UNSW-ES Bulldogs produced the upset of the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division season with a gritty and determined performance to topple the highly fancied North Shore Bombers. From the opening bounce, the Bulldogs refused to be intimidated, matching North Shore’s trademark run and carry with relentless pressure and contested intensity in a 6.4 (40) to 3.8 (26) win.

The game began with North Shore looking every bit in control. Their trademark run and carry was on display early, with Lily Sullivan looking sharp and fleet of foot. She was heavily involved, eventually releasing Kiera Yerbury with a clean handball for the first forward entry and goal of the match. The Bombers created multiple opportunities in the opening stages but converted only two, wasting several chances with shots that drifted wide, hit the post, or sailed out on the full. Their inaccuracy would prove costly.

Midway through the first quarter, the Bulldogs changed the momentum. A switch in the ruck and a more direct push forward – led by the influential Amaia Wain – brought the contest back to an even footing. Sera Kaukiono was pushed deep inside 50 and immediately gave UNSW a much-needed focal point. For a side that has struggled to create repeat scoring opportunities against top-end teams, the Bulldogs suddenly found themselves generating multiple looks on goal.

Aimee Whelan was another who turned the tide. Her repeated efforts around the contest sparked a surge style of football that suited UNSW perfectly. By quarter time, the Bulldogs held a surprising four-goals to two lead.

The key to the turnaround was a mix of homework and execution: UNSW cut off North Shore’s outside run, forcing them into long, pressured kicks that were regularly intercepted. The Bulldogs’ inside pressure, defensive hunt, and marking contests kept the Bombers on the back foot.

From there, the pattern was set for the rest of the game. North Shore worked desperately to get its link-up game going, but UNSW continually found ways to shut it down. Twice in the final quarter, the Bombers strung together their trademark one-two handball chains, including a brilliant release that sent Yerbury streaming forward. Yet each time, the Bulldogs forced the ball wide or out of bounds, nullifying the threat.

Whelan and Ahlani Eddy were immense at ground level, repeatedly absorbing pressure in defence before clearing UNSW’s lines. Even when North Shore finally created another clean link-up, the final entry broke down and resulted in no score – a recurring theme on the day.

The defining moment came when Emily Conlan snapped brilliantly over her shoulder from a stoppage deep in attack, sending the Bulldogs bench and supporters into raptures. North Shore surged again late, with Sullivan breaking lines in electric fashion and looking more assured at the level than ever before. But yet again, a near-certain scoring opportunity fell apart at the final hurdle.

In the end, UNSW’s discipline, pressure, and willingness to grind out contested footy were the difference. The Bulldogs thoroughly deserved their win, while for the Bombers it was a sobering reminder that in 2025 nothing comes easy, and the competition is well and truly game on.

Whelan finished with a game-high 27 disposals, as well as five marks, six clearances and five inside 50s, working well with Wain (15 disposals, 48 hitouts, three clearances and three tackles) and Hayley Stanford (20 disposals, three marks, three clearances, six tackles and three inside 50s. Kaukiono and Eddy were lively all match too.

For the Bombers, Yerbury lead the way with 25 disposals, two clearances, five tackles and eight inside 50s, while bottom-age pair Heidi de Saxe (24 disposals, eight clearances and eight tackles) and Charlotte Tidemann (17 disposals, two clearances, two tackles and three inside 50s) were impressive. Adrienne Keeffe was her side’s sole multiple goalkicker, finishing with two majors freom 10 tocuhes and three marks.

UNSW-ES BULLDOGS 4.0 | 4.2 | 5.4 | 6.4 (40)
NORTH SHORE BOMBERS 2.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.8 (26)

GOALS:
UNSW: E. Conlan 2, F. Ryan 2, I. Baldassaarre, Z. Deep
North Shore: A. Keeffe 2, A. Rainbow

BEST:
UNSW: A. Whelan, A. Wain, A. Eddy, S. Kaukiono, E. Willey
North Shore: K.Yerbury, C. Tidemann, E. Bliss, E. Daniel, H. de Saxe

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Manly Warringah Wolves shook off a first half challenge from Sydney University to boot three goals to one after quarter time in a 23-point victory. Hannah Woolf and Kenya Fahey were busy yet again, as Lauren Bourgeois and Isabella Rudolph kicked a couple of majors each. Amanda Farrugia and Frances Walsh were among the better players for Sydney Uni.

East Coast Eagles had more than they bargained for in the first term and even had to fight through a gallant St George scrap to boot four goals to one in the last term and record a 7.6 (48) to 3.0 (18) win over the Dragons. Bryany Parker was the different with a stat-stuffing performance of 37 disposals, six marks, eight inside 50s and three goals, while Taylah Canobie and Renee Tomkins were both very good. Bottom-ager Grace Tracey was lively through the ruck and attack. Caydelan Mitchell-Bruce (#3 disposals, 13 clearances and four inside 50s) was outstanding for the Dragons.

In a battle of the bottom two teams, Parramatta Goanna picked up their second win of the season with a 5.5 (35) to 0.0 (0) triumph over Pennant Hills Demons. Michala Ford (19 disposals, eight inside 50s and a goal) was strong while Skyla Seal and Brea Trevitt combined for 11 clearances. Sheridan Baker (32 disposals, 12 marks – six contested – seven clearances and six tackles was best-on for the Demons once more.