EAST Coast Eagles’ dreams of a four-peat are over following a fairytale win from the UNSW-ES Bulldogs, while North Shore Bombers are one win away from an AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Grand Final after an impressive victory over Sydney University.

North Shore Bombers 7.6 (48) def. Sydney University 1.2 (8)

As has been the case all season when at their best, North Shore Bombers’ ability to execute rapid handball chains and release runners from congestion proved the decisive factor in their qualifying final win over Sydney University. Booting four goals to nil after half-time, the Bombers ran out 40-point victors at Blacktown International Sportspark.

From the outset, the Bombers dictated terms around the contest. Ruck Ella Daniel and her midfield brigade controlled the centre of the ground with authority, providing a platform for North Shore’s outside runners to break lines and drive forward.

Kiera Yerbury delivered a best-on-ground performance by setting the tone early with her athleticism, clean ball use, and composure under pressure. Her evasive movement and confidence with ball in hand have clearly reached a new level and she looked entirely at home on the big stage and was involved in nearly everything.

Heidi de Saxe added her trademark energy around the contest, helping sustain the Bombers’ relentless momentum with the hard-running, explosive Charlotte Tidemann also outstanding. Zoe Hurrell was rock-solid in a key intercept role across half-back, while Lily Sullivan also produced several eye-catching moments. Pleasingly for North Shore, there was an even spread of goalkickers, highlighting the team’s versatility and ability to find multiple avenues to goal.

Sydney University tried to wrestle back control as the game progressed, but the damage had already been done. North Shore’s explosive running and clean forward entries in the first quarter and a half left the Students chasing the game. While the tempo shifted to a more contested style later, North Shore’s ability to surge the ball forward and capitalise on key moments ensured the scoreboard kept ticking over.

Despite the result, the Students can take plenty from the match. Their effort and intent were unquestionable, but they struggled to win clean possession and move the ball with fluency under the Bombers’ intense pressure. Daisy George was influential through the middle and worked tirelessly to lift her side. Across the board, it was a committed team performance, but the execution just wasn’t there on the day.

With valuable finals experience under their belt, Sydney Uni will look to reset quickly and develop some more proactive strategies as they continue their campaign.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs 5.7 (37) def. East Coast Eagles 3.1 (19)

The UNSW-ES Bulldogs produced a statement performance in their first finals appearance in years, defeating the East Coast Eagles 5.7 (37) to 3.1 (19) in a thrilling elimination final.

Despite missing at least 12 players from last year’s Grand Final-winning team, the Eagles fielded a side brimming with youth and potential. However, the Bulldogs showed their strength and depth, backed by a standout individual performance and a complete team effort.

Amaia Wain led the charge, marking her 18th birthday with a performance of monumental influence. Wain’s impact was felt across the ground, racking up possessions and playing a pivotal role in shaping the Bulldogs’ play. But the true story of the day was the collective effort and uplift across the entire team.

Shelby Koh was exceptional, intercepting at crucial moments to play one of her best games in AFL to date. Ahlani Eddy made her mark across the half-back line, winning key possessions when it mattered most, while Gabby Eaton displayed composure under pressure, stepping up when the game was on the line. Sera Kaukiono provided a constant target up forward, while Hayley Stanford made key contributions through the central corridor.

However, Aimee Whelan the standout player and the most influential on the field. Whelan’s class and skill were evident in everything she did. Her ability to win contested ball and impose herself with big tackles to halt the Eagles’ transition was a defining feature of the game, setting a high standard for women’s football in Sydney.

For the East Coast Eagles, they started strong and found themselves in front early. Aysha Sanchez produced a brilliant goal — one of the contenders for goal of the year — but as the match wore on, the Bulldogs’ link-up play and offloads became too much to stop. Grace Tracey battled hard throughout, taking several key marks and providing much-needed support in the ruck, but ultimately, the Eagles couldn’t halt the Bulldogs’ momentum.

It was a highly entertaining contest, and while the Eagles showed glimpses of their potential, the Bulldogs proved too strong on the day. This victory marks their first finals win in a long time, and with a promising future ahead, the Bulldogs can be excited about what lies next in their campaign.

WEEK 2 FINALS:

Qualifying Final 2:

Manly Warringah Wolves vs. North Shore Bombers | Sat Sep 6, 12:40pm @ Blacktown International Sportspark

Semi-Final:

Sydney University vs. UNSW-ES Bulldogs | Sun Sep 7, 12:40pm @ Blacktown International Sportspark