AT LEAST three of the four Round 8 matches in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division could go either way, with teams having not played in a fortnight due to the washed out weekend in Round 7. We take a look at each of the matchups ahead of another Super Saturday.

UTS BATS vs. PARRAMATTA GOANNAS
Saturday, May 31 @ 3:00pm
Waverley Oval

Sitting in sixth spot and four points outside the top five, UTS Bats must win with a percentage boost against the struggling, winless Goannas or will likely be stranded in sixth for the majority of the season. The Bats must continue to improve their extraction from stoppages and linkage plays down the ground against bigger teams, but first need to put away lower ranked sides such as the Goannas.

The Goannas play the exact style of football that will bring out UTS’ flaws if the Bats are not careful, constantly disrupting possession chains which UTS cannot allow to happen. The home side must find the release handballs and be proactive with its run and carry with deliberate ball movement in transition. UTS by 12 goals.

ST GEORGE DRAGONS vs. PENNANT HILLS DEMONS
Saturday, May 31 @ 5:00pm
Olds Park

A fascinating battle awaits as two bottom three sides go head-to-head with Pennant Hills searching for its first win of the season, and St George its second. The result will clearly come down to the team that proactively and deliberately creates the most space for themselves when in possession of the football. Both sides struggle when confronted with pressure and thus expect the clash to be a tackle fest with surge intentions but ultimately a lot of turnovers.

Goals will come via full field relentless pressure or if individuals can break free to create some speed and break down the opposition defence. Pennant Hills is yet to test its offensive capabilities this season, scoring just eight points in five games, which is why the edge gots to the Dragons. The latter created some nice linkage chains last time out, though will need to get around the Demons’ Sheridan Baker who is having a club best and fairest year and will provide pressure across half-back.

The question will be whether or not she can springboard the ball forward to create offensive entries for the Demons. St George’s Maggie Ritchie is one to look out for to have an influence on the game, with the overall Dragons midfield likely to be that bit stronger at creating forward thrusts. St George by 23 points.

EAST COAST EAGLES vs. MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES
Saturday, May 31 @ 6:00pm
Bruce Purser Reserve

Undoubtedly the key match at the top end of the ladder and it is primed to be a belter of a game. Both teams are still building their strengths and working on deficiencies at the moment in preparation for the pointy end of the season. Manly gave St George a footballing lesson last round and will look to take some of their work – specifically around the stoppages – and adapt it against three-time premiers, East Coast Eagles.

The vision was a stark reminder of the gulf between the top and bottom sides in the competition, but both of these teams fit into the former category. East Coast got the job done against UNSW last round but still need to build up their transition game that the Eagles are renowned for. Expect it to be a tight, low-scoring game that will not be a blowout to either side. Players such as Isabella Rudolph – who is having a massive year for the Wolves and booted 11 goals last match – will be under far more defensive pressure than in recent weeks.

If Manly can find multiple avenues to goal, the Wolves will be a threat, but must get their kicking precision right. East Coast knows what it takes to win, and the experience points towards them despite not being the dominant team of the last few years due to the departures over the off-season. Eagles by three points in a low-scoring thriller.

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY vs. NORTH SHORE BOMBERS
Saturday, May 31 @ 6:20pm
Sydney Uni

An incredible top of the table clash that will provide a real test for both teams and each side will believe they are in with a huge chance of taking home the four points. Both are up and coming teams on the rise looking to move into that next echelon that the Eagles and Wolves currently sit. The strengths and Achilles heels of both programs are completely opposite, which is what makes the clash so intriguing and could well come down to the tactical battle.

North Shore will have a lot less space inside and their quick, multiple handballs to outside runners will not be as easy. The Bombers have also not played in almost a month, with a bye, league-wide bye and then the round cancellation, which means they will be a little rusty coming into this one. Adrienne Keeffe will be a key target for the Bombers, with Jasmine Smith a potential opponent for her.

If the Students wish to keep the contest close, they must put pressure on the ball carrier and not allow easy release handballs for runners to get into open space or it will be a tough day out for them. Sydney Uni is the sole undefeated side, but the tip is with North Shore by nine points.