Around the Country: Dominant wins headline AFL Sydney Round 7
AFL SYDNEY Women’s Premier Division returned with a bang in Round 7 after a league-wide bye. Powerhouse clubs stamped their authority with dominant victories, draft prospects shone brightly, and some of the league’s most decorated stars reminded everyone of their class. From Sydney University’s massive triple-digit triumph to a hard-fought battle at Waverley Oval, the weekend’s action reshaped the landscape of the competition.
AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division: Round 7
Sydney University put on an absolute clinic at Sydney Uni No. 1 Oval, storming to a massive 158-point victory over a struggling Pennant Hills Demons side . The Students dominated territory and possession from the opening bounce, piling on 24 goals while keeping the Demons scoreless from the field .
The victory was spearheaded by a masterclass from Saskia Johnson, who was unstoppable through the midfield with 33 disposals (23 uncontested), seven clearances, four inside 50s, and a goal. Former NSW Swifts elite netballer Allie Smith showed her athletic prowess, gathering seven disposals, three clearances, and three tackles, while kicking two goals with her first two kicks.
Promising top-age talents Frances Walsh (21 disposals at an elite 85.7 per cent efficiency, four clearances, and seven inside 50s) and Evie Bowie (22 disposals, four clearances, four inside 50s, and two goals) were in superb touch, dictating the tempo of the game and feeding their forwards with precision. Former AFLW star Amanda Farrugia was also highly influential, racking up 27 disposals, eight clearances, and seven tackles.
For the Demons, it was a long and challenging afternoon, but Amelia Bennett fought tirelessly to record 16 disposals, six clearances, and a game-high 15 tackles. Ava Clegg was also prominent with 15 disposals (14 uncontested) as she tried to generate run from the defensive half.
The North Shore Bombers continued their strong form with a comprehensive 75-point victory over the Parramatta Goannas at Gore Hill Oval . The Bombers’ defensive pressure and slick ball movement proved too much for the Goannas to contain, holding Parramatta to just a single goal for the match .
Top-end draft prospect Charlotte Tidemann showed exactly why she is highly rated, accumulating 18 disposals (17 uncontested) and delivering the ball with class. Over-age prospect Lucinda Watson was highly effective with 13 disposals, while former AFLW player Sophie Kavanagh put on a terrific midfield performance with 20 disposals, five clearances, four tackles, and seven inside 50s.
Lucy Yates was the chief architect in the engine room, matching Kavanagh with 20 disposals alongside five clearances, six tackles, and three inside 50s. Up forward, Adrienne Keeffe and Emma Ferrante (13 disposals, two clearances) kept the scoreboard ticking over with two goals apiece.
For the Goannas, Megan Mifsud fought bravely against the tide to finish with 18 disposals, seven clearances, five tackles, and eight inside 50s. Kayla McGinty (14 disposals, four clearances, nine tackles) and top-ager Brea Trevitt (14 disposals, six tackles) also worked exceptionally hard in defensive transitions.
Manly Warringah Wolves celebrated their return from the bye in style, dismantling the St George Dragons by 70 points at Weldon Oval . The Wolves clicked into gear early and never looked back, putting together a cohesive team performance that highlighted their premiership credentials.
Andrea Roditis was the star of the show for the Wolves, collecting a game-high 23 disposals, four clearances, and four inside 50s. Ashleigh Carter was equally dominant, picking up 18 disposals (10 contested), four marks, and a clearance, while Hannah Woolf (17 disposals, six clearances) provided excellent support.
For the Dragons, Ruby O’Dwyer was the standout performer, battling hard to record 15 disposals (10 contested) and three clearances. Paige Bauer also contributed 15 disposals and two clearances, while Eloise Carey worked diligently to finish with 14 disposals.
In the closest contest of the round, the UTS Bats solidified their spot in the upper echelon of the ladder with a hard-fought 27-point win over the East Coast Eagles at Waverley Oval . While the Bats struggled slightly with accuracy in front of goal, their sheer weight of possession and inside 50 entries eventually wore down the reigning champions.
Taylah Canobie was best on ground with a brilliant midfield display, racking up 27 disposals (20 contested), six clearances, six tackles, and eight inside 50s. Olivia Morris was not far behind, showcasing her work rate with 26 disposals (17 contested), 11 tackles, four inside 50s and a goal. Beth Martini was prolific with 22 disposals and three marks, while Elly Rudd (16 disposals) and Gabriella Stanwix (15 disposals, five marks) were key links in transition.
For the Eagles, Nellie McMillan was exceptional in defeat, carrying the midfield load with 22 disposals (20 contested), five clearances, six tackles, three inside 50s and a goal. Chloe Arndt (13 disposals, six tackles) and Erin Naden (11 disposals, four tackles) fought hard to stem the flow, while Renee Tomkins competed strongly in the ruck with 23 hitouts from nine disposals.