 4, 192.75%. Streak – W4
An afternoon clash at Henson Park sees the Bulldogs up against the Bats, with Eastern Suburbs local bragging rights on the line. When these teams met in round 5, the Bulldogs enjoyed a comfortable 54-point win. At the time the Bulldogs were top of the ladder, while the Bats were in crisis, only percentage keeping them above the bottom three. But momentum can change quickly. The Bulldogs haven’t won since, the Bats haven’t lost since. And now they meet again with the Bats having dislodged the Bulldogs from the top five and with all the momentum.
Since that fateful day at Rosedale, the Bulldogs have lost four in a row. The last was at Henson against Manly last week. In a low-scoring game in which only three goals were kicked, the Bulldogs could only find the big sticks once to go down by nine points. Best players were not available in PlayHQ; but too many Bulldogs have been unable to maintain their flying start to the season. But this game has sparked a turnaround in fortunes once; and it’s time for the Bulldogs to make that happen again.
Four wins in a row for the Bats, and last week was the best of them. Hosting the previously unbeaten Sydney Uni at Waverley, the Bats trailed by eight points at the long break. But a run of six goals to one in the second half turned the fortunes of the game, and possibly the Bats’ season, around as they took out a 22-point victory. Emelye Blades, Ella Parker and Aoife Berry were unstoppable for the Bats in an impressive display that consolidates their hold on a position in the top five; at least for now. A win here will further strengthen their claim to a finals berth, and put them in a position to challenge for the double-chance; something that seemed unthinkable just a few weeks ago.
It wasn’t looking this way a month ago, but the Bats are the form team while the Bulldogs risk falling out of sight of the top five if they drop this one. Finals hopes could ride on this. A gap of two games plus percentage could be too much for the Bulldogs to bridge; they can’t afford to let that happen. But the Bats have confidence and momentum. They showed last week that they’re capable of matching it with the competition front-runners. And this is no time to drop the momentum and form. There’s some big games to come.
Sydney University Students v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 1:40pm
Students – 1st. Played 9, Won 8, Lost 1, 385.84%. Streak – L1
Wolves – 3rd. Played 8, Won 7, Lost 1, 371.78%. Streak – W7
When looking at the season and what potential scenarios could play out; this match at the Campus looks pivotal. The Students’ unbeaten run is over, are they vulnerable? If so, is it the Wolves who can capitalise? Or is the Wolves’ own winning streak in danger against a Uni team that will surely hit back hard this week. So many questions, and the answers are blowing in the wind at Sydney Uni No 1.
The Students’ unbeaten run came to an end at Waverley last week, when the Bats caught a second wind at half time and the Students were unable to keep up with them in the second half, going down by 22 points. The Students were well served by Brianna Davies, Molly Cameron and Arabella Price; but it wasn’t enough to keep the winning streak going. But now comes the next test of a champion team. Champions don’t always win, but when they lose they hit back hard. And now we see whether the Students have that rebounding instinct that is so necessary.
Manly haven’t dropped a game since they lost to North Shore in their season opener; and continued their winning momentum against UNSW-ES at Henson last week. It was a tight, defensive encounter in which no quarter was asked or given. But although the Wolves could only land two goals, it was enough for a narrow nine-point win; thanks in a large part to the determined efforts of the experienced trio of Ash Carter, Hannah Woolf and Andrea Roditis. There’s plenty to like about how the Wolves are playing this season; finding a way to win when the going gets tight. But the tight confines of Sydney Uni No 1 will test them.
The Students still hold top spot, but only one game clear of the chasing teams with an inferior percentage to North Shore while Manly have a game in hand. If the Students drop this one, top spot is in trouble. Was last week a temporary blip, or have the Bats exposed a chink in the Students’ armour? The Wolves are ready, but it’s not easy to keep showing up week after week. This game has the ingredients of a cracker; and could tell us plenty about the likely destiny of the 2025 Womens Premier Division season. A season where there’s every chance these teams will meet again when the business end of the year rolls around.
North Shore Bombers v St George Dragons
Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 3:50pm
Bombers – 2nd Played 9, Won 7, Lost 2, 662.59%. Streak – W3
Dragons – 7th. Played 9, Won 2, Lost 7, 21.30%. Streak – L3
An early evening on the Gore Hill synthetic puts North Shore up against St George. The Bombers are on a roll, sitting in second place; one game off top spot and with an enormous percentage. Depending on what’s happened at Sydney Uni No 1, the Bombers could be going for top spot. Standing in their way is a St George side that has managed to salute twice this season, but this has been a year of tribulation for the Dragons.
North Shore continued on their winning ways last week as they achieved their fourth clean sheet of the season with a 98-0 win over the Goannas at Gipps Road. Young guns Heidi de Saxe and Amelia Rainbow, along with captain Tilly Eder, were superb for the Bombers in another impressive display. All season the defence has been superb and the Bombers have been hard to score against; contributing to that enormous percentage. All they have to do is keep winning.
The Dragons have recorded wins against Pennant Hills and Parramatta; but 2025 hasn’t been kind to them. Last week at Olds Park they were unable to score against East Coast, going down by 70 points. The determination of Delaney Gwynn, Annabelle McHale and Maggie Ritchie couldn’t be doubted; but it wasn’t enough to give the Dragons a sniff of the contest. And now they have one of the toughest road trips there is. The Dragons will need to find more this week and find a way to compete.
These sides met at Olds Park in round 5, and on that occasion it was all North Shore as they held the Dragons to a single behind to take out a 138-point win. The Bombers will again be the hottest of favourites in this game. For the Dragons, this is a tough away trip; and they have to come out swinging. Contest, attack, tackle like they’ve never tackled before. Hassle, contest, make life difficult for the Bombers. Put up a fight. If they can’t do that, this will be just another one-sided afternoon. The Bombers are out to make hay while the sun shines; there are dark fixture clouds of some tough games to come.
