THE action heats up across the northern states this weekend as Round 12 arrives. In the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division, the match of the round sees heavyweights North Shore and Manly Warringah go head-to-head in a blockbuster clash that has genuine premiership implications. Meanwhile, the QAFLW features a full five-game fixture as both leagues navigate the absence of their top young talent, with Queensland playing the Allies in the AFLW Under 18 Championships on Sunday.

AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division

ROUND 12 FIXTURE:

UTS Bats vs. Pennant Hills Demons | Saturday July 4, 10:30am @ Waverley Oval
Sydney University vs. Parramatta Goannas | Saturday July 4, 1:00pm @ Sydney Uni No. 1 Oval
North Shore Bombers vs. Manly Warringah Wolves | Saturday July 4, 1:10pm @ Gore Hill Oval
UNSW-ES Bulldogs vs. St George Dragons | Saturday July 4, 2:20pm @ Henson Park

Bye: East Coast Eagles

The clear match of the round takes place at Gore Hill Oval, where the North Shore Bombers host the Manly Warringah Wolves. One of these sides will likely play in the grand final this year, if not both – with UNSW-ES the other clear chance – making this the matchup of the year thus far. Both sides are flying, but the Bombers play the style that hurts the Wolves the most.

The brilliance of Sophie Kavanagh and Lucy Yates has driven North Shore’s engine room all season, and they will need to be at their best again. Manly, meanwhile, are capable of exposing North Shore’s main weakness, with Lauren Bull and Bella Clarke the key connectors who can drive the Wolves forward. Only UNSW-ES has discovered the Wolves’ secret Achilles heel thus far.

A fascinating game of tactics awaits, and performance on the day will count for everything. If Manly study the tape of the past two seasons’ UNSW-ES vs. North Shore games, the Bombers could be heavily restricted. A draw would not surprise.

At Waverley Oval, the UTS Bats host the developing Pennant Hills Demons. The Bats have a habit over recent seasons of putting large margins on developing teams, and at home, it is hard to see that not happening again. Olivia Morris has been the Bats’ prime mover all season and will again be the player to watch, while Emma Keane‘s ruck work continues to give UTS a platform. However, it is time to make a statement for the Demons.

While they have been routed everywhere this season, their defensive fervour has never waned, emphasised by last round’s performance, with Remy Ally and Greta Clatworthy fighting hard week in, week out. The key question is whether they can learn how to put some scores on the board — and one hopes this is the week. UTS to win comfortably, though.

Sydney University will welcome the Parramatta Goannas to Sydney Uni No. 1 Oval. The Students will be too consistent all day and will probably find a way to be two goals better per quarter. Amanda Farrugia was magnificent in defeat last round with 26 disposals and 10 tackles, and the Students will be desperate to get her and the rest of the side firing in the right direction again.

Parramatta’s defensive efforts recently have been pleasing to watch, but the Students received a lesson from another top side last round and will want to work on some things – especially linkage creation from inside football and full-field ball movement. Look out, Goannas. Sydney Uni by around 50 points.

Closing out the round at Henson Park, the UNSW-ES Bulldogs take on the St George Dragons. The Bulldogs will be relentless at home, and the only question for the margin will be whether the Dragons try to further their own offensive football damage.

Sera Kaukiono has been arguably the most influential player in the league across the last three rounds, and Grace Madden has been equally destructive alongside her. The Dragons will also have to find an answer for that combination. Ruby O’Dwyer and Eloise Carey will need to be at their best to give St George any chance of keeping the margin respectable. UNSW-ES to win easily.

QAFL Women’s

ROUND 12 FIXTURE:

Southport vs. Maroochydore | Saturday July 11, 12:00pm @ Fankhauser Reserve
Aspley vs. Broadbeach | Saturday July 11, 2:00pm @ Graham Road
University of Queensland vs. Bond University | Saturday July 11, 2:00pm @ UQ Playing Field 2
Moreton Bay vs. Wilston Grange | Saturday July 11, 2:00pm @ Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex
Coorparoo vs. Morningside | Saturday July 11, 3:30pm @ Giffin Park

A massive weekend of QAFLW action kicks off at Fankhauser Reserve, where ladder leaders Southport host Maroochydore. The Sharks made a major statement last round, knocking off Coorparoo to claim outright top spot, with Ella Maurer and Steph O’Brien leading the way through the midfield. Maroochydore faces a significant challenge against the star-studded Southport lineup, especially with the absence of their young stars on representative duties. Sophie Schulze has been Maroochydore’s most consistent performer all season and will need a big game to give the Roos any chance of an upset. The Sharks’ depth and experience should prove far too strong at home and win comfortably.

At Graham Road, Aspley takes on Broadbeach in an intriguing clash. The Hornets were outstanding last round, with Ella Smith racking up an incredible 38 disposals in a dominant midfield performance, while Jessica Stallard was lethal up forward. Aspley will be eager to build on that momentum and keep their finals hopes alive. Broadbeach will look to Jasmine Single and Alicia Withers to provide the energy and contest that can keep the Cats competitive. With both sides missing key Academy talent, the midfield battle will be crucial. Aspley’s experience and recent form should give them the edge on their home deck in what is an intriguing battle.

The University of Queensland hosts Bond University in another fascinating contest you would expect the visitor to come away with fairly well. The Bull Sharks have been a dominant force this season and will be heavily favoured against the Red Lionesses. Shannon Nolan‘s ball-winning form has been relentless, while Tegan Williams and Jasmyn Davidson provide the forward-half threat that has proven difficult to contain. For UQ, Luka Yoshida-Martin and Jules Martin will need to win the inside battle to give the Red Lionesses any hope of an upset. Bond University should secure a comfortable victory.

Moreton Bay welcomes Wilston Grange to the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex. The Lions are still searching for their first win and face a tough assignment against a Gorillas outfit keen to cement their spot in the top four. Mackenzie Findlay and Kaiya Hides have been in outstanding form for Wilston Grange and should provide far too much class for a developing Moreton Bay side, with Jessica Davy needing to produce something special to keep the Lions in the contest. The Gorillas’ firepower up forward should see them put a substantial score on the board.

The round concludes with a blockbuster clash at Giffin Park, where Coorparoo host Morningside. The Kings will be keen to respond after their defeat to Southport last round, with Lucy Schneider and Ayla Fetahagic the players to watch through the middle. Morningside, however, is no pushover – Laura Roy has been exceptional all season, and the Panthers pushed Bond University hard before going down last round. This game promises to be a high-quality encounter, with both teams boasting significant depth despite the absence of their under-18 stars. Coorparoo’s home-ground advantage and desire to respond makes them slight favourites in what should be a thrilling contest.