Round 12, 2025 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
June turns into July, the week has been wet and cold. But now the weekend is upon us; and there’s some important footy to be played.
In the Men’s, the battle for key finals positions is warming up. Manly and North Shore are fighting it out for the minor premiership. UNSW-ES has passed Sydney Uni in the battle for the minor premiership, but that race is going to be tight. South-West Sydney moved into the five last week, but only half a game clear or Pennant Hills; while UTS’s loss last week makes it hard, but not impossible, to challenge for a spot in the top five.
In the Women’s, it’s looking unlikely that the postponed Manly v East Coast game will be played; and with both teams in the finals race, it could affect the season. Manly, North Shore and Sydney Uni are level on games and fighting it out for the minor premiership. East Coast and UTS complete the top five, with the Eagles having the better match ratio. UNSW-ES are two games outside the five, and have work to do if they are to get there.
Parramatta have the bye in the Women’s this week, a week to bask in the joy of victory after their drought-breaking effort last week. But there’s hard work to come; one win and a percentage of barely 10 isn’t enough, and more big performances are needed.
With a full round in front of us, and tight battles for the finals positions; this is a round of footy not to be missed.
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Sydney University Students v East Coast Eagles
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 12:00pm
Students – 4th. Played 11, Won 6, Lost 4, Drawn 1, 132.22%. Streak – L1
Eagles – 8th. Played 10, Won 3, Lost 7, 54.85%. Streak – W1
It’s a blue and gold derby at the Campus, a lunchtime encounter as the Students host the Eagles. Sydney Uni looking for a win to get back into the top three, while the Eagles have finally broken their losing streak and looking to capitalise on last week’s result to build some winning momentum. Make sure you get to Sydney Uni for this one; or if you can’t, get your device on to Streamer to catch the action as it unfolds. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5307 ]
The Students made the front-running in their clash with the unbeaten Manly last week, landing the first three goals and leading by 11 points at the first change. But they were unable to last four quarters against the Wolves, falling behind shortly before half time and going down by 44 points. Nick Andreacchio, Nathan Tang and Russell Royal were solid all day for the Students; but the loss saw them drop out of the top three, and unless they can get back ahead of UNSW-ES, they risk sudden death in the finals. The battle for the double-chance is going to be tight; and there’s no margin for error. Against an opponent well outside the top five, the Students must win.
East Coast are back on the winning list after a hard-fought 14-point win over Inner West at Picken Oval last week. The Eagles held a handy lead at half time, but the margin was back to eight points at the last change. But when the game was there to be won in the last quarter, the Eagles got the job done; with Marshall Poynter landing five goals, and with Baylee Jones and Reeve Simmons leading the way. Three wins for the season is their best return since 2019; but the Eagles will want more. Confidence is there when a win comes, and this week they must back themselves to do it again. This is a game that, on paper and reputation, the Students should win. They’re looking to go deep into the finals this year, started the season strongly and have plenty of big name players ready to make an impact. But the Eagles will go all out for the upset here. The losing streak is over, the monkey is off their back. They’re too far off the pace to be a realistic chance at challenging for the finals; but the Eagles are a young team looking to rise to the occasion, They’d love nothing more than to wreak a bit of havoc and claim a prize scalp. And this is their opportunity. They’ll be going all out, and the Students can’t afford to take them lightly.
UTS Bats v North Shore Bombers
Trumper Park, Saturday 12:40pm
Bats – 7th. Played 11, Won 4, Lost 7, 71.73%. Streak – L1
Bombers – 2nd. Played 11, Won 10, Lost 1, 199.82%. Streak – W9
It’s been a season of momentum swings for UTS. Six losses to start the season saw them on the bottom of the ladder, but a four-game winning streak lifted the Bats into finals contention. But a loss last week makes things difficult; especially as now they come up against an in-form North Shore lineup that hasn’t lost since round 2.
The Bats’ winning streak came to an end last week at Henson Park when they went down to UNSW-ES by 33 points. It was looking good for the Bats early, but they lost the lead shortly before half time, and then lost contact with the Bulldogs in the third quarter. Lewis McCormack, Blake Tabe and Henry Gosse battled tirelessly for the Bats; but it wasn’t enough to keep the winning streak going. Still two games plus percentage out of the five, the Bats need to get back on track this week; and will have to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to pull off the upset this week.
Meanwhile North Shore sit comfortably in second place, with a nine-game winning streak. Last week at Gore Hill, the Bombers barely raised a sweat in completing a 57-point win over St George. Tom Gillis booted seven goals; while Tom Drum and Jake Veale were unstoppable around the ground. Week after week the defending premiers keep getting the job done. But UTS is an opponent that’s troubled them before, and the unfamiliar surrounds of Trumper Park are a whole new challenge; and the Bombers will again need to get the job done.
It’s the first meeting of these clubs in 2025, and they will play again in the final round. The Bats have plenty of work to do to keep their finals hopes alive, and that work starts right here. Playing a North Shore team that has been racking up some big wins lately is an enormous challenge; but the Bats need to find a way to win. To contest everything, deny the Bombers any easy movement and keep the Bombers away from the ball. The stakes are high. If the Bats can’t do that, and the Bombers cruise to an easy win; the finals will be all but out of reach.
South-West Sydney Blues v Inner West Magpies
Rosedale Oval, Saturday 2:30pm
Blues – 5th. Played 11, Won 6, Lost 5, 92.87%. Streak – W1
Magpies – 10th. Played 11, Won 0, Lost 11, 52.21%. Streak – L11
Two clubs with contrasting fortunes go head to head at Rosedale Oval on Saturday when the Blues meet the Magpies. For South-West Sydney, this week is about keeping themselves in the top five and giving themselves the best chance of a finals appearance. For the Magpies, it’s about taking the first step towards avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon.
Back into the top five went South-West Sydney last weekend, with a little help from guest players Trent Cotchin and Brandon Ellis. But it was a five-goal haul from the Blues’ own Eddie Keogh; and prolific ball-winning from Ethan Roberts and Bailey Stewart; that powered the Blues to a 68-point win over Pennant Hills at Mike Kenny last week. There won’t be any Richmond premiership players in their line-up this week; but there will be 22 Blues on a mission, to be part of this year’s finals. And tto have gone out and got those two guest players for a crunch away game shows the club’s determination to make a splash at this level.
Meanwhile the Magpies remain winless for 2025. They gave themselves a chance at Picken Oval against East Coast last week when they got the margin back to eight points at the last change. But at the critical moment when they could have stolen the game, they were unable to stand and deliver. Jonty English, Ryder Eberhard and Kyle Veerhuis never gave up, but it was another frustrating day for the Magpies. Now on the road at Rosedale, they need a circuit-breaker to get that breakthrough result. A circuit-breaker that can only come from within; finding a new edge and lifting to a new gear.
When these two sides met at Picken Oval in round 5, the Blues were 24 points too good and picked up some valuable points on the road. If the Blues can get the job done again and other results go their way, the Blues could find themselves very well placed in their quest for a finals appearance in just their second season at this level. But they still have to turn up in this game and get the job done. Which won’t be easy against a Magpies lineup desperate to salvage something from what has been a disappointing season. At some point this year the Magpies must lift, and the Blues can’t afford to risk being at less than their best.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v Pennant Hills Demons
Weldon Oval, Saturday 2:30pm
Wolves – 1st. Played 10, Won 10, Lost 0, 209.74%.
Demons – 6th. Played 11, Won 5, Lost 5, Drawn 1, 90.08%. Streak – L1
Undefeated and flying high, the Wolves just need to keep playing the strong football they’ve been playing so far in 2025. But every week is a new challenge, and this week they’ll be up against a Pennant Hills side that fell out of the top five last week and can’t afford to drop another game without putting up a massive fight.
The Wolves were given a test early by the Students at Sydney Uni No 1 last week, but took the lead late in the second quarter and went on with the job in the second half to record a 44-point win. Travis Schiller again showed his credentials for recruit of the season as he landed four goals in a best-on-ground performance; while Joe Harrison and Nick Marsh also featured prominently for the Wolves. They remain undefeated, sitting on top of the ladder; and so far this season have had the answers to any challenge the other teams have thrown at them. But the Demons are will be up for a challenge this time.
There are times when you feel the luck isn’t running your way; and Pennant Hills must be feeling that about 2025. When you’re playing for a spot in the five and the opposition hands you a team sheet with the names Trent Cotchin and Brandon Ellis on it, you know it’s not your lucky day. And so it was for the Demons, as they went down to South-West Sydney by 68 points. Despite the odds being stacked against them, Nick Hey landed four goals while Nick Eynaud, Ollie Williams and Mitch Blow battled tirelessly for the Demons. And they’ll need to put in another big effort this week; Manly away is one of the toughest challenges our league has.
When these teams met at Mike Kenny Oval in round 5, the Wolves were far too strong and recorded a 49-point win. This time they’re on their turf at Weldon. The Demons are going to have to find something special in their game for this clash. They lost their spot in the top five last week, and if they drop this game it’s going to be a race against time to get back into the five. The Demons don’t miss finals often, but they’re at risk this year. It’s essential that, whatever it takes, they get this job done. The Wolves can expect to face an opponent who will show desperation and determination; and can’t expect an easy afternoon this week.
St George Dragons v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Olds Park, Saturday 2:30pm
Dragons – 9th. Played 11, Won 2, Lost 9, 52.38%. Streak – L1
Bulldogs – 3rd. Played 11, Won 7, Lost 4, 148.98%. Streak – W1
We’re at Olds Park for a clash between traditional rivals as St George take on UNSW-ES. These clubs have had some exciting battles over the years. This year has had plenty of trials and tribulations for the Dragons, and with just two wins for the season they aren’t in finals contention. But they can still have some impact on the business end of the season, and could do so if they can dislodge the Bulldogs from the double-chance position.
The Dragons have only saluted twice so far this season, and were unable to add to that tally at Gore Hill when they went down to North Shore by 57 points. The Dragons found willing workers in Callum Nash, Tom Ingram and Lachlan Querzoli; but it wasn’t enough to threaten the Bombers at any stage during the afternoon. Gore Hill was a tough away trip, but this time they’re at home in front of the Dragon faithful; an advantage that they need to make count. 2025 has been a challenging season for the Dragons, but a big performance at home could be the tonic they need to turn things around.
UNSW-ES re-entered the top three last week when they returned to form with a 33-point win over UTS at Henson Park. There was only a kick in it at the long break, but a five goals to two premiership quarter was the match-winning break; and the Bulldogs were never going to lose from there. Keiran Emery spearheaded the charge with four goals; while Toby Alker and Sam Gaden were in everything around the ground. The Bulldogs move up to third; probably too far behind the top two to catch them, but all they need to do is keep winning and the finals double-chance is theirs.
For the Bulldogs, last week was a welcome return to form after they’d been struggling for a couple of weeks. But the job is not done yet, and a win in this match is essential. Even when playing a club below them on the leader, they still need to turn up and play good footy. History is littered with tales of upset results, and teams’ seasons have unravelled because of them in the past. And St George will stand ready. It’s been a hard season, but if they can stand, fight and deliver, they can make life difficult for the Bulldogs. In a season where little has gone to plan, claiming a big scalp would salvage plenty from the year.
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
UTS Bats v North Shore Bombers
Trumper Park, Saturday 10:50am
Bats – 5th. Played 10, Won 6, Lost 4, 205.96%. Streak – W5
Bombers – 2nd Played 10, Won 8, Lost 2, 757.96%. Streak – W3
It’s a morning start for a clash between two teams looking to strengthen their positions in the top five. The Bats, after five wins on the trot, find themselves in fifth place, two games clear of the sixth-placed Bulldogs. While the Bombers, with three wins in a row under their belts, are sitting in second and looking to tighten their hold on the double-chance.
The Bats drew away from the Bulldogs by recording a 46-point win over them at Henson Park last week. After a tight opening term, the Bats got on top in the second; and by the last quarter ran away with the contest, holding the Bulldogs goal-less after quarter time. Charlotte Owen, Sophie Gaukrodger and Tailulah Kirk were in the thick of the action in another impressive display by the Bats. Five in a row, they’re in impressive form. But North Shore will challenge them, and this will be another test of where the Bats are really at.
The Bombers were in complete control last week at Gore Hill, when they held St George to a single behind to win by 138 points. Adrienne Keeffe landed five goals and Cassidy McArthur four; while Charli Tidemann and Grace Hill picked up myriad possessions. Second on the table with an enormous percentage, it’s looking good for the Bombers. But they’ve now played all the bottom three teams twice, it gets tougher from here. The Bats at Trumper will test them.
It’s the first meeting between these two clubs in 2025; and they will meet again in the final round. But this match will be pivotal for finals positions. A win for the Bats here would keep them within reach of the double-chance; something that looked out of reach just a month ago. But if they go down, they could be within reach of the sixth-placed Bulldogs. While the Bombers need a win to keep the ladder-leading Manly within their sight; and a loss could put their hold on the double-chance at risk. The battle for the finals is going to be extremely tight; and games like this one can literally make or break a season.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v Pennant Hills Demons
Weldon Oval, Saturday 12:40pm
Wolves – 1st. Played 9, Won 8, Lost 1, 345.11%. Streak – W8
Demons – 9th. Played 9, Won 0, Lost 9, 1.73%. Streak – L9
Top v bottom. The team that has won eight in a row, at home, against the team that has lost nine in a row with a percentage of less than two. On paper, it’s hard to see anything other than a big Manly win. But the challenge for the Demons, should they choose to accept it, is to prove that footy games aren’t won on paper, but are won with boots and blood on the field.
Manly have had a great season to date, dropping only one game before going on an eight game winning streak. The latest win came last week at Sydney Uni No 1; when the Wolves at times threatened to kick themselves out of the contest with some wasteful finishing. Scores were level at the last change, but with the game in the balance, the Wolves stepped up and got the job done. It wasn’t always totally convincing, but when the game was in the balance, the likes of Jessica Manning, Hannah Woolf and Kenya Fahey stepped up to get the Wolves over the line. You’re not going to dominate every week, but quality teams will still find a way to win when things aren’t going their way.
Pennant Hills, on the other hand, have had a season where nothing has gone right; and last week they suffered another disappointing result when they went down to the previously also-winless Parramatta by 53 points. Stephanie Este, Sheridan Baker and Ash Grubba worked hard, and the Demons did score their second goal of the season; but it wasn’t enough to prevent another heavy defeat. Now on the road against the ladder leaders is an almighty challenge; but one that the Demons must be willing to take on.
On form and reputation, it’s hard to see this being anything other than an easy Manly win. But for the Demons, they can’t just accept their fate as inevitable. It’s time to put up a fight, contest every possession and do whatever they can to make life uncomfortable for the Wolves. To be competitive and give the Wolves a run for their money. It’s been a difficult year for the Demons. But the only way to salvage something out of 2025 is to fight like they’ve never fought before and find a new gear from within. If they can’t do that, this will be a massive win for the Wolves and a long, hard afternoon for the Demons.
St George Dragons v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Olds Park, Saturday 12:50pm
Dragons – 7th. Played 10, Won 2, Lost 8, 17.68%. Streak – L4
Bulldogs – 6th. Played 10, Won 4, Lost 6, 129.74%. Streak – L5
Only one ladder position separates these teams, although their percentages and the fortunes of their season are wildly divergent. Both come into this game on the back of losing streaks. Here is an opportunity to get back on the winning list; and for the Bulldogs, a chance to get back into finals contention. But getting the points here is a must.
2025 has had plenty of challenges for the Dragons. They weren’t able to handle the trip to Gore Hill to play North Shore last week, going down by 138 points; despite the determined efforts of Montana Doubell, Annabelle McHale and Delaney Gwynn. But now they’re back on their home turf at Olds Park, and need to find every edge they can so they can challenge the Bulldogs.
Early in the season, the Bulldogs were flying high, spending some weeks on top of the ladder. But five losses on the trot, losing to all the teams currently in the top five, has seen them fall two games outside the five. Last week, after scoring the only goal in the first quarter, they were unable to score another for the game and went down to UTS by 46 points. Georgia Voura, Emma Haley and Shelby Koh kept working hard; but it wasn’t enough to get the points. The Bulldogs need a circuit-breaker; and a re-match against the team that they beat so convincingly in the opening round could be the spark they need.
In the opening round, the Bulldogs were untroubled in recording a 54-point win over the Dragons at Henson Park. That kick-started the Bulldogs’ impressive early-season run before the tough times came. In the next three weeks, the Bulldogs play the bottom three teams, and need to make these games count. If they do, they get back into finals contention. Meanwhile, St George are looking for a circuit-breaker of their own. They’ve beaten the teams below them; but to show some genuine improvement, they’re looking for a big scalp. The Dragons won’t make the finals, but if they can claim a big win, they could determine who does.
Sydney University Students v East Coast Eagles
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 2:40pm
Students – 3rd. Played 10, Won 8, Lost 2, 336.48%. Streak – L2
Eagles- 4th. Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2, 137.80%. Streak – W2
In what is looking like a tight battle for finals positions, this clash between the Students and the Eagles could be critical in determining how the double-chance unfolds. The Students are two games ahead of the Eagles; but the Eagles have, at least in theory, two games in hand. If the defending premiers get the job done here, that gap for third place narrows to something the Eagles can chase down. But if the home side prevails, the Eagles face the very real risk of having to play sudden death in the finals. It’s a massive game between two top contenders; and if you’re not at the Campus on Saturday afternoon, make sure you see the action as it unfolds on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5306 ]
After being undefeated at the half-way point oof the season, the Students have dropped their last two games to lose top spot. Last week against Manly at Sydney Uni No 1 was a tightly-contested affair, with scores level at the last change. But when the game was there to be won, the Students were unable to find the winning moves to capture the game, going down by eight points. Emma Walsh, Evie Bowie and Amanda Farrugia were strong for the Students, but it was one that got away. Now they sit in third, with the Eagles their nearest challenger for the double-chance. If they can shut the Eagles down here, they open up a handy break. A loss and the Eagles are within sight of the top three.
The Eagles go into this game refreshed after the bye last week. Their last start was an easy 70 point win over St George at Olds Park; with Charlee McPherson, Savannah Codd and Grace Tracey being in the thick of the action. The Eagles have had plenty of success, only dropping two games; but sit in fourth place at the moment. But they’ve got games in hand, and this game will be crucial; with a win not only delivering premiership points to them but holding one of their key rivals back.
When these teams met at Bruce Purser in round 5, it was a low-scoring thriller; with the Students prevailing by four points. With the stakes high this time, you can expect to see a tightly contested match where goals will again be hard to come by. It comes down to who is able to stand up at the critical moments and make the play that will get their team home. With plenty of quality names in both lineups, and so much on the line, this could be one of the games of the season.
