UTS Bats have further proven themselves as AFL Sydney Women’s Premier League title contenders thanks to a hard-fought 20-point win over UNSW-ES Bulldogs. In their biggest challenge to-date in the 2023 season, the Bats were challenged and trailed through the first half, but kicked the last five goals of the game and keep their opponents scoreless in the 6.9 (45) to 4.1 (25) victory.

The Bats came into the contest off a 3-0 start to the season, while the Bulldogs were 1-1 but very much in the hunt as they looked to climb up the ladder. The match started with some brilliant centre work from UNSW as sustained forward pressure lead to its first shot before UTS had touched the ball.

It was an out of bounds, and then a behind, and then multiple forward pushes, until Ella Parker finally broke the drought and took a nice mark from a kick out for the Bats first possession. It started started some linking plays for them early. However, the pressure was all the Bulldogs’ way early, but the damage was not being done on the scoreboard until a nice crisp goal finish kicked off the scoring.

UTS did get the next clearance from the centre bounce, but as always, Sera Kaukiano was there to intercept and rebound across half-back for the Dogs. The game continued to be a see-sawing battle of forced clearance work until the Dogs finally broke through the deadlock. Deep in dangerous territory and the throw in was tapped down, swooped upon by Zali Deep and slotted through and the visitors had jumped out to 13 -1 lead.

UNSW would finish the quarter off with a nice running goal from 40m out – its third major of the contest – to take a 17-point lead into the first break. The Bats would respond in the second term applying greater pressure as they looked to get back into it, and it came via a nice set shot finish.

The Bulldogs would finish off a nice play inside 50 with a set shot from Willow Smith to make it a 13-point lead at half-time. Unfortunately for the Dogs, that would be their final score as the Bats took control after the main break.

UTS Bats would kick back-to-back goals in the third term to tie it up at the final break as they had the forward momentum as well. The Bulldogs defenders had been impressive all day and held up well, but eventually the weight of numbers broke down the defence and the Bats would go on to kick three more goals.

April Devine would kick the first of the three before Parker iced the game with a nice running goal midway through the final term. A late injury would mar the game that had otherwise been an entertaining contest with the Bats winning by 20 points, 6.9 (45) to 4.1 (25)

UTS BATS 0.2 | 1.6 | 3.7 | 6.9 (45)
UNSW BULLDOGS 3.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 (25)

GOALS:
Bats: A. Devine 2, I. Brown, T. Canobie, M. Lindsay, E. Parker
Bulldogs: Z. Deep 2, S. Phillips, W. Smith

BEST:
Bats: T. Canobie, G. McDonnell, C. Owen, E. Parker, A. Devine
Bulldogs: C. Anderson, H. Stanford, E. Willey, S. Phillips, G. Wendelin

AROUND THE GROUNDS

North Shore Bombers showed no mercy against Southern Power in a battle of two sides at the opposite ends of title contention. The Bombers had booted two goals within the opening minute and never looked back playing incredible football all day en route to a whopping 34.18 (162) to 0.1 (1) win. Olivia Edwards kicked six goals, while Lucy Krimmer (five) and Elle Carroll (four) all had massive days out. Meanwhile Laura Kent tried hard in defence.

In wet conditions, top seed East Coast outclassed their opponents Pennant Hills in most areas for the day and had a substantial win, leaving quite a few scoring opportunities and points on the field as well. The Eagles came up trumps after holding their opponents goalless for three quarters and eventually claim an 8.10 (58) to 1.2 (8) win. Annaleise Barton was best on ground and Erin Naden booted three, with an even contribution from all around the ground. Eleanor Rugg was Pennant Hills best in defence, racking up more possessions and clean targets than anyone else.

In the final game of the round, Manly Warringah Wolves ran out 37-point winners over Sydney University. Despite a fast start from the Students to lead at quarter time, the Wolves kept their opponents to just one behind after that, piling on 6.5 themselves to win 7.8 (50) to 2.1 (13). London Ashcroft booted two goals and was among the best with Andrea Roditis, while for Sydney Uni, Mia Conners stood out.