ANOTHER season has rolled around and the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division kicks off over the weekend with a mixed bag of games but everyone starting again on zero points. The reigning premiers open the season with a road trip to Gipps Road, while a couple of potential nail-biters loom after that.

PARRAMATTA GOANNAS vs. NORTH SHORE BOMBERS
Saturday, March 28 @ 11am
Gipps Road Ovals

Realistically the only way is up for the Goannas who struggled last season with so much change afoot. They only beat Pennant Hills to avoid the wooden spoon, while North Shore came from second to secure the premiership. While the Goannas have no doubt improved over the off-season, it is hard to see them making up so much ground on last year’s benchmark side.

The Bombers link up well across the field and are very good at spotting the free player to continue the transition. The big question for the Goannas is whether they can quell North Shore’s ability to transition the ball from defence to offence, and whether or not they can also create some offensive movement.

While the Bombers will be minus a number of key players from the Swans Academy with the start of the Talent League Girls, but the inclusion of ex-AFLW talent Sophie Kavanagh will strengthen the reigning premiers. Watch for her and fellow AFL Sydney representative Lucy Yates to be key ball-winners, while the leadership of Grace Hill, Zoe Hurrell and Matilda Eder will be important. For the Goannas, former Giants Academy members Megan Mifsud and Montana Doubell are players to watch, as is over-age tall Marley Rhodes.

MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES vs. UNSW-ES BULLDOGS
Saturday, March 28 @ 12:30pm
Weldon Oval

Last year’s minor premiers will be hungry to atone for their straight sets exit last year when Manly Warringah Wolves plays host to UNSW-ES Bulldogs. The Wolves have a stack of quality players and are more experienced the Doggies, but UNSW showed plenty of improvement last season.

Lead by reigning two-time Moyston Medallist Hannah Woolf amongst a stacked side that includes Zara Hamilton and recruit Brooke Bailey, the Wolves look to be a title contender once again. The Bulldogs have brought in ex-Swans tall Rebecca Privitelli, while Gabby Eaton and Senna Gulden are other key players for the underdogs.

Expect a tough, tight contest where every possession will have to be earned. One has to go with Manly given the Wolves’ extra experience, but only by about a goal in what is expected to be the match of the weekend.

EAST COAST EAGLES vs. UTS BATS
Saturday, March 28 @ 2:30pm
Bruce Purser Reserve

After three straight flags, East Coast’s season ended a little early in 2025, bowing out to the Bulldogs in the elimination final. The Eagles were able to bring in a host of new players to develop them for the future, and should benefit from that experience heading into 2026.

The Bats missed finals, but were still competitive throughout the year and a clear jump ahead of the bottom three sides. If they can continue to perform – albeit minus some key players who are with the Giants Academy – and get off to a good start, then anything is possible this year.

The Bats have brought in former Lions Academy small forward Zimra Hussain, and though they will be minus two of their young stars from last season in Sophia Gaukrodger and Aoife Berry, they still have Jessica Quade and Ella Parker. East Coast has plenty of talent in its own right with Jessica Whelan and Renee Tomkins back for another year.

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY vs. ST GEORGE DRAGONS
Saturday, March 28 @ 3:55pm
Mahoney Park

A fascinating game awaits between two sides at opposite ends of the ladder last season. Sydney University finished third and went on to make the grand final before going down to North Shore in that decider. St George on the other hand finished third last, clearing Parramatta and Pennant Hills, but will be looking to improve its offensivework.

The Students should be thereabouts again in season 2026, so for them, it is about continual development and improving their game to be around at the pointy end of the season, while for the Dragons, improving the firepower up front and finding a few more avenues to goal will be important given their defensive intensity last year. If they allow the Students to release between inside and outside, it could end up a very one-sided game.

Coming off a great Under 22 series for AFL Sydney, Emma Juneja will look to put her best for forward for Sydney Uni, while Saskia Johnson and Maryanne Harley have been great players in the competition. For the Dragons, there is still a lot of unknown about how the side will go, but if they can get a full season out of Ruby O’Dwyer then she is one such key talent to watch.