SYDNEY University bounced back from its loss to Pennant Hills earlier in the season to post a nail-biting two-point win over the Demons on the weekend. In a tight tussle that saw the teams level at the first two breaks, the Students were able to gain separation in the third term, and then held on against the Demons in the last to win, 3.6 (24) to 3.4 (22).

Both Sydney University and Pennant Hills had dreams of securing a finals place in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier competition, so it was no surprise that the game was tight throughout. Neither team was willing to give an inch in search of the four points, so when they headed into the first change at 1.2 apiece, the crowd was prepared.

Nothing much changed by half-time, either, as the Students and Demons went toe-for-toe and found themselves at 2.3 (15) each. It took until the third term for Sydney University to break clear, kicking a crucial goal and headed into three quarter time with a seven-point buffer. The Demons responded with the last major of the game, but the Students defence stood up to the test to hold on and clinch a 3.6 (24) to 3.4 (22) victory.

Lucy Gilfedder was the only multiple goalkicker, slotting two for the home side, as Emma Gelsomino kicked the other one. Skipper Maryanne Harley was involved in everything, while Kara Durante was named best on ground for the Students. Sarah Tutt, Mikaela Mahony and Ashley Dribbus were also among the best for Sydney University.

For the Demons, Laura Donohoe and Rebecca Ives were among the three goalkickers and also named in the best, as Jesse Smith kicked Pennant Hills’ third goal. Eliza Harvey and Hayley Lowe stood tall in the face of defeat.

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 1.2 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 3.6 (24)
PENNANT HILLS 1.2 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 3.4 (22)

GOALS:
Sydney Uni: L. Gilfedder 2, E. Gelsoino
Pennant Hills: L. Donohue, R. Ives, J. Smith

BEST:
Sydney Uni: K. Durante, M. Harley, L. Gilfedder, S. Tutt, M. Mahony, A. Dribbus
Pennant Hills: E. Harvey, H. Lowe, R. Ives, K. Quinlan, E. Gordon, L. Donohue

AROUND THE GROUNDS

East Coast Eagles survived an almighty scare against Manly Warringah Wolves, coming away with a 19-point win. The Wolves lead by five points at half-time, but four goals to nil in the second half ensured the Eagles remained undefeated in the 2023 season.

Annaleise Barton, Sarah Burns and Caitlin Davidson all kicked two goals in the win, with Jessica Whelan kicking the other Eagles’ goal and was among the best. Renee Tomkins was nominated as best on ground for her performance. Jacqueline Green and Caitlin Johnson were standouts for the Wolves, with Kate Salmon the difference in the first half with two goals.

The remaining two matches were one-sided contests as UTS Bats destroyed North Shore Bombers by 79 points, while Macquarie University Goannas showed no mercy against the winless Southern Power in a 152-0 victory.

Gillian Behan (six goals) was outstanding for the Bats against the Bombers, as Imogen Brown and Melissa Lindsay both kicked three goals in the big victory and were named among the best. Meanwhile for the Goannas, there were 16 individual goalkickers in an even spread, as ex-GWS skipper Amanda Farrugia was best-on, and Sophie Kavanagh (three goals) also impressive.