Round 13, 2025 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
Round 13. Lucky for some. We’ve passed two-thirds of the way, and the finals are getting closer.
In the first third of the season, the ladder is sorting itself out and everyone is keen. In the middle third, the injuries and unavailabilities mount and the clubs’ depth is tested and it can be a struggle to get motivated when it’s wet and cold.
But now we’re into the run home to the finals. For the teams in contention, everyone wants to play now; to be in the senior team when the business end of the season rolls around. And for the teams that aren’t going to make it, the quest is on to finish on a positive note.
This week in the Men’s, all the teams in the five are playing teams outside the five. But there’s always scope for the occasional upset. Manly and North Shore can mathematically guarantee their place in the finals if they win this week. At the other end, Inner West can’t make it; while St George are also mathematically out of the running if they can’t win this week.
There’s some appetising clashes in the Women’s this week. Defending premiers East Coast have a fight on their hands to get to the finals double-chance, and it starts this week as they take on North Shore. Ladder leaders Manly will be tested by a UTS side desperate to stay in the five. St George, Parramatta and Pennant Hills have been on the wrong end of too many lopsided games this season; but either the Dragons or the Goannas will have a welcome win. Sydney Uni have the bye this week, before it’s all systems go after the Rep break.
After this week, the Premier Division comps have a week off for the Rep weekend; except for a Men’s catch-up game between Manly and East Coast. Unfortunately it doesn’t appear possible that the Women’s game will be played, so unless there’s a late change of mind, the finals positions for Women’s Premier Division will be decided on match ratio.
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Sydney University Students v Inner West Magpies
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 12:00pm
Students – 4th. Played 12, Won 7, Lost 4, Drawn 1, 156.33%. Streak – W1
Magpies – 10th. Played 12, Won 0, Lost 12, 48.24%. Streak – W1
High noon at the Campus for an Inner West derby as the Students host the Magpies. Sydney Uni sit in fourth place, half a game of third, and are playing for a shot at the finals double-chance. While the winless Magpies won’t be playing finals in 2025; but will be looking to salvage something from a disappointing season as their year winds down.
Last week at Sydney Uni No 1, the Students were given a run for their money by a determined East Coast, but managed to do enough to get over the line by 25 points. There was only a kick in it at the long break, but despite some wasteful finishing on the forward line, the Students had the game under control in the second half. The efforts of Alex Witherden, Hugo Blacker and Harry Cameron were decisive for the Students getting the job done. It wasn’t totally convincing, but at this stage of the season it’s all about getting the wins even when you’re short a few gun players and not at your best.
Inner West Magpies’ season took another disappointing turn at Rosedale last week when they went down to South-West Sydney by 103 points. The Magpies were unable to goal in either the second or third quarters, and never looked like challenging the Blues. Thye Hamilton, Jye Doyle and Jonty Inglis tried hard; but the Magpies were never able to get into the contest. They need a spark to turn their morale around and become a force again; and at this stage of the season, such a spark can only come from within.
These teams met at Picken Oval just before Easter in a game that had previously been postponed from round 1, and on that occasion the Students were 40 points too good in not the easiest of conditions. Now the Students are looking to avoid sudden death; they need to keep winning and wait for UNSW-ES to fall over. First priority is to get their own result done; and the consequences of an upset here would be disastrous for the Students. They can’t afford to let that happen. But the Magpies, although out of contention, would love to make life difficult for an old rival.
East Coast Eagles v North Shore Bombers
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 12:30pm
Eagles – 8th. Played 11, Won 3, Lost 8, 55.81%. Streak – L1
Bombers – 2nd. Played 12, Won 11, Lost 1, 191.18%. Streak – W10
It hasn’t been a great season for the Eagles, and this week looks like another tough challenge for them as they host a North Shore side that has won their last 10. But the Bombers aren’t bullet-proof and their last couple of away fixtures have seen them dice with danger; and that’s not a risk the Bombers can allow to happen again this time.
For the home side, three wins so far this season isn’t enough to keep them in realistic finals contention; although it’s their best return for a few years. Last week they put up a competitive performance at Sydney Uni No 1, being within a kick at the long break and going down by 25 points. It wasn’t enough to win, but there were encouraging signs for the Eagles; particularly the performance of Jacob Jones, Cameron Edwards and Harry Elbourne. Having taken the fight up to one top contender, the challenge this week is to trouble another contender.
North Shore got the win over UTS at Trumper Park last week, but it was far from convincing, and they had to survive a scare to get there. The Bats held a shock nine-point lead at three quarter time before the Bombers scrambled three unanswered goals in the last to fall over the line; with Max Toohey, Finn Chalmers and Max Thomas heavily involved in getting the Bombers home. It was far from their best footy, but the points are theirs. But that’s twice in a couple of weeks they’ve been in trouble on the road, and the Bombers are not bullet-proof. They’ve got out of jail twice, but can’t risk it a third time.
The Eagles won’t be playing finals this year, but they’ve had some positive signs; and should at least have done enough to avoid a fourth straight wooden spoon. But to claim a big scalp in front of their faithful at Bruce Purser would be a feather in their cap; and they’ll be leaving no stone unturned in their quest to pull it off. While the Bombers have been vulnerable on the road recently. But it’s a big ask; and a massive turnaround from the 90-point result when these sides met at Gore Hill in round 4. But a competitive performance by the Eagles will give them re-assurance that they are finally heading in the right direction.
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St George Dragons v South-West Sydney Blues
Olds Park, Saturday 12:50pm
Dragons – 9th. Played 12, Won 2, Lost 10, 54.47%. Streak – L2
Blues – 5th. Played 12, Won 7, Lost 5, 108.38%. Streak – W3
A late lunch game at Olds Park puts the Dragons up against the Blues. The Dragons won’t be finals contenders in 2025; but the same can’t be said about this division’s newest team. Finals beckon for the Blues, all they have to do is keep winning to stay ahead of Pennant Hills. But to be finals contenders, the Blues can’t afford to be on the wrong end of an upset result. If you can’t get to Olds Park for this one, never fear. Get online to Streamer and you won’t miss a thing. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5347 ]
It’s been a tough year for St George, and they haven’t had the firepower to compete with the top sides. Last week at Olds Park, with several key players out, the Dragons were never in the contest against UNSW-ES, going down by 87 points. Dom Michalak, Riley Taylor and Matt Saunders never stopped putting the effort in, but it was an all-too-familiar tale for the Dragons as they were well beaten. But this is a new week, a new challenge; and a chance to get up off the canvas and come out swinging.
The Blues are in good form, going into this game on the back of a three game winning streak. Last week at Rosedale was a dominant one-sided performance as they recorded a 103-point win over the Magpies. James Kennedy helped himself to five goals and Eddie Keogh four; while Ethan Roberts, Cody Hilton and Heath Mercer were picking up possessions at will. The Blues are looking good, a game and a half clear of Pennant Hills and their percentage is now over 100. If they are to play finals, all they have to do is keep doing what they’re doing. But there’s no room for a let-up.
When these teams met at Rosedale Oval in round 4, it was a thriller; with the Blues prevailing by five points in a low-scoring contest in tricky conditions. There’ll be nothing wrong with the conditions this time, and this game is there for the team that can generate a match-winning score. The Blues, with finals in their sights, have it all to play for; and there’s plenty of attacking options. But the Dragons will want to claim a big scalp before the year is out; and in front of their home faithful will be looking at this game as their opportunity. If the Dragons can put in a competitive effort like they did last time they played the Blues, they’ll fancy their chances of pulling off the upset result.
Pennant Hills Demons v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 2:30pm
Demons – 6th. Played 12, Won 5, Lost 6, Drawn 1, 77.17%. Streak – L2
Bulldogs – 3rd. Played 12, Won 8, Lost 4, 156.33%. Streak – W2
It’s a crunch game at Mike Kenny as Pennant Hills plays host to UNSW-ES. The Demons, a win and a half outside the five, need a win to stay in realistic finals contention. While the Bulldogs’ place in the top three is on the line, and a loss here would place them at serious risk of sudden death in the finals.
Pennant Hills don’t miss the finals often, but they’re in trouble this season. Last week they travelled to Weldon and were no match for the unbeaten Manly, going down by 138 points. Nick Eynaud, Aiden Russell and Cam Mitchell battled tirelessly against the odds, but the Demons had no answers to the Manly juggernaut. Not just a loss but a hit to their percentage, although having had a draw the percentage isn’t that big a factor. The Demons have two games to make up on South-West Sydney; and loss here would drop them into the “still mathematically possible” zone. Pure and simple, they need to find a way to win.
The Bulldogs sit in third place, and didn’t do their chances any harm last week when they dominated against St George at Olds Park to record an 87-point win; a margin that could have been even greater if not for some wayward finishing on the forward line. Keiran Emery again showed his value on the forward line to finish with five goals; while Toby Renshaw, Taine Moraschi and Oscar Clifton were in the thick of the action around the ground. The fate of the double-chance is in the Bulldogs’ hands; if they keep winning, they don’t have to rely on other results. But Pennant Hills is an opponent who will test them.
When these sides met in round 3 at Henson Park, the Bulldogs took out an easier-than-expected 55-point win. It was a result that sent a message that last year’s finals absence was likely a temporary blip for the Bulldogs and they would be contenders this year; and that the Demons, who were winless at that stage of the season, would have a fight on their hands to make this year’s finals. But the Demons aren’t out of the running yet; and on their home turf at Mike Kenny, can keep the fifth-placed Blues in sight. A loss here and it’s a massive ask, especially if the Blues win their game at Olds Park. While the Bulldogs, if they can’t get it done here, will have to look over their shoulder and hope Sydney Uni falls over.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v UTS Bats
Weldon Oval, Saturday 3:00pm
Wolves – 1st. Played 11, Won 11, Lost 0, 229.86%. Streak – W11
Bats – 7th. Played 12, Won 4, Lost 8, 72.86%. Streak – L2
The undefeated Manly are back home at Weldon this week for a clash with UTS. For the Bats, their finals hopes hang by a thread; and although they had a very competitive and encouraging performance against North Shore last week, that’s not enough this time. The Bats need to win.
Manly are on a roll. They’ve learned from last year’s Grand Final loss, recruited strongly, and have barely put a foot wrong all season as they remain undefeated. Last week at Weldon they got off to a flyer against Pennant Hills and went on to record a convincing 138-point win. Travis Schiller once again outlined his credentials with a five-goal haul, with Cameron Manuel adding four; Joe Harrison and Taine Wright doing what they liked in the midfield. Manly are going to be hard to stop; no-one has yet found their weakness. The Wolves’ toughest tests are yet to come, they know that; but so far so good for the maroon and whites.
A strong third quarter from UTS, five goals to one, set the Bats up for a massive boilover as they led North Shore by nine points at the last change at Trumper Park last week. But when the game was there to be won, the Bats weren’t able to get the job done and were unable to land a goal in the last quarter. Ash Backlund scored four goals; while Lewis McCormack, Lachlan McNamara and Henry Gosse were everywhere around the ground. But it wasn’t enough to get the win; and the Bats sit three games outside the five. Still mathematically possible, but another honourable loss this week won’t cut it. They have to win.
Undefeated with a percentage of over 200, on their home deck. The Wolves go into this game as favourites, and as long as they go through their paces like they have been all season, they’ll be hard to stop. But the Bats must find a way. A loss here and their finals hopes are all but gone; the Bats need to fight and compete like they never have before. They had a good run a few weeks ago, but their slow start to the season could cost them dearly. Manly at Weldon is a massive task for the Bats; but there’s no more chances if they drop this one. The Bats must find a way.
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
East Coast Eagles v North Shore Bombers
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 10:50am
Eagles – 4th. Played 9, Won 6, Lost 3, 279.12%. Streak – L1
Bombers – 2nd. Played 11, Won 9, Lost 2, 585.79%. Streak – W5
A potential cracker of a match at Bruce Purser puts East Coast up against North Shore. The Eagles, winners of the last three premierships, need a win to stay in the hunt for the finals double-chance. While the Bombers, second on the ladder with an enormous percentage, are looking for the win to keep the minor premiership within sight. The stakes are high.
The Eagles have games in hand compared to their rivals for the double-chance, but there’s some ground to make up. And last week their quest for the double-chance hit a snag when they went down to Sydney Uni by seven points. There was never much in it all day, but the Eagles were never able to take the lead; and the pressures of playing catch-up footy were all too apparent. Michelle Foscarini, Aysha Sanchez and Darcie Prosser-Shaw kept putting the effort in, but the comeback win wasn’t to be. The Eagles have only played nine games this year, but they’ve lost three of them; and can’t afford another defeat if they are to avoid sudden death in the finals.
North Shore were short of their best at Trumper Park last week, and soon found themselves having to play from behind against UTS. But a four goal third quarter put the Bombers in front at the last change; and in a cliff-hanger of a last quarter, they defended grimly to take the game by just two points. Ella Daniel, Heide de Saxe and Lucy Yates played important roles in getting the Bombers over the line. They survived a scare, but found a way to win. And the Eagles will be ready to deliver another scare; and the Bombers must find a way again.
In their three straight premierships, the Eagles have never had to come through the Elimination Final; but that’s the risk that’s staring them in the face at the moment. The Eagles need to get some wins, and bring down a team above them on the ladder; and this is their opportunity. But the Bombers will be tough opposition. When they get a sniff, there’s no stopping them, as their massive percentage shows. There’s plenty of quality players on both teams, and this should be a good contest. The Eagles won by 17 points when these teams met at Gore Hill in round 4, but this should be a closer game. Expect to see this one go down to the wire.
Pennant Hills Demons v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Mike Kenny Oval (Lower oval), Saturday 12:00pm
Demons – 9th. Played 10, Won 0, Lost 10, 1.52%. Streak – L10
Bulldogs – 6th. Played 11, Won 5, Lost 6, 142.86%. Streak – W1
2025 has been a shocker of a year for Pennant Hills; ten losses and a percentage of under two is way short of expectations. And now they’re in a high noon shoot-out on the lower oval at Mike Kenny against a UNSW-ES side that needs to win to stay in finals contention. A game plus plenty of percentage behind fifth-placed UTS, the Bulldogs need not just the win but to win well to boost their percentage. Their finals hopes could be riding on bridging that percentage gap.
The Demons’ disastrous season took another turn for the worse last Saturday at Weldon when they were unable to score and went down to the Wolves by 143 points. Amelia Bennett, Sophie Pendlebury and Christine Abrams never gave up; but it’s hard to stay motivated when you’re copping heavy defeats every week and have only scored two goals all season. But they need to find something from within, a way to lift themselves up from the slough of despond.
The Bulldogs broke their losing streak at Olds Park against St George last week, but still have plenty of work to do to get back to the top five. They kept the Dragons scoreless for three quarters, but wasted plenty of goal-scoring chances in their 48-point win. In a low-scoring game, Emma Haley’s four goals were worth their weight in gold; while Francesca Ryan and Grace Madden also played key roles. But the Bulldogs are still one game and a lot of percentage behind the Bats. If they are to be finals contenders, they need not just a win this week but a big win.
When these teams met at Henson Park in round 3, the Bulldogs took an easy 102-point win. But this was one of only two games where the Demons scored a goal. It can be done, they have done it before. But they need more than one, they need many. And the Bulldogs can’t afford to let that happen. The Bulldogs need a percentage boosting win if they are to pass UTS into fifth place. Nothing will boost the Demons more than to foil a rival’s ambitions. That must be their aim and their motivation here.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v UTS Bats
Weldon Oval, Saturday 1:00pm
Wolves – 1st. Played 10, Won 9, Lost 1, 422.83%. Streak – W9
Bats – 5th. Played 11, Won 6, Lost 5, 189.02%. Streak – L1
An in-form Manly side, sitting on top of the ladder with a nine-game winning streak, hosts a UTS side that will be desperate for the win to maintain their position in the top five. This will be a test for both clubs; and for both, the premiership points are critical.
After dropping their opening game, it’s been plain sailing for the Wolves, as they’ve won nine in a row to move up to the top. Last week was a seriously lopsided performance as they blew Pennant Hills off the part to the tune of 143 points. Isabella Rudolph helped herself to five goals; while Kristie Leonard, Jessica Manning and Ash Carter were unstoppable in general play. The Wolves are top and have the premiership in their sights; and they won’t be letting anyone get in their way. The Bats are going to have to earn this one.
The Bats, after some recent good form, had worked their way into the top five. And last week they went so agonisingly close to pulling off a major scalp when they got the early jump on North Shore and held a handy lead at half time. Sadly, for the Bats, they weren’t able to complete the win, despite the determined efforts of Aleshea Houlahan, Hannah Cerezo and Madeleine Quinn. If they drop this one, the Bats face the risk of falling out of the top five; and having to depend on other results to play finals. They can’t let that happen.
There wasn’t much in it in round 3 at Waverley, with the Wolves taking the game by 14 points. With so much to play for, there’s a good chance this one will be tight. The Wolves have the home advantage; but if they drop this game, there’s a significant risk of them losing top spot. But the Bats risk falling out of the five if they drop this one. In the quest for finals positions, games like this can make or break a season; and these games are the test of whether teams like these are up to the challenge in front of them. There’ll be plenty of determination and desperation in this contest, and no-one should expect to win in a canter.
St George Dragons v Parramatta Goannas
Olds Park, Saturday 3:10pm
Dragons – 7th. Played 11, Won 2, Lost 9, 17.92%. Streak – L5
Goannas – 8th. Played 10, Won 1, Lost 9, 10.88%. Streak – W1
This season’s Women’s Premier Division competition has featured too many lopsided games; and the bottom three clubs have struggled to be competitive. Which makes games like this one, where bottom three teams play each other, especially important for these teams. Nothing breaks the spirit like getting beaten by big margins every week; but nothing gives the team a boost like getting a win. And this is the opportunity that only one of these teams will achieve. This game of desperation stakes will be available to view online; set your device to Streamer to watch the action unfold. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5348 ]
The Dragons do have two wins on the board so far this season, one each against the Goannas and the Demons. It’s two more than they achieved last year. But the rest of the time, they’ve struggled against higher-ranked opponents. Last week they were scoreless for three quarter as they went down to UNSW-ES by 48 points. Montana Doubell, Kaitlyn Eisenhuth and Ruby O’Dwyer kept their work-rate up; but it wasn’t enough to challenge the Bulldogs. But now, against a fellow bottom-three team, it’s time to lift. A win should be enough to ensure they’ll avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
In such a disastrous season, could the Goannas achieve back to back wins? They’re coming off a bye last week, but their last start saw them break a nine-game losing streak with a 53-point win over Pennant Hills. Marley Rhodes, Khobi Devine and Brea Trevitt were everywhere, lifting as the Goannas got a sniff and ensuring they would finally get the breakthrough result. They’ve had two weeks to enjoy the spoils; but having had the taste of victory, they’d like some more. And here’s their chance.
Both clubs will have circled this game in their calendar as one they can win. But only one team will complete the job. For the team that misses out, it’s just another bad day in a year of disappointment. Another chance gone begging. Much better to be the team that gets the points; to go down to the rooms, sing the song and enjoy the spoils of victory. A moment of respite, but a moment of joy amid the season of heartbreak. Once someone gets in front and has a sniff, they won’t be letting go.
