SYDNEY University booked its place in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division finals, slamming the door on any other hopefuls in the process. The Students needed to defeat the sixth placed North Shore Bombers in order to grab the fifth and final spot, which they did so on the weekend via a 17-point win at Gore Hill Oval.

The top four spots had already been decided – albeit without the ladder positions confirmed – with only the last position remaining open for the post-season series. Three teams – Sydney University, North Shore Bombers and Pennant Hill Demons – were mathematically a chance to snatch it heading into the penultimate round, with the ball proverbially in the Students and Bombers’ court.

Sydney University was in the box seat, sitting two points ahead of the Bombers and four points clear of the Demons, with a victory – and a loss to the Demons guaranteeing the Students’ spot in the finals. Fortunately, the Students travelled to Gore Hill Oval to take on the Bombers in what would be a huge opportunity to snatch that fifth spot.

Starting strongly, the visitors kicked the first two goals of the game to race out to a 13-point lead at quarter time. The Bombers were not going to go away though, and kept within striking distance over the next two quarters. Both sets of defences were staunch in ensuring their opposition easy goals, with just two goals apiece – one in each term – kicked.

With a quarter to play, the margin sat at just 14 points, and the game was on the line. Finals was up for grabs, and it was Sydney Uni that came up trumps kicking the last two goals of the game to secure a 27-point win, 6.6 (42) to 2.3 (15) and lock in that all-important fifth spot.

It was heartbreak for the Bombers who will finish either fifth or sixth depending on the final round’s result, but there was plenty to take out of the 2023 season from North Shore. Captain Matilda Eder tried her heart out again, while Maddy Anderson, Lucy Krimmer and Ava Barraclough were once more among the best for the red sash.

Keiley Mead played her best game of the season, kicking a goal and being among five individual goalkickers for the six majors. Jasmine Smith kicked the two goals as the only multiple goalscorer, while Arabella Price, Lily Race and skipper Maryanne Harley also put in efficient shifts for the Students.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Macquarie University Goannas ended Pennant Hills Demons’ hopes of a finals spot with a 33-point win at home. The Goannas kept two points clear in third spot thanks to a 9.9 (63) to 4.6 (30) victory over the Demons. Booting five goals to one in the opening term, the Goannas were able to control play from there, and while only kicking the four goals to three after half-time, had already set up the win.

Sera Kaukiono and Sophie Kavanagh both slotted three goals in the win, while Chloe Davis was named best on ground For the Demons, Rebecca Ives was again outstanding, as was Elly Rudd and Hayley Lowe.

East Coast Eagles kept their hopes of a minor premiership alive with a 47-point win over UNSW-ES Bulldogs. Despite inaccuracy plaguing the second placed side at Henson Park, East Coast kept the home side to just one goal for the match in a 7.11 (53) to 1.0 (6) victory.

Abbey Martin kicked three goals in the victory, with Alicia Anderson and Annaleise Barton both impressive for the Eagles. The Bulldogs managed to keep competition leading goalkicker Caitlin Davidson to just the one goal in a positive from the game.

Manly Warringah Wolves showed no mercy to Southern Power as they continued to press for a double chance, smashing the wooden spooners by 146 points in a 41 scoring shots to nil performance. Kicking 11 goals in the first half and 10 in the second half, the Wolves ran away 21.20 (146) to 0.0 (0) to receive a massive percentage boot and remain in the hunt for third spot.

Kaitlyn Manning (five goals) had a day out, with London Ashcroft, Lauren Bull and skipper Ashleigh Carter all kicking four goals apiece. Hannah Woolf was again an impressive player, also kicking two goals in the victory. For the Power, Amy Kowski and Georgia Doherty tried hard and were named among their side’s best.