A CRACKING round of AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division awaits with a potential ladder-changing weekend that could determine some the finals spots. First, third and fifth place could all be cemented or left ajar for the final fortnight of the season.

PENNANT HILLS DEMONS vs. NORTH SHORE BOMBERS
Saturday, July 29 @ Mike Kenny Bottom Oval, 12:40pm

The first pseudo final of the year and the best test for two evenly matched teams. Last time they met at Gore Hill it was a super tight game, with North Shore just winning the tactical battle. The Bombers had twelve forward half entries straight down Demons’ skipper Eleanor Rugg‘s throat only to finally learn on the run and make the move to shuffle the magnets. Matilda Eder went head-to-head to directly mark her and make her play contact football, which swung the balance of play.

North Shore destroyed Pennant Hills with its handpass extractions and run, but Pennant Hills brought its extraordinary tackling pressure to neutralise that aspect. However, the Demons’ Achilles heel surfaced with multiple fumbled offensive opportunities the other way. It is impossible to split these teams at the moment, so it is an excellent test of recent coaching and player improvement, and who creates the winning strategy on the day .

Both teams will be watching the result of the game across town, played at the same time and hoping Sydney Uni do not go further ahead against ladder leaders UTS. Watch for Eliza Harvey to be thrown into the centre and be the difference both offensively and defensively. Pennant Hills by a point.

UTS BATS vs. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Saturday, July 29 @ Waverley Oval, 12:45pm

A hugely important game for Sydney Uni, but ladder leaders UTS Bats will start favourites and want to continue their run and not give East Coast the chance to take back top spot. Sydney Uni is coming off a big win where Jasmine Smith kicked 10 goals, and that is going to be the difference in this game.

Sydney Uni is always involved in tight low scoring contests, and last week’s space and resultant linkage play was an eye opener for them. If Sydney Uni struggle to readjust to tightly contested, pressure football – which UTS will bring in spades – it will stifle the Students’ chances. But if it taught them how to free run once possession has been gained, this could be a very tight affair.

Watch for scoring to be at a premium given the contested nature of the game, and that ultimately the team that extracts the ball best from the stoppages and moves it the most efficient will win, Jessica Quade will have a big job to try and stifle Smith’s impact on the game. The Bats’ should win in a tight one.

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY GOANNAS vs. MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES
Saturday, July 29 @ Gipps Road Ovals, 2:00pm

Both Macquarie University Goannas and Manly Warringah Wolves have cemented their spots in the finals now, but third place and the double chance remains up for grabs.

Normally, one could expect a hugely contested game, but both sets of coaching staff will want to release the handbrake and really see what the teams can do. The result will just be a dress rehearsal for a few weeks time when the whips are cracking, and earning a bit of bragging rights

Watch for Manly Warringah to be filthy about conceding multiple goals late, and put in place measures to prevent multiple goal streaks. The best way to do that against the Goannas is to limit the supply of secondary handpasses in transition. Manly in a tight one.

UNSW-ES BULLDOGS vs. SOUTHERN POWER
Saturday, July 29 @ Henson Park, 4:40pm

The one game that has no baring on the finals race, but instead on the wooden spoon battle instead. UNSW-ES Bulldogs have not won since they knocked off the winless Southern Power in Round 2, and a win here would confirm the Bulldogs avoid the 2023 wooden spoon.

Expect a tackling bonanza and low scoring game given neither team has found a way to do much damage on the scoreboard this season. Hopefully both coaches will sense an opportunity to pick up a win and allow an open, free flowing game to learn as much as possible.

The first quarter should determine how the game pans out, and Southern Power’s defensive pressure has been a highlight even with the mounting losses and heavy defeats. UNSW-ES Bulldogs will have more chance of putting on a big score, but need to be first to the ball which will be a defining factor in the game. Expect the Bulldogs to break their drought.

East Coast Eagles have the bye.