A HIGHLY anticipated match between a couple of title contenders is on the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division menu for Round 2, amongst a host of potential blowouts. Three teams play their first games of the year after the grand final rematch was postponed, while St George has the bye.

UNSW-ES BULLDOGS vs. PARRAMATTA GOANNAS
Saturday, April 5 @ 12:00pm
Henson Park

The Dogs did what they needed to do last week against St George and picked up the crucial four points. Based on the rebuild phase that Parramatta is in currently, UNSW should expect to do the same again in Round 2. The Dogs will want to continue to work on their handball chains and transition forward to put scoreboard pressure on.

The Goannas on the other hand will need to not only shut down the opposition, but try and create some offensive movement themselves. Aimee Whelan started off her UNSW stint with a very dominant sweeping game off half-back last week, and expect her to play even more offensive in Round 2 as the Dogs look to find their best football.

Prediction: UNSW by around 10 goals

PENNANT HILLS DEMONS vs. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Saturday, April 5 @ 12:50pm
Mike Kenny Oval

The match marks Sydney Uni’s first hitout for the season and the Students have had an influx of players to bolster the program. Coming off a preliminary final last season, the visitors should be too experienced for the young Pennant Hills side. While the Demons never gave up last round, it was still a heavy triple-digit loss.

It will be a tough ask for the rebuilding side against a Sydney Uni outfit that still has the experienced Amanda Farrugia. She will be a key cog for the Students and look to play an important role through the middle to set up scoring opportunities inside 50.

Prediction: Sydney Uni to win handily

EAST COAST EAGLES vs. UTS BATS
Saturday, April 5 @ 2:00pm
Bruce Purser Reserve

After their match was postponed due to weather last round, reigning three-peat premiers East Coast Eagles kick off their campaign for 2025. All eyes will be around how they replace a number of prospects who were either drafted or headed to other state leagues. Caitlin Reid was crucial to the Eagles’ success and was best-on in last year’s grand final but will no longer be there.

The inclusion of Emily Goodsir will help negate that loss as she and the rest of the Eagles midfield looks to play tough, inside football with a proactive mindset. If they achieve that goal, it will be a very tough day for the Bats who were ultra impressive against a Parramatta side that lacked any experience. They will not be afforded the same time and space as in Round 1 and will need to go up another level to match it with the Eagles in this one.

Prediction: East Coast to win by 52 points

MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES vs. NORTH SHORE BOMBERS
Saturday, April 5 @ 2:40pm
Bruce Purser Reserve

Clearly the match of the round and possibly the most anticipated game in the early part of the season. Arguably the two biggest challengers to East Coast’s title, expect it to be red hot from the first bounce. Both sides have terrific athleticism away from the contest, and it will come down to who can can win it on the inside and extract it the most effectively.

Hannah Woolf was impressive during AFL Sydney’s Under 22’s Summer Series campaign and will be key to the Wolves again in 2025. The home side must be wary of North Shore’s determination to use handballs to extract and move the ball at a rapid pace. Limiting the Bombers’ repeat possessions is a must for the Wolves, with Lucy Yates and Charlotte Tidemann a couple of younger players who are key Bombers.

North Shore’s key to victory lies in restricting Manly from winning the contested ball and getting it to the outside runners. While the Bombers looked excellent last week, this challenge will be far greater. If North Shore can have the same level of execution going forward as Round 1, then the Bombers are a huge chance, but Manly looms as a team to beat this year.

Prediction: Manly Warringah by eight points.

Bye: St George Dragons