AFL Sydney v. AFL Canberra Rep. Round Review 2025
Written by David Redden
MEN’S FIXTURE, SYDNEY vs CANBERRA:
In an absolutely superb game of representative football on at Blacktown International Sportspark (BISP) on Saturday, AFL Sydney dug very deep in producing a magnificent 5 point over an inaccurate AFL Canberra outfit. After Canberra ran away in the final quarter in 2024 at frigid Manuka Oval, Sydney would not be denied on home turf, running out victors 12.10.82 to Canberra’s 10.17.77.
With representative football having re-commenced in 2024, this fixture showed how important rep footy is for our elite talent. This was high-level, desperate, tough, willing, and ultimately brilliant football for players, umpires, and supporters.
Played in overcast, mild conditions at BISP, both sides’ star midfields battled furiously to gain control of the centre, with honours about even across an exhilarating four quarters.
The fact the Canberra managed just 10 goals from 27 effective shots on goal proved absolutely crucial in the end. Whilst there were so many twists and turns over four quarters, Sydney’s 12 goals from 22 effective goals were a major factor in an historic win.
Sydney had a quartet of players kick two goals; Hamish Latchford, Hugo Birks, Nik Dale, and Nick Hey.
An interesting feature of the match was that Sydney’s listed best players were all mobile, very skilful, and mid-sized players, after the fixture in 2024 at Manuka was dominated by the bigger bodies of the AFL Canberra midfield. Jordan Endemann was named best AFL Sydney player, with other players to shine being Ethan Grace (whose Representative form this season MUST have AFL scouts on notice), Latchford, Cooper Kilpatrick, Toby Alker and Zachary Youlten.
2024 Mulrooney Medallist Angus Baker was named Canberra’s best on ground. Other players to stand up tall for Canberra were Josh Maynard, Will Axelby, Tom Simpson, Tom Tyquin, and Sam Glyde.
WOMEN’S FIXTURE, SYDNEY vs CANBERRA:
A dominant performance from an exceptionally talented, fit, athletic, and disciplined AFL Sydney outfit saw them crush AFL Canberra by 89 points in the representative fixture played at Blacktown International Sportspark (BISP) on Saturday evening. Final scores were AFL Sydney 15.7.97 to AFL Canberra 1.2.8.
Huge factors for the Sydney outfit in this comprehensive victory were the pre-season representative series played in March, plus the extremely competitive top five in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division. These factors saw in-form players peaking at exactly the right time to run riot at the large expanses of BISP.
Skippered superbly by the very much inform Zoe Hurrell, all 21 players have put their hands up for a date with Tasmania in late July at historic North Hobart Oval.
One feature of Sydney’s play was the damage they did when they transferred the football outside the central corridor. There is no substitute for speed and athleticism, and Sydney exposed Canberra on the outside with monotonous regularity.
Sydney’s defence was also a highlight, keeping Canberra goalless over the final three quarters.
Gun half-forward Michelle Foscarini kicked 4 goals for Sydney, with Emily Conlan managing 3 majors, and Caitlin Davidson, Lauren Bourgeois and the vastly experienced Bryany Parker all chipping with 2 majors.
The sublime Foscarini was named best on ground for Sydney. Sydney’s other best players were Sophie Kavanagh, Georgie Fowler, Kenya Fahey, skipper Hurrell and Aimee Whelan.
Canberra best players were their best on ground and backline general Maddie Dwyer, Adol Abuoi, Madison Lustri, Jamie Clayden, Greta Larkey and Jorja Simpson.
