AFL SYDNEY Women’s Premier Division action returned with a bang in Round 11, delivering a series of one-sided affairs that further separated the top tier from the rest of the competition. The ladder-leading Manly Warringah Wolves continued their winning ways, but it was the colossal percentage-boosting victories from the UNSW-ES Bulldogs and North Shore Bombers that stole the headlines, with both sides holding their opponents goalless.

North Shore Bombers 13.15 (93) def. East Coast Eagles 1.1 (7)

At Bruce Purser Reserve, the North Shore Bombers put on a masterclass, dismantling the East Coast Eagles by 86 points. The Bombers controlled the contest from the opening bounce, piling on 13 goals to secure their seventh win of the season and maintain third spot on the ladder.

The Bombers’ midfield brigade was simply unstoppable. Sophie Kavanagh was best-on-ground, racking up a massive 24 disposals, five clearances, five tackles and 11 inside 50s tackles to dictate terms through the middle, with only inaccuracy – 1.5 – stopping her from an enormous game. She was ably supported by Lucy Yates, who collected 19 disposals, five clearances, and three inside 50s. Lily Sullivan was also prolific, gathering 18 disposals, four marks, six inside 50s and two goals. Abbey Martin slammed home 5.1 from seven disposals and four marks in an efficient performance.

For the Eagles, Nellie McMillan fought valiantly against the tide, recording a team-high 16 disposals (12 contested), five clearances, and five tackles. Ruck Renee Tomkins worked tirelessly with 15 disposals, 11 hitouts, and three tackles, while Bella Grosse (12 disposals) and Erin Naden (11 disposals, 10 tackles) also battled hard. However, the sheer weight of North Shore’s inside 50 entries (43 to 15) proved too much to overcome.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs 14.14 (98) def. Pennant Hills Demons 0.0 (0)

In the most dominant performance of the round, the UNSW-ES Bulldogs handed the Pennant Hills Demons a crushing 98-point defeat at Henson Park. The Bulldogs’ defence was impenetrable, keeping the Demons completely scoreless for the entire match while their forwards capitalised on the dominance further up the field.

The Bulldogs’ ruck-rover combination was devastating. Sera Kaukiono put on a dominant display, amassing 30 disposals (22 contested), 24 hitouts, 11 clearances, and a goal. Grace Madden was equally impressive, collecting 29 disposals (17 contested), eight clearances, and four inside 50s. Emily Conlan (25 disposals, five tackle, three inside 50s and three goals) and Francesca Ryan (22 disposals, four tackles and a goal) ensured the ball lived in the Bulldogs’ forward half.

It was a tough afternoon for the winless Demons, but Remy Ally fought hard to gather a team-high 19 disposals and four clearances. Greta Clatworthy (17 disposals, four marks – three contested – and four tackles) and Ashleigh Grubba (15 disposals) also tried to stem the bleeding, but the Bulldogs’ overwhelming inside 50 dominance (49-1) highlighted the disparity between the two sides.

Manly Warringah Wolves 11.5 (71) def. Sydney University 2.2 (14)

The Manly Warringah Wolves solidified their position at the top of the ladder with a convincing 57-point victory over Sydney University at Weldon Oval. In a top-four clash, the Wolves showcased their premiership credentials, kicking 11 goals to two in a clinical display.

Lauren Bull was the standout for the Wolves, collecting 20 disposals (17 uncontested), nine marks and three spoils to consistently drive her team forward. Zoe Ellis was a force around the stoppages, gathering 18 disposals (15 contested) and four clearances and nine tackles, while Bella Clarke (16 disposals, four tackles, five inside 50s and a two goals) and Hannah Woolf (15 disposals, four clearances and four inside 50s) were highly influential.

For the Students, former AFLW star Amanda Farrugia was magnificent in defeat, racking up a game-high 26 disposals (17 contested), 10 tackles, four inside 50s and a goal in a tireless effort. Saskia Johnson provided strong support with 25 disposals (14 contested) and seven tackles, while Ryleigh Delacour-Batch gathered 20 disposals and had seven inside 50s. Despite their midfield efforts, Sydney University struggled to convert their inside 50 entries against a resolute Manly defence.

St George Dragons 2.1 (13) def. by UTS Bats 6.11 (47)

In the final game of the round, the UTS Bats secured a vital 34-point win over the St George Dragons at Kelso Park North. The Bats’ ability to control possession and territory proved decisive, as they climbed to fifth on the ladder and kept their finals hopes alive.

Olivia Morris was the prime mover for the Bats, collecting 21 disposals, five marks, six tackles and six inside 50s. She was well-supported by Elly Rudd (20 disposals) and Annie Lord (18 disposals, four inside 50s and two goals), who found their fair share of the ball. Emma Keane also made a significant impact through the ruck with 34 hitouts and five clearances from 16 disposals in the win.

For the Dragons, Eloise Carey was a standout, gathering a game-high 24 disposals (13 contested), three tackles and three inside 50s. Ruby O’Dwyer fought hard with 22 disposals (15 contested) and three clearances, while Kaitlyn Eisenhuth (18 disposals, four clearances, eight tackles and four inside 50s) and Bianca Rudzis (13 disposals, six tackles) applied immense defensive pressure. However, the Bats’ superior ball movement ultimately wore down the Dragons’ defence.

AFL SYDNEY WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION LADDER: ROUND 11