ONLY five teams remain in the hunt for the 2023 AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division title with the post-season finals series kicking off from tomorrow. Minor premiers UTS Bats have rightfully earned a week off, with reigning premiers East Coast Eagles taking on Manly Warringah Wolves in the qualifying final, while Macquarie University Goannas clash with Sydney University in the do-or-die elimination final.

EAST COAST EAGLES vs. MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES
Saturday, August 19 @ Blacktown International Sportspark, 11am

The qualifying final is what many thought might the the grand final at the start of the year, and expect this game will be a cracker. It features a markedly different Eagles outfit, with their different strengths and weaknesses, up against a Manly Warringah outfit whose defensive pressure just might be the best in the league. Though the Wolves have so much potential, they have struggled all year to find top gear on the scoreboard.

Manly Warringah Wolves’ bursts and spurts have been excellent and have troubled all-comers. Kaitlyn Manning and Hannah Woolf are the keys to linkages in their respective areas of the field. However their main strength is the contribution from all players across the ground.

When playing the Wolves, there seems to be very limited time and space around the ground where uncontested possessions are afforded to opposition. It means opposition players must have offensive contested weaponry to combat, or it becomes a tackling stalemate and the Wolves eventually force themselves forward for points.

Manly Warringah could be vulnerable in the execution side of its game. They have won a lot of ball from tight contests, but the efficiency has been a lower compared to previous years and a tendency to drive the ball to the same spot in the forward half of the ground.

If the opposition have a smart sweeper or intercept markers like the Eagles do, then it could spell problems for the Wolves. Renee Tomkins and Abbey Martin along with the rest of the East Coast backline will be the difference if Manly Warringah cannot find a way to go around or over them.

For the Eagles, the biggest test will be whether or not they have moulded their full team to the very high contested ball that the Wolves will bring, and be able to evade the would-be tacklers that will come their way. New recruits Caitlin Davidson and Jessica Whelan have had stellar years, but there is no doubt that the chink in their armour was exposed earlier In the season, when the team had the draw against Macquarie University.

For years, the Eagles have had the benefit of being well above average with their offence and therefor not really had to organise defensive structures as priority one. However when they were tested with repeat stoppages, East Coast had to constantly readjust to win the ball back. The question will be whether or not the Eagles have properly adapted to it.

East Coast’s Caitlin Reid has been a driving force all year, while Davidson secured the league’s leading goalkicker for the season. Skipper Chloe Arndt and Annaleise Barton are among those predicted to come out firing. Manly Warringah will look to its skipper Ashleigh Carter to put a stamp on proceedings early, while Woolf will look to continue her great form.

If conditions suit, expect East Coast to win in a tight one, though Manly Warringah is more than capable in a defensive scrap if the Wolves choose to park the bus.

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY GOANNAS vs. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Sunday, August 20 @ Blacktown International Sportspark, 11am

It has been a fantastic first year in the league from the Goannas and the do-or-die elimination final will see a super tight arm-wrestle with Sydney University’s contested playstyle. Former GIANTS skipper Amanda Farrugia has led her team well all year with her contested ball-winning ability a real issue for opposition sides.

Sera Kaukiono has been playing a utility role in the last few weeks, even pushing forward on occasion. She is a real danger where she plays, while Sophie Kavanagh booted two goals last week and is in a rich vein of form.

For Sydney University, its greatest strength lies in its central spin. Skipper Maryanne Harley is among the top players in the league and she, along with recruit Jasmine Smith need to have big games in the middle to swing the balance or at least halve the clearance battle.

Then their supporting cast at either end include Keiley Mead and the defensive crew, while Emma Gelsomino, Emma Walsh and Lucy Gilfedder will look to combine for enough opportunities up the forward end.

The difference in this game overall will which teams can run the hardest, close down space and make the most of opposition turnovers through pressure. The team that can provide some space through running after extracting from the coalface or clunk big contested marks will be key in the game.

Sydney University’s Achilles heel has been taking shots from long-range or difficult angles which make it harder to convert scores, while Macquarie University has struggled in the hitouts with opposition rucks getting hold of the Goannas on a number of occasions.

Macquarie University only just missed out on a double chance so will be favourites in this clash, but the Students will ensure it is a tough fight.