AFL SYDNEY Women’s Premier Division delivered a mix of thrillingly close encounters and dominant displays in Round 9. The ladder leaders continued to flex their muscles, while an absolute nail-biter at Gipps Road Oval saw the East Coast Eagles snatch a one-point victory over the Parramatta Goannas to keep their slim finals hopes alive.

AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division: Round 9

East Coast Eagles 3.6 (24) def. Parramatta Goannas 3.5 (23)

In the tightest contest of the round, the East Coast Eagles edged out the Parramatta Goannas by a solitary point in a desperate struggle at Gipps Road Oval. In a game where every possession was heavily contested, the Eagles managed to hold on in the dying moments to secure their second win of the season and climb to sixth on the ladder.

Nellie McMillan was an absolute workhorse for the Eagles, amassing a game-high 23 disposals (20 kicks), five clearances and four tackles to drive her side forward. She was well-supported by ruck Renee Tomkins, who gathered 12 disposals (all kicks), had three clearances and laid three tackles, while Skye Southon was crucial with 12 disposals and a vital goal. Chloe Arndt (13 disposals, four tackles) and Kahli Gilchrist (13 disposals, three clearances) also worked tirelessly to generate run for the victors.

For the Goannas, it was a heartbreaking loss despite some stellar individual performances. Megan Mifsud was outstanding with 19 disposals, three clearances, five tackles and eight inside 50s. Giants top-ager Brea Trevitt continued her strong form with 16 disposals, eight marks (two contested) and three inside 50s, and Marley Rhodes brought immense defensive pressure (12 disposals, eight tackles.. Up forward, Aiveen Taylor made the most of her limited opportunities, slotting two goals from just four touches.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs 3.4 (22) def. by Sydney University 4.9 (33)

In a top three blockbuster, Sydney University made a massive statement, handing the previously undefeated UNSW-ES Bulldogs their first loss of the season with an 11-point victory. The Students’ ability to win the midfield battle – a whopping 43 clearances to 16 – and apply relentless pressure ultimately proved the difference, allowing them to close the gap at the top.

Former AFLW star Amanda Farrugia was magnificent for the Students, racking up 27 disposals, eight clearances, five inside 50s and six tackles in a best-on-ground display. Maryanne Harley was enormous with 25 disposals, six clearances and nine tackles, while bottom-age Swans Academy member Madison McCarthy (24 disposals, six inside 50s) and Ryleigh Delacour-Batch (21 disposals, eight tackles) were highly influential. Saskia Johnson (19 disposals, 10 tackles) and Molly Gibbs (two goals from six disposals) also played pivotal roles in the triumph.

The Bulldogs fought valiantly but ultimately fell short against the relentless Students. Hayley Stanford was their prime mover, collecting 19 disposals, four clearances and five tackles, while competition leading goalkicker Rebecca Privitelli pushed hard with 15 disposals and a goal. Grace Madden (12 disposals, 10 tackles) and Georgia Voura (an incredible 17 tackles from just two disposals) epitomised the Bulldogs’ grit despite the defeat.

St George Dragons 6.4 (40) def. Pennant Hills Demons 0.0 (0)

The St George Dragons secured a comfortable 40-point victory over the winless Pennant Hills Demons, controlling the contest from start to finish. The Dragons’ defence was impenetrable, keeping the Demons scoreless for the entire match while their forwards capitalised on the dominance further up the field.

In a low disposal recorded game, Ruby O’Dwyer was the standout for the Dragons, collecting 13 disposals and two tackles to dictate terms through the middle. The Dragons found multiple avenues to goal, with Paige Bauer (six disposals, two tackles) kicking two majors. Jasmine Baily, Gabriela Waechter, Chantelle Ladner and Eloise Carey all hit the scoreboard with a goal each to share the offensive load.

It was another tough outing for the Demons, who remain anchored to the bottom of the ladder. Amelia Bennett fought hard against the tide, gathering nine disposals and laying six tackles, but the Demons simply couldn’t find a way through the Dragons’ defensive setup without an inside 50 for the match.

Manly Warringah Wolves 16.10 (106) def. UTS Bats 0.2 (2)

The Manly Warringah Wolves flexed their premiership muscles with a devastating 104-point demolition of the UTS Bats. The Wolves were merciless, piling on 16 goals while restricting the Bats to just two behinds for the match, cementing their place in the top two with a massive percentage boost.

The Wolves’ forwardline functioned flawlessly, spearheaded by Isabella Rudolph, who booted four goals from her eight disposals and five marks. Ava Barraclough (15 disposals, three tackles) and Brooke Bailey (13 disposals, three inside 50s) were also dangerous, kicking three goals apiece. Bella Clarke (19 disposals, four marks and five clearances and three tackles) added two goals, while Ashleigh Carter (18 disposals, four tackles), Chloe Davis (17 disposals, nine marks and four inside 50s), and Lauren Bull (14 disposals, seven marks – four contested – and seven tackles) starred.

For the outclassed Bats, Gabriella Stanwix battled bravely to record 18 disposals, while Hannah Cerezo gathered 16 disposals, five marks and three tackles. Taylah Canobie (15 disposals, seven clearances and four tackles) and Marnie Robinson (13 disposals, three tackles) also tried to stem the bleeding, but the sheer weight of Manly’s inside 50 entries (44-13) was too much to overcome.

AFL SYDNEY WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION LADDER: ROUND 9