REIGNING three-time AFL Sydney Women’s premiers East Coast Eagles responded from a rare loss last round to put away UNSW-ES Bulldogs by seven goals on the weekend in what was otherwise a weekend of blowouts. The 7.4 (46) to 0.4 (4) result at Bruce Purser Reserve was the closest of the four matches and the only one with a less then 100-point differential.

East Coast Eagles 7.4 (46) defeated UNSW-ES Bulldogs 0.4 (4)

Heading into the Round 6 clash coming off a bye due to representative action, both teams had suffered one defeat for the season, with the Eagles’ singular loss coming at the hands of Sydney University in Round 5, while the Bulldogs went down in an equally tight one the week prior to that. Though below the Bulldogs, the Eagles had two games in hand on the Dogs, having had a bye – as well as a postponed match – meaning their record was 2-1 compared to their opponents’ 4-1.

However as expected both teams were tested for depth heading into the match with some key outs, and it was immediately clear that the Bulldogs would not be afforded the time and space they had received from lower ranked opposition so far in the 2025 season. They dominated the first eight minutes but failed to capitalise on the scoreboard and then the Eagles punished them the other way with a decisive early goal.

That was the tale of the tape throughout the match and showed once again that the Bulldogs learnings to take from the clash involved dealing with immense pressure while trying to transition the ball. They had a stack of ‘almost’ possessions but would either be dragged down in a strong tackle or smothered and their disposal be made ineffective, stunting their possession chains. The visitors also were so desperate to retain possession that often bailed out with short lateral kicks that the Eagles were more than happy to allow while they set up behind the ball.

East Coast had plenty of impressive players across the ground with an experienced midfield, headlined by Bryany Parker who was clearly best on ground. She anticipated the ruck taps well and racked up centre clearances, while ensuing the ball got forward often for the Eagles to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Former Giants Academy small forward Marley Kozak was classy in front of goals by kicking three for the winners, while up the other end, Kaitlyn Noble was influential as the sweeper from half-back and a kick behind play.

Sera Kaukiono was the most influential player on the ground for the Bulldogs despite being yellow carded late in the match. Tall defender Gabby Eaton was an athletic headache for the Eagles down back and showed footy nous behind the football to add her defensive pressure, while Francesca Ryan tried to break lines and looked dangerous when given space, but was often bailed up and caught at crucial moments.

Sarah Whitton held her own in the ruck contests against Kaukiono and learnt very quickly not to get into body work contest in that duel, but was better suited to jumping over the top of her. It will be fascinating to see how the Bulldogs take the learnings from the game into next week against the unbeaten Sydney University.

They take on the Students at Henson Park on Saturday from 2:20pm, while the Eagles are tipped to enjoy a massive win over the last placed Parramatta Goannas at Gipps Road Ovals.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

There were bloodbaths everywhere in Round 6, with margins of 111, 117 and 135, with just seven points combined scored by the losing teams who are the bottom three sides on the ladder. Sydney University defeated Parramatta 117-0, UTS Bats made light work of Pennant Hills Demons 111-0, while ,St George Dragons at least scored 1.1 (7), but unfortunately conceded 22.10 (142) to Manly Warringah Wolves.

Naturally there were some massive goalkicking performances with the Wolves’ Isabella Rudolph slamming home 11 goals against the Dragons, while ex-Giant Zara Hamilton simply dominated through the midfield. Lucy Gilfedder (Sydney University, five goals) and Brianna-Lee Wade (UTS Bats, five goals) also filled their boots in the remarkable results.