THREE potential blowouts and a massive mid-table clash highlight Round 3 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division as the ladder begins to take shape between a top six and bottom three grouping.

UNSW-ES BULLDOGS vs. PENNANT HILLS DEMONS
Saturday, April 12 @ 12:10pm
Henson Park

In what has been an incredibly favourable draw for the Bulldogs to start the season, UNSW should comfortably go 3-0 against arguably the three weakest sides in the competition. Next up is Pennant Hills with the Demons still working through a rebuild with plenty of young players. It means the Dogs need to really put on some percentage for when they face the finals contenders and ensure they can be in the mix when the whips are cracking.

Emily Conlan has been a real focal point up forward for the Dogs, while Aimee Whelan has had a red-hot start to the season. The pair must be tightly guarded by the Demons if they are to keep the score low, particularly given Pennant Hills has just one behind from its first two games. Over the last couple of seasons, teams have often ignored some defensive duties in order to take extra advantage of the offensive nous to win the ball and go forward against a young Demons group.

The key for the young Demons development is to put the right practices in place to pressure the opposition and try and get on the front foto. Sheridan Baker is playing well in tough circumstances and will be one who can lead by example for the Demons. Unfortunately it is hard to see them getting too close in this one, with the Dogs winning very comfortably.

UTS BATS vs. MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES
Saturday, April 12 @ 12:40pm
Waverley Oval

A mid-table clash between two sides who will be hoping for finals action in 2025, Manly will be bitterly disappointed with its performance last round and be looking to respond, while UTS Bats will be buoyed by the last three quarters against reigning three-peat premiers, East Coast Eagles. The match looms as a thrilling one, and clearly match of the round with the side that takes control at the stoppages and is cleaner, will more than likely come away with the four points.

The Wolves will be without Zara Hamilton in this match which is a huge blow to their chances around the stoppages. Last week the midfield was caught a little flat footed and will want to atone, with more load falling on Kenya Fahey for the clash. She will be a strong presence on the inside, however it will need to be a team effort across the board to get the job done.

UTS’ Chaye Hartwell is one performing strongly for the Bats and will be key in order to get the win, while youngsters Tallulah Kirk and Bridget Corcoran are other players to watch from the home side in this game. A really good match awaits, and Manly is missing some key prospects, but with Hannah Woolf still there, the Wolves are tipped to win by a couple of goals.

NORTH SHORE BOMBERS vs. PARRAMATTA GOANNAS
Saturday, April 12 @ 4:00pm
Gore Hill Oval

Unlike the previous match, this game is not tipped to be a close one in the slightest. At different ends of their developmental journey, the top of the table Bombers face the winless Goannas at Gore Hill Oval. Parramatta is yet to even score in the season, sitting anchored to the bottom of the table, while the Bombers are coming off a really strong win over the Wolves and shellacking of the Demons.

The Bombers might opt to experiment with lineups in the contest for tougher games ahead, with the likes of Adrienne Keefe and Sophie Kavanagh in fantastic form and ultra-damaging. There is no shortage of talented players across the board with co-captains Zoe Hurrell and Matilda Eder leading from the front, while Lily Sullivan and Lauren O’Sullivan are a top and bottom-age pair that will only get better.

Parramatta will head in without expectations, but trying to just play some structures it can build around for future seasons. Brea Trevitt and Teigan Saunders were quite good for the Goannas last round, but it will be a rough season as they rebuild with plenty of youth. North Shore by a triple-digit margin.

ST GEORGE DRAGONS vs. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Saturday, April 12 @ 4:30pm
Olds Park

In the final game of the round, St George Dragons return from a bye after a Round 1 loss to UNSW-ES Bulldogs, while Sydney University had the week off in Round 1 before posting a comprehensive 129-1 victory over Pennant Hills last weekend. The Students hit the road for the first time in 2025, and will have a tougher assignment here, though the Dragons are still tipped to be bottom three given it is only their second season.

Sydney Uni will look to link up well from stoppages and move freely down the ground with the big expanses of Olds Park giving the visitors the required space. The Students will get on the offensive side of the contest and look to drive it forward with Saskia Johnson a key player for the side, supporting the experienced Amanda Farrugia.

It will be up for the Dragons to try and quell the Students best they can, with Hannah Phillips and Caydelan Mitchell-Bruce a couple of young Academy players who have natural talent and will assist in building the club up. However Sydney Uni just has experience all across the board and should be too strong, winning by around 10 goals.

Bye: East Coast Eagles