NORTH Shore and Sydney University sent a reminder to the rest of the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division about just how ruthless they can be, with a pair of 94-0 wins over their opponents in the opening round of the new season. It might be a new year, but last year’s grand finalists flexed their muscles as a host of young stars were late inclusions following the cancellation of the Talent League Girls match over the weekend.

North Shore Bombers 13.16 (94) def. Parramatta Goannas 0.0 (0)

Anyone who thought the Bombers might be a one-hit wonder were quickly reminded of just what the reigning premiers are capable of, having also recruited well over the off-season with the headline inclusion of Sophie Kavanagh. The ex-Roo and Giant had a field day for the Bombers in their 94-point thrashing of lowly Parramatta, as she and top-age National Academy star Charlotte Tidemann ran rampant from start to finish.

Tidemann was a late inclusion to the side following the Swans Academy’s match against the Giants Academy at Margaret Donoghue Oval was postponed, rejoining the Bombers alongside fellow talented teens, Heidi de Saxe and Lucinda Watson. The young Bombers enjoyed the freedom against a team that is likely to struggle again in 2026, as the Goannas had no answers for Adrienne Keeffe up forward.

Keeffe finished the match with four goals as Watson and Ava Thomas were the other multiple goalkickers with two apiece. Kavanagh and Tidemann were the standouts for their run and skills, while de Saxe showed no signs of an ankle injury that kept her out of the last two Under 22 Summer Series matches for the Swans. Co-captain Matilda Eder was also named amongst the best.

For the Goannas, the recruitment of former Macquarie Uni junior Megan Mifsud proved crucial, with the AFL Sydney Under 22s representative a clear standout for the side in defeat. She alongside the likes of Tayliya Noack and Sally Toohey were named in the best.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Sydney University had a similarly dominant performance with an identical scoreline of 13.16 (94) to 0.0 (0) against second-season club St George Dragons. The Students had a solid start, but got going after the main break with 8.8 after a 5.8 first half. Molly Gibbs and Lucy Gilfedder each kicked a couple of goals, while the likes of Lily Race and Emma Juneja were outstanding for the winners.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs also sent an imposing message to the competition as they took care of last year’s minor premiers Manly Warringah Wolves by 39 points at Weldon Oval. The road trip did not phase the Bulldogs who slammed home seven goals to one after half-time to win, 8.6 (54) to 2.3 (15). Emma Haley and Amaia Wain coming into the side after the Swans Academy’s game was cancelled proved to be a huge difference, as the pair were named best on, while Ash James and former AFLW tall Rebecca Privitelli each kicked three goals.

UTS Bats also staked their claim to make the finals in 2026 with a commanding second half against East Coast Eagles. The Bats booted four goals to nil after half-time to stretch the main break lead of nine points out to 37 by the final siren, 7.12 (54) to 2.5 (17). Hannah Cerezo was named best on ground, while recruit Zimra Hussain and the versatile Ella Parker each kicked two goals.