DESPITE being the only side to take points off East Coast Eagles this season, the Macquarie University Goannas could not finish the job against a determined UTS Bats outfit, with the Bats scoring an eight-point win on the weekend.

The AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Round 10 clash saw a Goannas side – fresh off a draw with the unbeaten ladder leaders – taking on a Bats team whose only blemish all season had come against the Eagles.

Though there were periods of the game where it looked like the Goannas might hold on for a victory, a fast-finishing final term saw UTS boot two fourth quarter goals to win at Trumper Oval, 5.8 (38) to 4.6 (30).

In front of home fans, the Bats took an early, but wasteful lead, booting 2.5 to 1.1 to head into the first change with a 10-point buffer. That all changed in the second term however as the Goannas found their rhythm and added three goals to one to snatch the lead by three points.

Though the second half was set up to be a ripping contest, neither side could put one between the big sticks for the first 20 minutes, and the Goannas extended their lead by one, with a four-point advantage at three quarter time.

Luckily for the home crowd, they would go home happy, as the Bats, steered by April Devine, kicked the final two goals of the game to run out eight-point winners, 5.8 (38) to 4.6 (30).

The Bats had received a scare, but maintained their second spot on the ladder, four points clear of Manly Warringah Wolves and just two points adrift of the ladder-leading Eagles. For the Goannas, they slip six points away from the top three, and six points ahead of fifth placed Pennant Hills to be outright fourth.

Devine was a star throughout the contest, using her experience to will her team over the line and kick an important goal. In a game where eight of the nine goals came from individual goalkickers, Imogen Brown stepped up to kick two up forward, while vice-captain Melissa Lindsay was again busy when she was in the zone.

Hannah Cerezo and Danika Spamer were impressive once again, while bottom-age Sydney Swans Academy talent Ella Parker continued her great form at senior level in 2023. For the Goannas, Abbie Lewis was voted best on ground, with Kiera Yerbury, Caitlin Fletcher and Sophie Kavanagh also among the best and hitting the scoreboard as well.

UTS BATS 2.5 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 5.8 (38)
MAC UNI 1.1 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.6 (30)

GOALS:
UTS Bats: I. Brown 2, A. Devine, M. Lindsay, J. Quade
Mac Uni: C. Fletcher, L. Kablau, S. Kavanagh, K. Yerbury

BEST:
UTS Bats: A. Devine, H. Cerezo, D. Spamer, E. Parker, S. Goldrick, C. Owen
Mac Uni: A. Lewis, K. Yerbury, C. Fletcher, O. Plummer, S. Kavanagh, S. Wilkins

AROUND THE GROUNDS

The big talking point of the round was the abandonment of the North Shore-Southern Power clash following a serious injury to a Bombers players. The Bombers were 31-0 up early in the second term before the game was called off.

The result could have massive ramifications on finals, with the Bombers now six points off fifth spot, the last position in the finals series. Given Southern Power was yet to win a match all season and had a percentage of 6.19 per cent, the Bombers was expected to romp away with a win, but instead settle for two points apiece. The result marked the Power’s first points of the season.

East Coast Eagles continued on their merry way, taking care of Sydney University by 35 points. Though it was tough going for the blue and gold, the Eagles held sway for the most part and won each of the four quarters to get up, 6.7 (43) to 1.2 (8).

Annaleise Barton and Caitlin Davidson both booted two goals in the win, with Barton named best on ground, and Jessica Whelan (one goal) also strong. For the Students, Emma Walsh kicked her side’s only major, while Jasmine Smith impressed the coaches.

Manly Warringah Wolves also made light work of UNSW-ES Bulldogs at Weldon Oval, keeping their opponents scoreless in the first half, while booting 5.6 themselves. They went on to kick another six goals to two in the second half and record a hug 11.8 (74) to 2.1 (13) victory.

Kaitlyn Manning and Kate Salmon proved a couple of massive headaches for the Bulldogs defence, booting four goals apiece, while Caitlin Johnson was named best on ground. For the Bulldogs, Chloe Anderson was the standout, while Willow Smith booted her side’s two majors.