Round 14, 2025 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shilllito
Last week we had a bye for most of our teams, while the Sydney-Canberra Rep team made a successful trip to Tasmania; with both Men’s and Women’s teams defeating AFL Tasmania.
And now we’re back to clubland for the last five rounds of the regular season. It’s a mad scramble to the finish line; and positions for the finals are up for grabs.
In both Men’s and Women’s, Manly is on top and North Shore second. And they play each other this week at Gore Hill. If the Bombers can get it done in the Women’s, they will replace Manly on top. A North Shore win in the Men’s will put the two clubs level on games, and the percentage will be very tight. On the other hand, if Manly can get the points on the road, they’ll be hard to catch for the minor premiership.
In the battle for the Men’s double chance, UNSW-ES are half a game clear of Sydney Uni. But the Bulldogs have a tough road trip to Rosedale to play a South-West Sydney side looking to consolidate their place in the top five. While Sydney Uni have a crunch game of their own, as Pennant Hills have close to their last roll of the dive.
While in the Women’s, Sydney Uni can consolidate their place in the top three if they can get over the struggling Pennant Hills. East Coast have an uphill battle to get to the top three, and will be taking on a UTS side determined to re-enter the top five; while UNSW-ES play Parramatta at Gipps Road. St George have the bye this week.
It all adds up to another intriguing weekend of footy. You won’t want to miss this.
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Sydney University Students v Pennant Hills Demons
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 12:40pm
Students – 4th. Played 13, Won 8, Lost 4, Drawn 1, 137.10%. Streak – W2
Demons – 6th. Played 13, Won 5, Lost 7, Drawn 1, 71.53%. Streak – L3
It’s an early start at the Campus for the clash between the Students and the Demons. The Students are looking to make their way into the top three. Standing in their way this week is a Pennant Hills side on their last roll of the dice. If the Demons miss out here, they may still be mathematically possible to make the finals; but in practical terms, their hopes will be all but extinguished.
The Students have been in sudden death for the last three years’ finals, and would love to avoid that fate again this year. But to do that, they need to keep winning and wait for UNSW-ES to fall over. All they can do at this stage is keep the wins coming; which they did at their last start when they were untroubled in recording a 48-point win over the Magpies. Alex Witherden, Rory Barkley and Mamadou Faye were influential in an explosive start; with five unanswered goals setting up a lead the Magpies were never going to make up. If the Students keep winning, the double chance will look after itself; but if they drop this one, it will be difficult.
If ever a team needed a week off to stop their trajectory and regain some momentum, it surely is Pennant Hill. They’ve copped some heavy defeats in recent weeks; and at their last start they went down to UNSW-ES by 90 points. Cameron Mitchell, Nick Eynaud and Kieron Coldrake never stopped trying, but the Demons were powerless to stop the Bulldog charge. It’s been a disappointing season for the Demons; and if they are to salvage any chance of a finals appearance, they need to win all their remaining games and hope South-West Sydney falls over. Not much they can do about the Blues; but it counts for nothing if they don’t win their own games.
When these teams met in round 2 at Mike Kenny, the game finished in a thrilling draw. 2025 has had its trials and tribulations for the Demons; and it was two points that got away for the Students. But now the Demons will be even more desperate, if they drop this one, they can just about kiss their finals hopes goodbye. The Students will know they’re up against a tough opponent this week and can’t afford to be at anything less than their best. Drop this one and sudden death in the finals awaits.
Inner West Magpies v St George Dragons
Picken Oval, Saturday 2:00pm
Magpies – 10th. Played 13, Won 0, Lost 13, 48.12%. Streak – L13
Dragons – 9th. Played 13, Won 2, Lost 11, 53.16%. Streak – L3
2025 has been a difficult year for both the Magpies and the Dragons. The Magpies are yet to sing the song this year, while the Dragons have saluted just twice. If the Magpies are to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon, this game is a must to keep the battle for last place alive. Should the Dragons prevail, they should avoid that fate.
The Magpies were unable to keep up with Sydney Uni at the Campus in their last match. Five unanswered goals to the Students in the first quarter put the Magpies on the back foot, and there was no way back for them as they went down by 48 points. Jonathon Bowyer, Jaden Gilheany and Jye Doyle never gave up; but it was an all too familiar tale for the Magpies as they never looked a chance against a more highly credentialled opponent. 13 losses on the trot, and the wooden spoon awaits unless they can catch up to the Dragons. A win against them here is essential.
St George have also had some tough times this season, and their last start was another difficult afternoon when they were jumped at the start by South-West Sydney at Olds Park; conceding six goals in the first quarter and going down by 73 points. Kiriam Ayres, Liam Taylor and Cave McKnight worked hard all day; but the Dragons never got into the contest and were outplayed all day. Two wins for the season to date is below expectations; but the Dragons will have identified this clash as an opportunity to get back on the winning list if they’re good enough.
No-one wants the wooden spoon, and these two clubs certainly don’t. The Dragons are two games clear of the Magpies, and if the Dragons get up here they should be safe. But the winless Magpies, at home and desperate, won’t be making it easy for them. It’s been a disappointing season for both clubs, but the challenge now will be to string a few wins together in this, the tail end of the season, and lay the foundations for a rise up the ladder next year. 2026 starts now.
UTS Bats v East Coast Eagles
Waverley Oval, Saturday 2:20pm
Bats – 7th. Played 13, Won 4, Lost 9, 71.65%. Streak – L4
Eagles – 8th. Played 13, Won 3, Lost 10, 56.48%. Streak – L3
The match between UTS and East Coast won’t have any bearing on this year’s finals. Both have struggled to string enough wins together to be in finals contention. But this match presents an opportunity for the welcome respite a win brings; and an opportunity to lay the foundations for future success.
In the week before the Rep break, the Bats took it up to the ladder-leading Manly in the first half, and there was only a kick in it at half time. But they were unable to last the distance, with the Wolves pulling away in the second half for a 37-point result. Tom Charles made the most of his limited opportunities to finish with four goals; while Henry Gosse, Hamish Latchford and Justin Ryan battled gamely around the ground. It was a good fighting effort by the Bats; but not enough to take the points. Similar to their game against North Shore the week before; the Bats can trouble the top sides, but need to be able to sustain that for four quarters. They are so close.
East Coast have played twice since the last article. Against North Shore at Bruce Purser, the Eagles were blown away at the start, conceding five unanswered goals in the first quarter and going down by 54 points; despite the determined efforts of Jacob Jones, Reeve Simmons and Baylee Jones. Then in a catch-up game the Eagles took the fight up to an under-strength Manly, going down by 14 points. Lukas McNeil was a standout for the Eagles; while Jones and Simmons again featured prominently. Two losses against the top two; but now against an opponent on a similar ladder position, the Eagles will be keen to return to the winning list.
The Bats have four wins, the Eagles three. Not enough to be finals contenders. But with five weeks to go, both clubs can use this time productively. To go for the wins, take the challenge to their opponents; and work on combinations that will stand them in good stead for future seasons. Achieve that, and at least you’ve salvaged something from the disappointments of this year. And games like this, enjoying the spoils of victory and singing the song in the rooms afterwards, makes the trials and tribulations of the season worthwhile.
South-West Sydney Blues v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Rosedale Oval, Saturday 2:30pm
Blues – 5th. Played 13, Won 8, Lost 5, 113.30%. Streak – W3
Bulldogs – 3rd. Played 13, Won 9, Lost 4, 165.12%. Streak – W3
An enticing clash at Rosedale Oval puts the fifth-placed Blues up against the third-placed Bulldogs. A win for the home side would just about wrap up a finals appearance in just their second season at this level and would even keep them in the hunt for the double-chance. While the travelling Bulldogs will need a win to maintain their third place.
A month ago, South-West Sydney’s hopes of making the top five were looking dicey. But three wins on the trot has opened up a handy break ahead of Pennant Hills; and the fate of the Blues’ finals hopes is in their own hand. Their last start was a 74-point win over St George; where the Blues dominated from the start. Bailey-Dean Latanis scored four goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Heath Mercer and Matt Storey were also heavily involved in the action all day. The Blues are a team on the rise, and will relish this clash as an opportunity to showcase their improvement and carve out a place in this year’s playoffs.
The Bulldogs have also won three on the trot. Their most recent was a comprehensive 90-point win over Pennant Hills at Mike Kenny. Will Spencer drifted forward to contribute four goals to the cause; while Oscar Peter, Jordan Endemann and Billy Longmire were ball magnets around the ground. But this week will be a tough test for the Bulldogs; they’ll be on the road against a determined and in-form opponent with plenty to play for. Last game’s big win was important for the Bulldogs, but this week even more so.
When the two clubs met at Henson Park in round 2, the Bulldogs enjoyed an easy 74-point win. But that was when the Bulldogs were off to their flying start to the season and before the Blues started to hit their form. Surely it will be a closer contest this time. If the home side can get up, only percentage will separate them and the Blues can dream of a double-chance finish. But if the Bulldogs can prevail on the road, they remain in third ahead of Sydney Uni and just about ends the Blues’ hopes of a top three finish. Plenty to play for, and both teams will be relishing this challenge.
North Shore Bombers v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 2:50pm
Bombers – 2nd. Played 13, Won 12, Lost 1, 193.10%. Streak – W11
Wolves – 1st. Played 13, Won 13, Lost 0, 216.44%. Streak – W13
One of the most keenly anticipated games of 2025; and this one should be a cracker. The Battle of the Spit Bridge; a replay of last year’s Grand Final. There’s a genuine rivalry here, and top spot on the ladder is on the line. If the Bombers can prevail at home, only a very tight percentage gap will separate them. A Manly win would see them go two games clear, and just about wrap up the minor premiership.
There’s plenty of interest in this clash; and if you’re not able to get to Gore Hill, your next best alternative is to get your device online to see the action as it unfolds on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5447 ]
The Bombers have survived a couple of scares recently, but had no problems in their last start, when they played East Coast at Bruce Purser. Ten goals to one in the first half ensured a comfortable afternoon for the Bombers, who coasted to a 54-point win. Max Thomas landed four goals for the Bombers. There’s plenty of impressive firepower in this North Shore lineup; and this week they’re back on their synthetic at the Goretress where they haven’t lost since 2022. The Bombers are ready for this challenge.
Since we last reported, Manly have played two games. Firstly at Waverley Oval, the Wolves were given a test by UTS, with only a kick in it at half time before the Wolves got on top in the premiership quarter. Cameron Manuel, Joe Harrison and Lachlan Price were pivotal in getting the Wolves over the line. Then in a catch-up game at Bruce Purser, despite being without their Rep players, the Wolves were able to eke out a 14-point win over East Coast; with Lachlan Behagg, Barry O’Connor and Joe Harrison getting the under-strength Wolves home in a tight contest. The Wolves remain undefeated, but they’ve been tested twice. And this is the toughest test yet.
North Shore won the Grand Final last year, but in round 2 this season at Weldon Oval the Wolves reversed that result with a 66-point win. Neither team has lost since. Now we’re on the Bombers’ synthetic; and they will use every weapon at their disposal to make their home advantage count. Both these teams were well represented in the Rep game, and there’s so many quality contributors for both clubs. This game should be a cracker, a preview of the upcoming finals. There’s a good chance these teams will meet again at the business end of the season, maybe even in the big dance again. The psychological value of a win here is not to be under-estimated.
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Parramatta Goannas v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Gipps Road Oval, Saturday 12:20pm
Goannas – 8th. Played 11, Won 1, Lost 10, 11.17%. Streak – L1
Bulldogs – 5th. Played 12, Won 6, Lost 5, 198.21%. Streak – W2
It’s West v East at Gipps Road as the Goannas play host to the Bulldogs. It’s been a tough season for the Goannas, who have only saluted once this season; and this is another tricky assignment for them against a team needing a win to stay in the top five.
The Goannas did get a win a few weeks ago, but were unable to make it two in a row at their last start; a low-scoring game against St George at Olds Park. There was only a point in it at three quarter time, but when the game was there to be won in the last quarter, the Goannas were unable to get the job done. Tayliah Noack, Cindy Lam and Kayla McGinty kept working hard, but too many errors at critical moments cost them dearly. Now they return home, and this won’t be easy. But the Goannas need to contest and scrap like they never have before; and make a game of this.
Before the Rep break, the Bulldogs enjoyed their biggest win of the season with a comprehensive 186-0 result against the winless Pennant Hills. With Emily Conlan landing seven goals and Emma Hayley five; and with Amaia Wain picking up possessions at will; the Bulldogs faced minimal opposition. But the race for percentage will be tight, and the Bulldogs if they get on top this time will need to record another big win and make hay while the sun shines. This is their last game for the year against a bottom three side, and there are tougher tests to come.
The Bulldogs enjoyed back to back wins before the Rep break, but are still in danger of dropping out of the five. If they are to be finalists this year, they must win this game. It’s hard to imagine they won’t; but percentage is also critical. And here’s where the Goannas can be spoilers for the remainder of the season. If they can give the Bulldogs a run for their money, hold their percentage back, they can yet influence who makes the finals. The Bulldogs still need to turn up and get the job done.
UTS Bats v East Coast Eagles
Waverley Oval, Saturday 12:30pm
Bats – 6th. Played 12, Won 6, Lost 6, 164.48%. Streak – L2
Eagles – 4th. Played 10, Won 6, Lost 4, 212.30%. Streak – L2
A crunch game at Waverley brings together two teams looking to get back on the winning list after dropping their last two games. For the Bats, a win is essential to keep a strong finals chance alive; while the defending premiers can just about resign themselves to sudden death in the finals if they don’t get the points in this one.
On the weekend before the Rep break, UTS dropped out of the top five when they went down to Manly by 44 points. The Bats were unable to score a goal after quarter time; although Tailulah Kirk, Hannah Cezero and Mairead Connorford kept putting the effort in. The Bats are out of the five on percentage, to get into the five for the finals the Bats will need to keep winning and wait for the Bulldogs to fall over. But nothing the Bulldogs do will make any difference if the Bats can’t get the job done in their own games.
East Coast, premiers for the last three seasons, have hit a snag in their quest for a fourth straight title; dropping their last two games to fall well outside the top three. Their last start, at Bruce Purser against North Shore, saw the Eagles held to a solitary goal to go down by 52 points. Jess Whelan, Erin Naden and Renee Tomkins never gave up; but it’s been rare in recent seasons to see the Eagles so badly beaten. The Eagles haven’t had to go through sudden death in the finals in any of their premiership years; but unless they can turn their form around quickly, they are looking at that fate in 2025.
The ladder is delicately poised, and will be decided on match ratio. If the Bats get the job done here, they’ll stay within striking distance of the five but it will make the double-chance difficult for the Eagles to reach. An Eagles win would keep them within reach of third place but would put the Bats’ finals hopes in jeopardy. Places in the finals are going to be tight, and games like this one are critical.
North Shore Bombers v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 1:10pm
Bombers – 2nd. Played 12, Won 10, Lost 2, 587.50%. Streak – W6
Wolves – 1st. Played 11, Won 10, Lost 1, 419.00%. Streak – W10
An enticing clash at Gore Hill puts North Shore up against Manly. Top spot is on the line; and if North Shore can get the win, they pass the Wolves into pole position. But a Manly win would put the Wolves well clear on top, and although the minor premiership would not yet be mathematically guaranteed, they’d be hard to catch. A big local rivalry on the North side, between the top two sides. This game has the ingredients to be a cracker. The best place to see the action is at Gore Hill; the next best is to see it live on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5446 ]
The Bombers have built up some impressive form in recent weeks, winning their last six and building an enormous percentage. Last start was up at Bruce Purser against defending premiers East Coast, and it was no contest; with the Bombers holding the Eagles to a single goal to win by 52 points. Adrienne Keeffe landed four for the Bombers, while young guns Lucy Yates and Heidi de Saxe dominated around the ground. The Bombers have looked impressive lately; but this is the test as to whether they are true premiership contenders in 2025.
Manly had a win in their last start, when they held UTS to two goals at Weldon to record a 44-point win. Lauren Bourgeois chipped in with four goals; while Lauren Bull and Andrea Roditis were everywhere around the ground. The Wolves have won ten on the trot, most of them by big margins. They’re an in-form side, they’re hungry for success; and they’ll be hard to stop.
When these sides met at Weldon Oval in round 2, the Bombers got the job done. Now at Gore Hill, the stakes are even higher. These are two clubs that have worked hard for success, and who have their eyes on the premiership cup. They may well meet again when the finals come around, and to get the job done in this clash will show they’re capable of beating the best. Both sides were well represented in the Rep team, and that quality will be on display in what is sure to be an entertaining, no-holds-barred contest. You wouldn’t want to miss out on this one.
Sydney University Students v Pennant Hills Demons
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 3:00pm
Students – 3rd. Played 11, Won 9, Lost 2, 301.39%. Streak – W1
Demons – 9th. Played 11, Won 0, Lost 11, 1.31%. Streak – L11
Sydney Uni No 1 is the venue for this clash between the Students and the Demons. For the Students, a win can tighten their grip on a top-three position; and maybe, depending on the result at Gore Hill, keep them within reach of the minor premiership. They have plenty to play for, and need a percentage booster against a Pennant Hills side that hasn’t been anywhere near a win so far this season.
It’s been a few weeks since we’ve seen the Students in action. They had the bye the week before the Rep break. Their last game was a seven-point win over East Coast; with Saskia Johnson, Evie Bowie and veteran Amanda Farrugia featuring prominently. It’s been a steady season for the Students, well placed for the double-chance. It’s in their own hands, and as long as they keep winning, they’ll comfortably get there.
It’s hard to sugar-coat the Demons’ season to date; their results haven’t been good enough. Last game was their biggest loss yet, a 186-0 result against UNSW-ES at Mike Kenny. Scarlett Sheridan, Bela Nash and Maddie Maconachie tried hard, but once again the Demons didn’t have the firepower to compete. And on the confined spaces of the Campus, this is another tough challenge; another test of their resilience and resolve.
Unless something extraordinary happens, the Students will win this game by a big margin. But for the Demons, this game has to be about more than this week’s result. It’s about developing something new in the lineup, finding a way to be more competitive and setting the team up for future success. For Sydney Uni, the goals are more immediate. A percentage-boosting win and they should be OK for the double-chance, and still in the running for top spot. They can’t afford to give the Demons an inch.
