REIGNING premiers North Shore Bombers are hitting their straps at the right time of the year, producing a dominant 73-point win over Sydney University in the second battle of the grand final rematch. Last time the two sides met they could not be split, however it was a completely different story on the weekend as North Shore dominated the Students in a jaw-dropping display to leapfrog Sydney Uni into second spot on the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division ladder.

North Shore Bombers 17.5 (107) def. Sydney University 5.4 (34)

North Shore Bombers made a massive statement with a dominant 73-point victory over Sydney University at Gore Hill Oval to leapfrog the second placed Students. The Bombers were ruthless in attack, piling on 17 goals from 32 inside 50s to overwhelm the Students and send an ominous message to the rest of the competition.

Sophie Kavanagh was outstanding for the victors, racking up a team-high 21 disposals, four marks, three clearances and seven inside 50s. Up forward, Adrienne Keeffe was unstoppable with six goals from nine disposals and four contested marks, while Lucy Yates (13 disposals, two clearances and four goals) and Abbey Martin (seven disposals, five hitouts and four goals) also filled their boots. Zoe Clubb (17 disposals, six inside 50s) and Kara Selvarajah (16 disposals, three tackles) were busy throughout.

For Sydney University, Saskia Johnson fought hard with 22 disposals, three marks, four clearances and seven tackles. Amanda Farrugia matched her output with 22 disposals, six clearances and eight tackles, while Evie Bowie collected 18 disposals, four clearances and six tackles. Lucy Gilfedder managed two goals from nine disposals in a tough day for the forwards.

East Coast Eagles 5.3 (33) def. Parramatta Goannas 3.6 (24)

In the upset of the round, East Coast Eagles secured a hard-fought nine-point win over Parramatta Goannas. Despite having 30 fewer disposals, the Eagles made the most of their opportunities to edge out the Goannas in a tight contest.

Nellie McMillan was the clear standout for the Eagles, accumulating a massive 33 disposals, nine clearances and four tackles to dictate terms through the midfield. Chloe Arndt provided strong support with 19 disposals and four tackles, while Renee Tomkins (15 disposals, four marks, eight hitouts and a goal) and Jess Whelan (14 disposals, three clearances and a goal) were highly influential. Erin Naden applied immense defensive pressure with 13 disposals and 10 tackles.

For the Goannas, Megan Mifsud gathered a team-high 20 disposals, three clearances and four inside 50s. Zara Stanford was a tackling machine with 19 disposals, four clearances and 13 tackles, while Brea Trevitt (17 disposals, eight tackles) and Lauren O’Sullivan (17 disposals, four marks and a goal) worked tirelessly. Annabelle McHale hit the scoreboard with two goals from 12 disposals.

Manly Warringah Wolves 6.7 (43) def. UTS Bats 0.0 (0)

Manly Warringah Wolves maintained their formidable form, holding UTS Bats scoreless en route to a 43-point victory at Waverley Oval. In a bizarre statistical anomaly, the Bats actually won the disposal count (208-200) and dominated the tackles (63-45), but failed to register a single score as the Wolves’ defence stood tall.

Lauren Bull led the way for Manly with 20 disposals, four marks and three inside 50s. Hannah Woolf was equally impressive with 19 disposals, four clearances, four inside 50s and a goal. Holly Wickham (18 disposals, five marks, seven inside 50s and a goal) and Bella Clarke (15 disposals, five contested marks and a goal) were prominent, while Isabella Rudolph booted two majors.

Despite the scoreless result, Zoe Bush was a shining light for the Bats with a game-high 23 disposals and four marks. Taylah Canobie (22 disposals, seven tackles) and Tara Coopman (20 disposals, three marks) found plenty of the ball, while Olivia Morris applied massive pressure with 15 disposals and 13 tackles. Brianna-Lee Wade battled hard in the ruck with 15 disposals, four marks and 25 hitouts.

St George Dragons 10.12 (72) def. Pennant Hills Demons 0.0 (0)

St George Dragons rounded out the weekend with a comprehensive 72-point shutout of Pennant Hills Demons at Mike Kenny Oval. The Dragons controlled the contest from the outset, winning the disposal count 188-130 and generating a massive 37 inside 50s to the Demons’ one.

Delaney Gwynn was the star of the show, putting together a monstrous performance with 22 disposals, four marks, six clearances, 32 hitouts and two goals. She was well supported by Paige Bauer who booted three goals from 16 disposals and five marks, while Jordan Davis added two goals from 16 disposals, two clearances and five hitouts. Kaitlyn Eisenhuth (16 disposals, three clearances, six inside 50s) was also influential.

For the winless Demons, Remy Ally and Ava Clegg both gathered 17 disposals, with Ally adding five marks and six tackles, and Clegg taking three marks and laying seven tackles. Sophie Pendlebury collected 13 disposals and five marks, while Makayla Holmes registered eight disposals and six tackles.