Round 10, 2025 – Men’s & Women’s Premier Division Preview
Written by Michael Shillito
We’re into round 10. For most of our clubs, we’ve now got to half way through the regular season. Manly and East Coast are the exception, they’ve still got a game in hand.
In the Men’s, as we get to half-way; Manly, North Shore and Sydney Uni have broken away from the rest of the field. Unless there’s a sudden turnaround in form, those three clubs will be fighting for the minor premiership and are in pole position for the double-chance. UNSW-ES are in fourth, a game plus plenty of percentage clear of fifth. And it’s going to be tight between South-West Sydney and Pennant Hills for fifth; with UTS on a roll and not out of the running yet.
The same three clubs are top three in the Women’s, although Sydney Uni are two games clear on top. Manly and East Coast have a game in hand, and the Eagles are certainly in the mix for the top three. UTS and UNSW-ES will fight it out for the remaining finals spot.
The remaining three women’s teams have struggled to be competitive this season. One of them, Pennant Hills, has the bye this week.
The days are short, the shadows lengthening over the field early and sometimes we’ll need the yellow ball earlier in the day. But the forecast is good, the grounds are open. and there’s some interesting games on the card this weekend.
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Pennant Hills Demons v Inner West Magpies
Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 12:00pm
Demons – 6th. Played 9, Won 4, Lost 4, Drawn 1, 89.79%. Streak – W1
Magpies – 10th. Played 9, Won 0, Lost 9, 50.82%. Streak – L9
Back on the winning list and with some tough games behind them, the Demons are now keen to make their move. The top five is in sight and despite the trials and tribulations of the season so far, they’re still very much in the running. Standing in their way this week is an Inner West Magpies side desperate to break their duck in season 2025.
The Demons restored parity on their win-loss record last week when they travelled to Bruce Purser to take on the Eagles. Bursting out of the blocks with seven unanswered goals in the first quarter, the game was won by quarter time and they took out a comfortable 55-point win. Nick Hey spearheaded the charge with a five goal haul; while Mitch Blow, Lachlan Willey and Nick Eynaud were prominent around the ground. The Demons’ best football is yet to come, there’s clearly some potential for improvement there; but there’s still plenty of promise for this season as long as they can accumulate the wins from here.
The Magpies are still looking for their first win for the season, and last week was one that got away. Taking on UTS at Picken Oval, the Magpies led by 17 points at the last change. But despite landing five scoring shots in the last quarter, none of them were goals and they were run down by six points. Will Deller, Jack Rule and Jye Doyle battled hard; but the Magpies ran out of legs and despite their lead at three quarter time were unable to seal the deal. On the road against Pennant Hills, a big four quarter effort is needed this time.
These sides played off in the ANZAC day classic at Picken Oval, and on that occasion the Demons prevailed by 27 points. Now they’re at home and looking to make a move towards the finals; and if they are still to be contenders in 2025, a win against the bottom side is a must. But the Magpies can’t make it easy for them. It’s been a tough year, and last week was a heart-breaker. But the only way out of this rut is to lift the intensity another gear; a task that starts right here.
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Henson Park, Saturday 1:30pm
Bulldogs – 4th. Played 9, Won 6, Lost 3, 160.34%. Streak – L2
Wolves – 1st. Played 8, Won 8, Lost 0, 232.58%. Streak – W8
It’s a tough section of the fixture for UNSW-ES. Back to back losses to Sydney Uni and North Shore have seen them fall out of the top three; and it doesn’t get any easier for the Bulldogs this week as they find themselves against the undefeated Manly. The Wolves are on a roll but need to keep turning up week after week; and every round is a new challenge.
There’s no better place to see this game than live at Henson Park. The next best thing is to see the action live on Streamer. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5215 ]
The Bulldogs last week found themselves up against North Shore at Gore Hill, one of the toughest away trips in our league. The Bulldogs found themselves falling behind early, and never looked likely to get back into the contest; going down by 47 points. Without key forward Hugo Birks, the Bulldogs never gave up, with Tom Baxter, Owen Turner and Jasper Hardy putting in plenty of effort. But it wasn’t enough to avoid back to back losses. And now they have to back up against Manly, needing to lift further and find a way to put another of the competition powerhouses under relentless pressure.
Manly’s unbeaten status was never threatened at Weldon last week, when the Wolves held South-West Sydney scoreless in the first quarter and went on to record a 66-point win. Jono Marsh, Travis Schiller and Mackenzie Allen were all over the action, in another exhibition of impressive footy as we’ve seen every week from the Wolves this season. So far everything’s gone right. But this is not the time to rest on their laurels, there’s still plenty of hard work ahead.
These teams met at Weldon Oval in round 4, and on that occasion the Wolves enjoyed a comfortable 25-point win. Now we’re on the Bulldogs’ turf, and they need to make their home advantage count. A few weeks ago they were top of the ladder, now they’ve fallen out of the top three. And they can’t afford to let the teams above get too far away. They started the season too well to let it fall away now. But Manly will be a tough opponent. They’re undefeated for a reason, having further bolstered a Grand Final team this year, and haven’t put a foot wrong yet. If the Bulldogs are to cause their first loss, they’ll need to do something special.
UTS Bats v Sydney University Students
Waverley Oval, Saturday 2:10pm
Bats – 7th. Played 9, Won 3, Lost 6, 69.02%. Streak – W3
Students – 3rd. Played 9, Won 6, Lost 2, Drawn 1, 151.89%. Streak – W2
Three wins in a row, and a season that just a few weeks ago was looking in all sorts of trouble for the Bats is alive again. Confidence is back, and the Bats have a sniff of moving up the ladder into finals contention. But this will be a test, and to get into playoffs position, they need to knock off a finalist. This is their opportunity.
At three quarter time at Picken Oval, the Bats were in a spot of bother as they trailed the Magpies by 17 points. But they never stopped believing, and four unanswered goals in the last quarter was just enough to run the Magpies down in the shadows of the finish post and take the win. Lewis McCormack, Lachlan McNamara and Damian Ryan were superb for the Bats in getting them over the line. Three wins on the trot, the self-belief is there. They showed they can battle the odds. But this will be a tough test for them.
Just how tough will be evident in the first quarter. Last week Sydney Uni hit the ground running against St George, banging nine goals in the opening term and going on with the job to run out 105-point winners. It was an emphatic statement from the Students, re-entering the top three; and their sights are firmly set on avoiding sudden death in this year’s playoffs. Alex Witherden landed 10 goals and Tom Ryan seven; while former Phelan Medallist Jake Bartholomaeus was unstoppable around the ground. Jue three of the names the Bats will need to keep quiet if they are to get the job done here.
These teams met in round 4 at Sydney Uni No 1, with the Students getting up by 32 points. This time we’re on the Bats’ turf. For UTS, it’s essential to keep winning. Three in a row, but they’re still two games out of the five and need to keep the winning run going to bridge that gap. But Sydney Uni are a quality opponent, and their best game is the equal of anyone in this league. The Students can shut down talk of a UTS revival right here if they can grab the points on the road.
South-West Sydney Blues v North Shore Bombers
Rosedale Oval, Saturday 2:30pm
Blues – 5th. Played 9, Won 5, Lost 4, 82.86%. Streak – L1
Bombers – 2nd. Played 9, Won 8, Lost 1, 211.08%. Streak – W7
After going down to Manly last week, the Blues remain in fifth place. But their grip on a finals berth is looking shaky as they find themselves up against a rampant North Shore team that has hit some great form and won their last seven.
The Blues hang on to fifth place, but that could be in danger if they drop this game. Last week they travelled to Weldon, where they were quickly locked out of the contest as they were unable to score in the opening term and went down by 66 points. A gallant effort by Liam Burns, Josh Croft and Nick Dunshea wasn’t enough to bridge the gap between the Blues and the Wolves. And in this tough section of the draw, the Blues now find themselves against another imposing opponent in North Shore. The Blues will need to lift another gear in this one and make life difficult for the Bombers.
Meanwhile North Shore go along their merry way, sitting on a seven-game winning streak. Last week they hosted UNSW-ES on the Gore Hill synthetic, getting off to a flyer and winning every quarter to ensure there was no way for their opposition to get back into the contest. Young gun Max Yeoland landed four goals; while last year’s Podbury Medallist Fraser Thurlow and Mitch Rogers played key roles for the Bombers. They’re in good form, they’re playing great footy; and the Blues have a challenge in front of them this week.
The two sides met at Gore Hill in round 3, and on that occasion the Bombers were far too strong and took out a 113-point win. The Bombers will be favourites again here, and have been recording some big wins in recent weeks. But the Blues can’t be taken lightly. They’ve found a way to win when it gets tight, and they’ll do everything in their power to keep this game tight. North Shore can’t expect anything other than stiff resistance and a desire to relentlessly compete for every possession. There’s a fighting spirit in the South-Western side, and they’re playing to stay in the top five.
St George Dragons v East Coast Eagles
Olds Park, Saturday 2:30pm
Dragons – 9th. Played 9, Won 1, Lost 8, 54.20%. Streak – L7
Eagles – 8th. Played 8, Won 2, Lost 6, 48.34%. Streak – L6
It’s been a long time since we’ve heard either team’s song after a game at Mens Premier Division level. The Dragons have lost their last seven, while the Eagles have lost their last six. Losing streaks aren’t fun; but one of these clubs will finally have respite from the weekly grind, the feeling of turning the corner. But it’s nothing but more heartbreak for the other.
St George’s difficult season suffered another turn for the worse at Sydney Uni No 1 last week, when the Students scored nine goals on them in the first quarter; and the Dragons would go on to lose by 105 points. Dom Maunder, Lachlan Querzoli and Matt Saunders tried hard, but the Dragons just didn’t have the firepower to compete with the Students. But now they’re back home against another opponent with a long losing streak; and all efforts will be on producing a more robust performance this time.
The Eagles hosted Pennant Hills last week at Bruce Purser, but the first quarter was a disaster for them as the Demons ran through seven unanswered goals. The Eagles played better after quarter time, but the damage was done; and the Eagles would go down by 55 points. Jacob Jones, Reeve Simmons and Baylee Jones never stopped putting the effort in, but the Eagles can’t afford to get so far behind so quickly again. Certainly not this week in a game they’d have pencilled in as a potential win.
For one of these teams, the joy of victory beckons. It’s been a long time between drinks, and here is a chance to break the losing run. A morale booster. It’s there for the team that is good enough to take it; and once that team gets the smell of victory in their nostrils, all the pain of recent weeks will dissipate. But for the loser, more heartbreak at another missed opportunity. Neither team can afford to give the other a sniff here.
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v Manly-Warringah Wolves
Henson Park, Saturday 11:50am
Bulldogs – 6th. Played 8, Won 4, Lost 4, 161.38%. Streak – L3
Wolves – 3rd. Played 7, Won 6, Lost 1, 389.33%. Streak – W6
We’re at Henson Park for a lunchtime battle as the Bulldogs play host to the Wolves. The home side looking to get their season back on track after dropping their last three games, while the Wolves are flying high. It’s a game not to be missed, and even if you’re not at Henson Park, you don’t have to. Just tune your device to Streamer to watch the action as it unfolds. [link – https://streamer.com.au/match/5214 ]
It came unstuck for the Bulldogs early last week when they were jumped by North Shore in the first quarter, and never picked up as they were held to a single goal to go down by 54 points. Rani Sossai, Aimee Whelan and Amaia Wain never stopped putting the effort in; but it wasn’t enough to stop the Bulldogs’ third straight loss. Up with the ladder leaders a few weeks ago, the Bulldogs have fallen out of the top five. And it’s another tough match-up for them this week in their quest to re-enter the finals zone.
Manly haven’t lost since their first game of the season, and they certainly weren’t going to be troubled by Parramatta at Weldon last week. It was no contest as they powered their way to a 123-0 win, spearheaded again by the boot of Isabella Rudolph as she landed another seven goals; along with prolific contributions around the ground from Zara Hamilton and Jayda Kennedy. It’s a strong position that the Wolves are in, and all they have to do is keep doing what they have been. But there’s no room to drop off, and the relentless pressure must be maintained every week.
When the two sides met at Weldon in round 4, it was close for three quarters with only a point in it at the last change. But when the game was there to be won, it was the Wolves who stood and delivered to produce a 12-point win. But it was a game that showed the Bulldogs are capable of being competitive against the top teams; and on their home deck at Henson, that’s what they need to show. Manly are flying high, six wins on the trot; and they will be a tough opponent. The Wolves have genuine premiership aspirations, and can’t afford to drop a game like this one.
UTS Bats v Sydney University Students
Waverley Oval, Saturday 12:20pm
Bats – 5th. Played 8, Won 4, Lost 4, 192.86%. Streak – W3
Students – 1st. Played 8, Won 8, Lost 0, 532.08%. Streak – W8
The roller-coaster that is the Bats’ season rolls along. A four-game losing streak saw them struggling to stay above the bottom three; but now with three wins on the trot they’re into the top five. But the Bats face an enormous challenge to stay there, as this week they’re up against an undefeated Sydney Uni side with the premiership in their sights.
They got into the top five without firing a shot last week, having the bye while the Bulldogs copped enough of a hit to their percentage to drop below the Bats. Their last start was a Thursday night before the long weekend at Olds Park; a game that never reached any great heights but the Bats were untroubled to record a 44-point win. Sophia Gaukrodger landed four goals; while Aoife Berry and Emilye Blades were prominent contributors for the Bats. Rested and refreshed, but they won’t want to hurt the good momentum they’d built up. And this is a challenge for their first game back.
Sydney Uni’s most recent game was also against St George. They hosted the Dragons at Sydney Uni No 1 last week, and held the Dragons to a single goal to run out 67-point winners. Emma Juneja, Georgina Gough and Amanda Farrugia were in the thick of the action for the Students as they raced to another big win. So far they have carried all before them; who’s going to stop them? The Bats will need to find something special.
These teams met at Sydney Uni No 1 in round 4, and on that occasion the Students had a comfortable 35-point win. It was a display of what the Students have done all season; finding a way to be better than their opposition and facing little difficulty in getting over the line. The Students will fancy their chances again here. But the Bats have plenty to fight for, and a big scalp will do wonders for their finals hopes. This is a high-stakes encounter and neither team can expect an easy game here.
Parramatta Goannas v North Shore Bombers
Gipps Road Oval, Saturday 12:20pm
Goannas – 8th. Played 8, Won 0, Lost 8, 4.79%. Streak – L8
Bombers – 2nd. Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2, 592.09%. Streak – W2
The Goannas and the Bombers lock horns at Gipps Road, two clubs with very different fortunes so far in 2025. The Goannas are yet to win a game and have copped some heavy defeats this year; while the Bombers have worked their way up to second on the ladder and have high hopes of featuring prominently at the business end of the season.
Last week was another disappointing day for the Goannas, as they travelled to Weldon and were unable to trouble the goal umpires as they went down by 123 points. Skyla Seal, Marley Rhodes and Ava Saad tried hard; but it’s so hard when the results don’t come. Only a lift in the intensity and working even harder to contest and trouble their opponents can turn their fortunes around. They need more.
North Shore retain second place, and last week at Gore Hill they hit the ground running to land six unanswered goals against UNSW-ES, laying the foundations for a comfortable 54-point win. It’s a very young North Shore team, with seven junior permit players in last week’s Premier Division lineup, but they get the job done. Ella Daniel, Kiera Yerbury and Lucy Yates were standouts last week. The future looks bright for the Bombers, and they have high hopes for this game.
The teams met at Gore Hill in round 3, and on that occasion the Bombers had a commanding 172-0 win. This time we’re out in the wild west on the Gipps Road turf; and the Goannas need to find every advantage they can. To scrap, fight, contest everything and make life uncomfortable for the Bombers. If they are unable to do that, it will be another long, hard afternoon for the Goannas.
St George Dragons v East Coast Eagles
Olds Park, Saturday 12:50pm
Dragons – 7th. Played 8, Won 2, Lost 6, 23.88%. Streak – L2
Eagles – 4th. Played 7, Won 5, Lost 2, 287.86%. Streak – W2
We’re at Olds Park for a clash between the Dragons and the Eagles. The Dragons have enjoyed two wins this season, but have copped some heavy defeats every other week. And it doesn’t get any easier this week as they take on defending premiers East Coast, with the Eagles starting to hit some good form in the last couple of weeks.
The Dragons were only able to manage one goal last week, going down to Sydney Uni by 67 points. Caydelan Mitchell Bruce, Delaney Gwynn and Paige Bauer kept working hard; but the Dragons never looked a chance to run down the ladder-leading Students. Life isn’t easy when you’re on the wrong end of one-sided results most weeks. But only a major lift in work-rate can stop the rot and get the Dragons closer to their opposition.
The Eagles go into this game in strong form. Last week they faced minimal opposition from Pennant Hills as they cruised to a 116-point win. Aysha Sanchez, Bryany Parker and Grace Tracey were unstoppable in another one-sided demolition job like we’ve seen from the Eagles at this time of year many times before. They’re building up form and momentum every week, and the Dragons will have their hands full trying to stop them.
East Coast go into this game as the hottest of favourites. Going for their fourth premiership in a row, they dropped a couple of games this season but in recent weeks are starting to build up to their best form. Still a game in hand and ready to do some damage. For the Dragons to upset them here would need a new competitive drive, a new resolve to scrap and deny the Eagles any easy touches. If the Dragons can’t fight like they never have at this level, the Eagles will win easily.
