ALL ROADS lead to the last fortnight in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division with a grand final spot on the line in the clash between Manly Warrigah Wolves and North Shore Bombers. The loser will grab a second chance in the preliminary final to face the winner of Sydney University and UNSW-ES Bulldogs with experience and momentum clashing in the semi-final.

MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES vs. NORTH SHORE BOMBERS
Saturday, September 6 @ 12:40pm
Blacktown International Sportspark | Quarter Final 2

The stage is set for what could very well be a grand final preview, as the Manly Warringah Wolves face off against the North Shore Bombers in a blockbuster AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division quarter final.

This highly anticipated clash promises a fascinating blend of athleticism, tactics, and pressure football — the kind that defines finals footy.

THE TACTICAL BATTLE

Manly will look to apply relentless pressure on North Shore’s ball winners, aiming to disrupt their possession chains and force fumbles and turnovers at ground level. Their mission will be clear: shut down North Shore’s ball movement, deny clean link-up play, and attack on the counter with speed and structure.

In contrast, North Shore will focus on getting the ball to the outside, where their runners can create repeat inside-50 entries. Their strength lies in their ability to stretch the ground and use their pace to break lines — a hallmark of their ‘run and gun’ game style.

Expect both teams to deploy tight marking and heavy tactical focus on key players: Kiera Yerbury (North Shore) and Hannah Woolf (Manly). Whether these two go head-to-head or are kept apart will be a fascinating subplot in itself.

KEY MATCHUPS & AREAS TO WATCH

• A tightly contested ruck battle is expected all day. Look for Lucy Yates (North Shore), who was used sparingly in the centre last week, to be more prominent around the ball — a potential X-factor for the Bombers.
• Both teams boast forwardlines that have been clinical when given quality delivery but less effective when forced to scrap. Inside 50 entries will be a decisive factor.
• Manly’s star forward Isabella Rudolph has the ability to dominate in front of goal with her elite evasion and finishing skills. North Shore must ensure she doesn’t get too much space, or they will pay the price.
• Manly cannot allow Adrienne Keeffe to receive clean entries and have multiple shots at goal. Expect them to play both in front and behind her, forcing North Shore to attack via less direct paths.
• Manly may deploy a ‘high safety’ style defender just behind the contest to clog North Shore’s run-throughs. This NFL-inspired tactic could be crucial in stopping proactive exits from stoppages.

FORM & EXPERIENCE

Manly’s stunning upset over the Eagles in last year’s finals — widely regarded as one of the best games in recent memory — remains a key reference point. Since then, they’ve added new layers to their game: improved handball efficiency, better linkage through the middle, and visible developments in 360-degree evasive movement and execution.

These adjustments suggest a team that’s building specifically for a deeper finals run, with clear intent and planning from the coaching staff.

North Shore, meanwhile, remain a highly dynamic and dangerous side, especially when their central spine is functioning at its peak. Their style is hard to stop when they get it right, and they’ll be backing themselves to do just that on the big stage.

PREDICTION

This quarter final promises to be one of the most tightly contested games of the season. Manly may enter with a slight edge in experience and tactical preparation, but this match will be decided on the day and is likely to be less than a kick between them.

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY vs. UNSW-ES BULLDOGS
Sunday, September 7 @ 12:40pm
Blacktown International Sportspark | Semi-Final

The fairy tale continues for UNSW-ES Bulldogs, as they head into the semi-final full of belief, momentum, and nothing to lose. Their last three performances have exceeded all expectations, and now, with a spot in the preliminary final on the line, they face a Sydney University side with talent on paper, but plenty to prove.

This match shapes as a true coin toss — so evenly matched, in fact, that a draw wouldn’t surprise. It will come down to who seizes the moment.

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY – THE STUDENTS’ TEST

Sydney Uni boasts one of the strongest squads in the competition on paper, but last week’s loss exposed key issues in execution. Despite defending well, they struggled to create consistent forward pressure and failed to connect through the middle with any fluency.

To progress, they’ll need to:

• Generate overlap run and line-breaking play to crack open the Bulldogs’ defence.
• Play with urgency and aggression – particularly in forward transition, where they were hesitant last round.
• Step up mentally – several of their younger players looked overwhelmed on the big stage, but that experience could now serve as a valuable platform heading into a true elimination contest.

Key to their chances will be finding a way to curb the influence of Amaia Wain, who continues to be a vital presence for the Bulldogs — winning first possession and impacting across the ground. If she’s allowed to control the tempo, she could very well swing the game in UNSW’s favour.

UNSW-ES BULLDOGS – BELIEF & MOMENTUM

The Bulldogs are riding a wave of belief, having already defied the odds with their finals run — and they will be keen to keep the dream alive. Their strength lies in the collective: a unified team effort, where each player steps up when it matters most.

Central to their game plan is Aimee Whelan, one of the league’s most impactful players. Her relentless ability to win her own ball and drive forward with purpose makes her a nightmare to contain. If Sydney Uni cannot limit her influence, she could again prove to be the difference.

To win, the Bulldogs will need to:

• Disrupt Sydney Uni’s central midfield unit, particularly the likes of Amanda Farrugia and Saskia Johnson, who can hurt teams with link-up play when allowed space.
• Force turnovers from isolated disposals by applying pressure and not allowing the Students to link through the corridor.
• Maintain their collective lift – when UNSW plays with shared energy and hunger, they’ve shown they can match (or beat) anyone in the competition.

THE CENTRAL BATTLE

As with most finals, this one will be won or lost in the middle. Both teams have potent midfields and damaging ball users, but whichever side can impose their game plan and win contested possession will take the upper hand.

Expect a game full of fierce tackling, strategic adjustments, and high-pressure moments where heroes will need to emerge.

PREDICTION

This semi-final could go either way. Sydney University has the structure, depth, and experience to bounce back, while UNSW brings the belief, form, and nothing-to-lose mentality that makes them incredibly dangerous. The Students are the favourites, but if the Dogs can show the form of the last few weeks, they can cause the upset.