Around the Country: Wolves hunt down Dogs, top spot in massive Round 10

AFL SYDNEY Women’s Premier Division delivered a compelling Round 10, with Manly Warringah Wolves outlasting the ladder-leading UNSW-ES Bulldogs and Sydney University snatching second spot in the process, while the Parramatta Goannas produced the performance of the round to snatch a thrilling three-point win over the St George Dragons. The North Shore Bombers, meanwhile, continued to build their percentage with another dominant showing.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs 3.4 (22) def. by Manly Warringah Wolves 4.6 (30)

In a highly anticipated top-three clash at Henson Park, the Manly Warringah Wolves secured a hard-fought eight-point victory over the UNSW-ES Bulldogs to cement their place at the top of the ladder. Despite the Bulldogs’ best efforts, the Wolves’ ability to win the contested ball and apply relentless forward pressure ultimately proved the difference in a tightly contested affair.

Ashleigh Carter was the Wolves’ prime mover, amassing 22 disposals and seven inside 50s to drive the game forward. Andrea Roditis (19 disposals, four clearances and eight tackles) was equally important in the engine room, while Brooke Bailey (11 disposals, three marks and two goals) and Ava Barraclough (13 disposals, one goal) provided the forward spark. Ruck Abbie Hayes dominated the hitout count with 30 hitouts from six disposals, while Bella Clarke (eight disposals, five tackles) and Hannah Woolf (16 disposals, four clearances, seven tackles) were also influential.

For the Bulldogs, ruck Sera Kaukiono was outstanding despite the loss, recording a massive 32 disposals, 15 clearances, five hitouts and two tackles in a best-on-ground effort that went unrewarded. Eliza McLeod (24 disposals, four marks) and Francesca Ryan (16 disposals, three clearances, four tackles and two goals) worked hard to hit the scoreboard, while Grace Madden (15 disposals, two clearances and 11 tackles) and Georgia Voura (16 disposals, three clearances, eight tackles) provided the defensive pressure. Eliza Vale (17 disposals, two marks) and Bonnie Swan (15 disposals, five clearances) also battled hard, but the Bulldogs could not convert their opportunities into enough scoreboard impact.

Parramatta Goannas 4.7 (31) def. St George Dragons 4.4 (28)

In the match of the round, the Parramatta Goannas produced a gutsy performance to secure a thrilling three-point victory over the St George Dragons at Gipps Road Ovals. It was the Goannas’ second win of the season and their first over the Dragons in 2026, with the result a testament to their relentless pressure and hard-nosed defensive work.

Montana Doubell was impressive once again for the Goannas, racking up a game-high 25 disposals, as well as two clearances and four tackles. The standout across all facets was Megan Mifsud (21 disposals, seven clearances, three tackles and two goals), who drove the midfield battle and hit the scoreboard, while Tayliya Noack had 15 disposals, 11 tackles and booted two goals. Giants top-ager Brea Trevitt continued her consistent form with 15 disposals and seven tackles, while Marley Rhodes notched up 25 hitouts through the ruck alongside 11 disposals. Lauren O’Sullivan (19 disposals, five clearances and three tackles) responded well coming back from the Allies.

For the Dragons, Ruby O’Dwyer fought hard with 19 disposals, two clearances and two tackles. Delaney Gwynn (18 disposals, five clearances, five tackles and 18 hitouts) and Gabriela Waechter (15 disposals, two clearances and four tackles) worked tirelessly to keep the Dragons in the contest. Sophie Higgs (nine disposals, 12 tackles) and Eloise Carey (14 disposals, three clearances and four tackles) also applied enormous pressure, but ultimately the Goannas’ defensive intensity proved too much to overcome in the final moments.

Pennant Hills Demons 0.0 (0) def. by North Shore Bombers 22.20 (152)

The North Shore Bombers delivered a devastating 152-point demolition of the winless Pennant Hills Demons at Mike Kenny Oval. The Bombers were merciless from start to finish, piling on 22 goals while keeping the Demons scoreless for the entire match. It was the sixth time in eight matches Pennant Hills had failed to trouble the scorers, and the seventh time this season the Demons have been held goalless.

The massive win saw the Bombers jump up the ladder into fourth position with a significant percentage boost, reinforcing their credentials as genuine finals contenders. For the Demons, it was another tough afternoon in what has been a challenging debut season, with the side remaining winless after eight outings.

Adrienne Keeffe was an unstoppable force in attack, slamming home a whopping 10 goals to do the bulk of the damage, while Abbey Martin (five) and Sophie Kavanagh (two) booted multiple goals. All three were named in the Bombers’ best with Ella Daniel, Grace Hill and Zoe Hurrell, though it was a true team effort. Caitlin Gurney and Eliza Michie were named the Demons’ best in a tough day out.

Sydney University 10.9 (69) def. East Coast Eagles 2.3 (15)

Sydney University maintained their place in second on the ladder with a commanding 54-point victory over the East Coast Eagles at Sydney Uni No. 1 Oval. The Students were dominant across all lines, racking up a whopping 54 inside 50s to the Eagles’ 16 as they controlled the contest from the opening bounce.

Former AFLW star Amanda Farrugia was once again magnificent, finishing with 33 disposals, seven clearances, 13 tackles and a goal in a best-on-ground performance. Saskia Johnson (29 disposals, two clearances and seven tackles) was a tireless contributor, while Lucy Gilfedder (21 disposals, seven marks, six inside 50s and three goals) and Ryleigh Delacour-Batch (19 disposals, three clearances and five tackles) were also highly influential. Ruck Karina Bell (21 disposals, four clearances qnd 24 hitouts) controlled the ruck department, and Swans Academy bottom-ager Madison McCarthy continued her impressive season with 12 disposals and eight marks.

For the Eagles, Sarah Hicks was the top ball-winner with 17 disposals and six tackles, while Nellie McMillan (15 disposals, four clearances, and three inside 50s) battled hard through the midfield as she has done all season. Renee Tomkins (12 disposals, three marks) and Hannah Mathews (12 disposals, six tackles) also worked tirelessly against the tide, but Sydney University’s sheer dominance across the ground left the Eagles with little room to move.

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