NORTH Shore Bombers are the first of the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Grand Finalists after completely shutting down Manly Warringah Wolves on the weekend. The Bombers ran out 56-point winners in the second qualifying final, while the minor premier Wolves will utilise their second chance in the preliminary final when they take on Sydney University who knocked off a gallant UNSW-ES Bulldogs side.

Manly Warringah Wolves 0.3 (3) def. by North Shore Bombers 9.5 (59)

North Shore Bombers have booked their place in the 2025 AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Grand Final with a commanding 56-point win over Manly Warringah in Qualifying Final 2 at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday.

In a ruthless display of finals football, the Bombers held Manly goalless and played with intensity, structure, and polish across four quarters to secure a 9.5 (59) to 0.3 (3) victory. The result sends North Shore straight to the Grand Final, while the Wolves now face Sydney University in a Preliminary Final for the second spot in the decider.

North Shore wasted no time establishing control, winning the contest early and transitioning with speed through their trademark handball chains. Manly struggled to contain the Bombers’ outside run, and their defence was under siege from the outset.

Teigan Collister opened the scoring with a behind before Heidi de Saxe burst from a stoppage and delivered perfectly to Cassidy McArthur, who converted the Bombers’ first goal. McArthur, a young forward who joined from Pennant Hills mid-season, added a second minutes later with a classy checkside finish on the run. Adrienne Keeffe also got on the board after taking a strong mark and kicking truly from a set shot, giving North Shore a 20-point lead at quarter time.

Manly’s physical pressure was evident – Holly Wickham laid a big early tackle on Charlotte Tidemann – but the Wolves were unable to match North Shore’s ball movement or forward efficiency.

Manly’s best passage came early in the second quarter when they generated a couple of forward entries, but they were unable to capitalise, twice kicking into the player on the mark. Kenya Fahey worked tirelessly through the middle, helping link play from defence, but the Wolves were constantly forced wide or shut down before delivering inside 50.

North Shore’s defensive wall, led by Ella Daniel and Zoe Hurrell, absorbed pressure and launched repeat attacks. De Saxe continued her dominance with chase-down tackles, smothers, and bursts from congestion, while Lucinda Watson and Tidemann controlled the tempo through the middle. Collister was again involved in a key passage, setting up Keefe for her second goal. By half-time, the Bombers had extended their lead and completely dictated the flow of the game.

North Shore kept the foot down in the second half, with Lucy Yates and Tidemann driving repeat inside 50s and dominating around stoppages. McArthur and Keeffe remained dangerous targets, while the Bombers’ forwards applied excellent pressure to lock the ball inside attacking 50.

Manly finally got on the scoreboard in the second half with three behinds, but their forwards continued to be starved of clean looks. Ash Carter and Lauren Bull showed strong defensive effort, and Fahey was again Manly’s most consistent contributor, but it was a tough day at the office against a well-drilled Bombers outfit.

North Shore’s game management and control of territory were impressive, as they maintained defensive structure and composure through to the final siren, finishing with a 56-point win. De Saxe was instrumental in the win, combining athletic pressure with clean ball use and creative play through midfield. McArthur kicked multiple goals and looked dangerous every time she went near the ball, while Keeffe was another target inside 50 and slotted three majors.

Through the middle, it was Tidemann and Yates who impressed with poise and repeat efforts, while Daniel and Hurrell were outstanding in defence, intercepting and setting up rebound 50s. For Manly, Fahey was a standout with her work rate and composure under pressure, while Carter, Bull and Wickham all fought hard in trying conditions.

Sydney University 7.4 (46) def. UNSW-ES Bulldogs 5.5 (35)

Sydney University have advanced to the 2025 AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Preliminary Final after edging out a spirited UNSW-ES Bulldogs side by 11 points in a high quality semi-final at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Played in ideal conditions, the contest was fierce, physical, and close throughout. The Students proved more composed when it mattered, kicking accurately and absorbing waves of Bulldogs pressure to seal a 7.4 (46) to 5.5 (35) win. The result ends UNSW’s 2025 campaign, while Sydney University move on to face Manly Warringah Wolves for a place in the Grand Final.

From the first bounce, it was clear both sides had brought finals intensity. The Bulldogs and the Students traded goals early in a see-sawing first quarter, with clean ball movement and strong tackling pressure a hallmark of the opening exchanges.

Sydney University targeted UNSW-ES ruck Amaia Wain, trying to negate her influence at stoppages by forcing her into heavy body contact and breaking up her run to the ball. While Wain still contributed well around the ground, the Students’ tactics proved effective in dulling her usual dominance.

In the middle, Amanda Farrugia delivered a commanding performance. The experienced midfielder was clean at the contest and composed under pressure, helping to drive the Students forward at key moments. Her leadership proved vital as the game tightened in the second and third quarters.

However, it was Frances Walsh who emerged as the most influential player on the ground. Her evasive movement, clean footwork, and ability to read the play stood out in a game defined by pressure. Walsh found space where there seemed to be none and used the ball with intent, often setting up teammates with clever forward entries. It was a breakout performance in finals football and a key reason Sydney University emerged victorious.

Niamh McMahon and Daisy George were also pivotal contributors, stepping up in crucial moments with strong tackles, smart positioning, and link-up play that kept the Students moving forward when the game was on the line.

UNSW-ES brought everything to the contest and can walk away proud of their performance. Aimee Whelan was at the heart of everything, covering huge ground and winning contested ball all over the park. She took significant physical punishment throughout the game, but her relentless effort never wavered.

Emily Conlan was again a standout in the forward half. She timed her leads well, took tough contested marks under pressure, and finished truly in front of goal. Conlan also shifted into the midfield briefly, where she gave the Bulldogs a spark with her clean hands and aggression around the ball. With two goals and a direct assist for another, she was one of UNSW’s most damaging players.

In defence, Gabby Eaton put in a remarkable performance. Her reading of the play and ability to intercept time and again kept the Bulldogs within striking distance. Several of her defensive efforts stopped certain Sydney Uni goals, and her calmness under pressure was vital throughout all four quarters. Without her, the final margin could have been far greater.

The match remained in the balance until late in the final term. UNSW kept coming, but Sydney University made the most of their forward entries and found the cleaner looks in front of goal. A late major pushed the margin beyond two goals, and the Students were able to hold on in the closing minutes as the Bulldogs threw everything forward.

UNSW-ES bow out of the finals in a performance that typified their fight, structure, and growth throughout the season. Their young group, guided by stars like Whelan, Wain, and Conlan, showed enormous potential and resilience. Alongside those three, Eaton was also amongst the best with her repeat intercepts and smart positioning.

Sydney University just had too many winners across the park, with Walsh’s footwork, composure and game awareness massive for the Students, while Farrugia provided that important composure and experience alongside the youngster. McMahon and George also played important roles during key momentum swings.

NEXT WEEK

Preliminary Final:

Manly Warringah Wolves vs. Sydney University
Saturday, September 13 @ 1:30pm
Bruce Purser Reserve