Round 17, 2025 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shilllito
Two weeks to go in the regular season, and the race for finals positions is going down to the wire. In both Men’s and Women’s Premier Division, North Shore sit on top but only on percentage ahead of Manly. Both clubs have games that will test them this week; a good hit-out ahead of the finals.
Last week we had a washout, with Sydney Uni No 1 closed on Saturday morning, too late to move the games. In Men’s Premier Division, the washout ensured UNSW-ES take the double-chance without firing a shot. In Women’s Premier Division, Sydney Uni’s hold on third spot is down to one game, with East Coast’s percentage within striking distance. And the Students play Manly this week.
To make the finals, it’s a three-way contest in the Men’s between Sydney Uni, South-West Sydney and Pennant Hills. The Blues and the Demons play each other this week, in an absolutely critical game for the finals lineup; possibly the most important game in the short Premier Division history of South-West Sydney.
UTS have the bye in the Women’s this week, and it will be a nervous wait for them. If UNSW-ES can beat North Shore, the Bats’ finals hopes are over and we have our final five. A North Shore win keeps the Bats in the hunt for another week; but the Bats will have North Shore in the final round.
It’s going to be tight. There’s some all-important games this week. A mis-step by any team in finals contention could be fatal.
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
UTS Bats v Inner West Magpies
Trumper Park, Saturday 12:40pm
Bats – 7th. Played 16, Won 5, Lost 11, 74.17%. Streak – L2
Magpies – 10th. Played 16, Won 0, Lost 16, 47.17%. Streak – L16
The match between the Bats and the Magpies at Trumper Park won’t have any bearing on this year’s finals. It’s been a disappointing season for both teams, well short of expectations. But, as the 2025 season winds down for both clubs, this is a chance to at least find something positive to build on next year and pick up a welcome win. It’s the Last Chance Saloon; and you can catch all the action live as it happens on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5562 ]
The Bats’ match against St George last week was moved out to Fairfax Reserve at the last minute; and it would be another disappointing afternoon for the Bats. There wasn’t much in it at the long break, but the Bats were unable to keep up with the Dragons in the premiership quarter and went down by 19 points. Lachlan McNamara played a lone hand up forward to finish with four goals; while Henry Gosse and Josh Lee worked hard all day. But it was a story that’s been all too familiar for the Bats this year as a game that promised much failed to deliver. Time is running out in 2025, and the Bats will be looking to this game to salvage something from a year that hasn’t lived up to pre-season expectations.
Even more so for the Magpies has 2025 been a season that promised much but delivered little. Yet to record a win this season, the Magpies tried to stay with ladder leaders North Shore at Picken Oval last week; and there was only 21 points in it at the long break. But when the Bombers stepped up in the second half, the Magpies had no answers and went down by 69 points. Michael Tuttle, Jonathon Bowyer and Keegan Litchfield battled tirelessly, but it wasn’t enough for the Magpies to threaten the Bombers. Time is running out to get something positive out of this season, and they need to put in their best effort this time round to make that happen.
The two sides met at Picken Oval in round 9, and it was a thriller as the Bats came from behind to record a six-point win. Now the Bats are at their spiritual home at Trumper Park for the last time this year. For both teams, the finals dream is gone. But there are players looking to taste victory, youngsters looking to gain experience at this level, and preparations for future seasons. What these teams can learn and apply from these closing rounds of the season will serve them in good stead for seasons to come.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v Sydney University Students
Weldon Oval, Saturday 1:00pm
Wolves – 2nd, Played 16, Won 15, Lost 1, 197.65%. Streak – W2
Students – 4th. Played 15, Won 8, Lost 6, Drawn 1, 119.53%. Streak – L2
Manly have aspirations for the minor premiership; while Sydney Uni are battling to stay in the top five. Plenty on the line for both clubs in this clash at Weldon Oval that will go a long way to determining the fate of the ladder. We’re going on match ratio after last week’s washout at the Campus; and neither side can afford a hit to that ratio this week. It’s an important game for the makeup of the ladder, and you’ll be able to see it all as it unfolds by tuning your device to Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5561 ]
Last week Manly made the trip to Warwick Farm to take on South-West Sydney; and after a competitive opening quarter, the Wolves kicked five unanswered goals in the second term to set up an unbeatable lead. In the end, the winning margin was 48 points, with Trent Dennis-Lane landing five goals while Willem Smit, Cameron Manuel and Jono Marsh were ball magnets around the ground. The Wolves trail the Bombers only on percentage, and close enough they can close the gap with a big win. But first things first, against a desperate opponent, they need to get the win, and it won’t be easy.
It wasn’t Sydney Uni’s lucky day when the rain bucketed down in the early hours of Saturday morning and Sydney Uni No 1 was closed, with their game against the Bulldogs cancelled. The Students needed that game; now they can’t make the double-chance and are battling to stay in the top five. Manly at Weldon is another tough ask; but if the Students can get their best team on the field, they’re a chance. But they need all hands on deck; there’s no margin for error now.
We’re on the Wolves’ turf, but the Students will have the fresh legs after an enforced week off last week. And the Students will need every advantage they can find. South-West Sydney and Pennant Hills are circling, and there’s not enough room in the finals for all three challengers. The Students can strengthen their grip on a finals berth if they can get it done here; otherwise it will likely come down to the last round when the Students play South-West Sydney. While if Manly drop this one, North Shore are in the box seat for the minor premiership. The stakes are high, and both sides will do whatever it takes to get over the line in this encounter.
East Coast Eagles v St George Dragons
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 1:30pm
Eagles – 9th. Played 16, Won 3, Lost 13, 58.57%. Streak – L6
Dragons – 8th. Played 16, Won 4, Lost 12, 58.86%. Streak – W1
There’s no implications for the upcoming finals series hanging on this clash between the Eagles and the Dragons. With one game separating them, and a similar percentage, they’re playing for eighth spot. But more importantly, they’re playing for the future and looking to set the team up for a move up the ladder next season.
No wins in 2022, one in 2023, two last year and three this year; the pace of improvement has been too slow for the Eagles. At Mike Kenny last week, the Eagles were jumped by Pennant Hills early and the game was lost by quarter time. They played better after that and got the final margin back to 15 points; but it was too much ground to make up. Nathan Penna, Jacob Jones and Cam Edwards played solid roles in the Eagles’ fightback; but in the end the poor first quarter cost them. Now, against a team similarly placed on the ladder, a good start is essential. It’s hard to get that sniff of victory when you’re coming from behind.
St George have also had their share of disappointments in 2025; but had a rare moment of joy last week. In a game moved at the last moment from Olds Park to Fairfax Reserve, a five-goal burst in the premiership quarter was enough to seal a 19-point win over UTS. Lachlan Cabor landed four goals; while Lachlan Querzoli and Dom Michalak were prominent ball-winners around the ground. Singing the song after the game felt good; but the Dragons want more of it. It hasn’t happened enough this year, but it’s time to plan for a move up the ladder in 2026.
For both these clubs, you can expect their young talent will be given an opportunity. A chance to impress, a taste of footy at the top level to learn from. It’s the youngsters who will be asked to step up next year; and 2026 starts now. With both teams similarly placed, a win here will convey some re-assurance that the club is on the way to recovery. This game won’t affect the finals, but it’s no dead rubber. It’s a vital learning tool for the future.
South-West Sydney Blues v Pennant Hills Demons
Rosedale Oval, Saturday 2:00pm
Blues – 5th. Played 16, Won 9, Lost 7, 105.45%. Streak – L1
Demons – 6th. Played 16, Won 8, Lost 7, Drawn 1, 78.76%. Streak – W3
Not quite a virtual elimination final, but close to it. When the Blues host the Demons at Rosedale Oval, it’s an important test of who has the nerve and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters. The Blues are close, while a late surge from the Demons has given them a sniff of the finals. This is going to come down to the wire.
The Blues weren’t able to seal the finals deal last week against Manly, when a poor second quarter saw their game against the Wolves fall out of reach. Josh Croft, Finbar Delbridge and Luke Parkinson battled manfully, but the second quarter cost the Blues dearly and they went down by 48 points. Back at home, and this game is crucial. A win will see them move more than a game ahead of the Demons and finals will be assured.
Pennant Hills’ finals chances weren’t looking too good a month ago, but three wins on the trot has got the Demons well and truly into the chase for playoff action. A solid start of six goals to one last week was enough to ensure that East Coast were never able to threaten the Demons; with Nick Eynaud, Charles Allison and Aidan Russell featuring prominently. The Demons still need to win their last two games to make it, and this will be a tough road trip. But while there’s life, there’s hope; and the Demons can still hold hope.
If the Blues can get up here, Pennant Hills can’t catch them and, in their second season in the top flight, the Blues will be guaranteed to play finals. But a loss will see it come down to the last round, when the Blues travel to Sydney Uni No 1. For the Demons, the worst case scenario would be a loss here while Sydney Uni win; which would wrap up the final five and eliminate the Demons. But a Demon win would give them every chance of making it through. They have a winnable game against St George in the last round; while keeping an eye on the Students and the Blues, who will play each other. This is going to be very tight.
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v North Shore Bombers
Blacktown International Sportspark, Saturday 2:10pm
Bulldogs – 3rd. Played 15, Won 11, Lost 4, 174.52%. Streak – W5
Bombers – 1st. Played 16, Won 15, Lost 1, 210.09%. Streak – W14
They played off in Grand Finals in 2022 and 2023; and the Bulldogs and the Bombers will both still be well and truly alive when the business end of this season rolls around. Both have winning form and momentum on the board. The Bombers sit on top of the ladder while the Bulldogs have got the job done against them before. Both sides building up nicely for the finals; and this match offers a preview of what’s to come in a few weeks.
After missing the finals last year, the Bulldogs have been big improvers in 2025. Last week’s last-minute closure of Sydney Uni No 1 meant that, as Sydney Uni didn’t play and South-West Sydney lost their game, the Bulldogs have wrapped up third place on the ladder without having to fire a shot. Five wins in a row, and they’re building up their form nicely on the eve of the finals. But North Shore will test them; and with some big wins against top opponents in recent weeks, the Bulldogs are going to have to find something special this week.
The Bombers haven’t lost since round 2, and last week faced few concerns in getting over the Magpies by 69 points at a slushy Picken Oval. Ned Campbell, Cooper Donald and Matt Wilson were influential for the Bombers as they made light work of the heavy conditions to salute once again. The Bombers’ aspirations of back to back premierships is very much on track; and the challenge is thrown out to the Bulldogs in this encounter – catch us if you can.
When the two sides met at Gore Hill in round 9, the Bombers cruised to a comfortable 47-point win. Now they meet at the finals venue, a preparation for what’s to come when the business end of the season rolls around. The Bulldogs are coming off a week’s rest, and will have the fresh legs compared to the Bombers who had to slog it out in the Picken Oval mud last week. The lure of finals has brought players back in for both teams; and there’s plenty on both sides who have drunk from a premiership cup before. This should be a cracker.
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Parramatta Goannas v Pennant Hills Demons
Gipps Road Oval, Saturday 12:20pm
Goannas – 8th. Played 14, Won 1, Lost 13, 8.60%. Streak – L4
Demons – 9th. Played 14, Won 0, Lost 14, 1.58%. Streak – L14
If ever there were two teams desperate for a win, this is it. Both have copped heavy defeat after heavy defeat; but one of them will break the drought in this clash at Gipps Road. A welcome moment of respite in what has been a horrendous season. Time is running out to salvage something out of 2025, it’s now or never.
Last week was a typical example of the trials and tribulations the Goannas have faced this season. Held scoreless for the ninth time this year, they were no match for Manly as they went down by 129 points. Ash Gray, Michala Ford and Ava Saad were their best; but they were powerless to stop one of the competition favourites from recording another one-sided result. After so many lopsided games, they’ll be looking forward to this one.
Pennant Hills have had similar challenges before them this season; and copped another one last week when they hosted East Coast at Mike Kenny. The Demons did score a goal, just their third of the season, but went down by 101 points. Scarlett Sheridan, Caitlin Gurney and Stephanie Este kept working hard, but the Demons didn’t have the playing stock to be competitive against a finals team. Now, against another bottom three team, it’s a different story; and the Demons need to more closely match it against their opponents this time.
It’s the second meeting between the two clubs this season. The Goannas won the previous encounter by 53 points at Mike Kenny in round 11. But it’s been slim pickings for both clubs this season; and for one of them, this is their opportunity. A rare oasis in the desert of form. But for the club that can’t take the opportunity, it’s just another mirage as the sands of the hourglass of time tick to the conclusion of the season,
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v North Shore Bombers
Blacktown International Sportspark, Saturday 12:30pm
Bulldogs – 5th. Played 13, Won 7, Lost 6, 230.95%. Streak – W3
Bombers – 1st. Played 14, Won 12, Lost 2, 505.05%. Streak – W8
Two teams in form face off at our finals venue when UNSW-ES take on North Shore on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs can wrap up their place in the finals if they get the points here; while North Shore will need a win to stay on top of the ladder with the finals only a fortnight away.
The Bulldogs’ keenly anticipated fixture against Sydney Uni last week was destined not to be, when overnight rain caused Sydney Uni No 1 to be closed at the last minute. The no-game leaves the Bulldogs precariously placed in fifth; but with UTS having the bye this week, if the Bulldogs can get the points here, they’ll be too far ahead for the Bats to catch them, and their finals spot will be guaranteed. But this won’t be easy against an in-form North Shore side; and if the Bulldogs can’t get the win here, it will be a nervous wait till the final round to determine their finals destiny.
North Shore had the bye last week, a chance to get over any little niggles before this run to the finals. Their last start was against Sydney Uni at Gore Hill; and the Bombers did it comfortably to record a 21-point win. Issy McLeay, Lucy Yates and Charli Tidemann were in the thick of the action for the Bombers as they completed another impressive performance. Eight wins in a row is a handy winning streak, enough to get to the top. And the Bombers won’t be letting their momentum go without a fight, especially not with the finals so close.
These teams met at Gore Hill in round 9, with North Shore doing it easily to record a 54-point win. Now, with the finals in sight, they meet again. Both have been in impressive form in recent weeks, pulling off some big wins. Neither would want to jeopardise their form now; and the consequences of a loss could be devastating. A loss could cost the Bombers the minor premiership, or cost the Bulldogs their spot in the finals. There’ll be plenty of desperation and some solid defensive work here. After both teams had last week off, they’ll have fresh legs and be ready to go in this clash. Their finals fate is riding on this.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v Sydney University Students
Weldon Oval, Saturday 3:30pm
Wolves – 2nd. Played 14, Won 12, Lost 2, 445.30%. Streak – W2
Students – 3rd. Played 13, Won 10, Lost 3, 307.94%. Streak – L1
Second v third in a crunch game at Weldon Oval. The Wolves are going for top spot, and although they have the bye in the last round, all they can do is win this one and hope North Shore fall over. While for the Students, last week’s washout has cost them any chance of top spot. Their battle is to hold on to the double-chance, as if they drop this game, East Coast could draw level on the ladder and the percentage gap would be tight. There’s no better place to catch the game than at Weldon Ova; but if distance or circumstances prevents you from making the trip to Curl Curl, get on to Streamer to catch the action live. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5560 ]
The Wolves kept themselves in the hunt for the minor premiership at Gipps Road last week as they held the Goannas scoreless to romp to a 129-point win. Isabella Rudolph delivered the goods up forward with an 11-goal haul; while Andrea Roditis and Holly Wickham were superb around the ground. But this week will be a tougher test, against a Sydney Uni team that have plenty to play for. There’s plenty at stake here.
When Sydney Uni’s game last week was called off, their hopes of the minor premiership were gone. But now they’ll play the same number of games at East Coast; currently a game plus percentage ahead, but the Eagles have a likely big win in their game. If the Students drop this game, especially if it’s a big loss, their hold on the double-chance is in danger. But if they can get the win on the road against Manly, that should be enough to avoid finals sudden death.
These teams met at Sydney Uni No 1 in round 11, and on that occasion the Wolves prevailed by eight points. This could be another close one. The Wolves are still in the hunt for top spot; and although they’re depending on another result, it counts for nothing if they can’t maintain their own end of the bargain. While Sydney Uni are battling to retain the finals double-chance. And there’s every chance these teams could meet in the Qualifying Final, or at some point during the playoffs. A win here will give the winner re-assurance that they have what it takes to prevail against a finals rivals; a massive psychological boost. With so much on the line, this one should go down to the wire.
East Coast Eagles v St George Dragons
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 3:50pm
Eagles – 4th. Played 13, Won 9, Lost 4, 260.93%. Streak – W3
Dragons – 7th. Played 14, Won 3, Lost 11, 17.49%. Streak – L2
A few weeks ago, the Eagles were looking down the barrel of sudden death in the finals. That could still be their fate; but they’ve given themselves every chance of getting into the top three with a three-game winning streak. Now they take on a struggling St George side at Bruce Purser; needing not just a win but a big percentage-booster to get themselves within reach of the double-chance.
Last week at Mike Kenny Oval the Eagles won their third game on the trot, doing it comfortably in heavy conditions with a 101-point win over Pennant Hills. Abbey Martin spearheaded the charge with a six-goal haul; while Bryany Parker and Jess Whelan were prominent around the ground. It was a solid performance by a team hitting their best form at the right time of year, and the Eagles need more of that when this game rolls around.
2025 hasn’t been kind to St George, and last week was another disappointing assignment for them. In a match moved to Fairfax Reserve at the last minute, the Dragons were unable to score against UTS and went down by 97 points. Bianca Rudzis, Montana Doubell and Kaitlyn Eisenhuth tried hard; but the Dragons were never able to get into the contest, With just two round remaining, the Dragons can’t leave anything in the tank here; they need to let out everything they have to compete in this contest.
If East Coast win this and Sydney Uni lose at Weldon, the Eagles will draw level on match ratio with the Students. But the Eagles have nearly 50 percent to make up to pass the Students; so need not just a win but a big margin. The Dragons can be spoilers here if they can scrap and compete and make the Eagles earn their possessions. It’s been a tough season for the Dragons, but they’d love to put in a competitive performance here. But the Eagles at home are on a mission; and can’t afford any let-up from their best form if they are to bridge the percentage gap.
