THE AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division reaches its penultimate home-and-away round on Saturday, with the five finalists now locked in but the top-four order still far from settled. Ladder leaders Manly Warringah Wolves can take another step towards the minor premiership, while North Shore Bombers, Sydney University and UNSW-ES Bulldogs are all still fighting for a double chance ahead of the post-season.

AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division

ROUND 17 FIXTURE:

Parramatta Goannas vs. UNSW-ES Bulldogs | Saturday August 15, 12:20pm @ Gipps Road Ovals
UTS Bats vs. North Shore Bombers | Saturday August 15, 12:55pm @ Waverley Oval
Pennant Hills Demons vs. East Coast Eagles | Saturday August 15, 1:00pm @ Mike Kenny Oval
St George Dragons vs. Manly Warringah Wolves | Saturday August 15, 1:20pm @ Kelso Park North

Bye: Sydney University

The match of the round comes from Waverley Oval, where finals-bound UTS Bats host North Shore Bombers. The Bats have struggled to match the top-end sides this season, and must focus on creating space for each individual player while reducing pressure on their possessions. They will also need specific plans to prevent North Shore from releasing out the front of contests; otherwise, the scoreboard could quickly get away from them.

North Shore should hold the upper hand, with Sophie Kavanagh and Abbey Martin among the players who have driven the Bombers’ forward power in recent weeks. The Bats should stay competitive early, with Olivia Morris, Taylah Canobie and Zoe Bush continuing to find their share of the football despite back-to-back goalless outings. However, expect the Bombers to gradually pull clear. North Shore by 35 points.

Parramatta hosts UNSW-ES Bulldogs at Gipps Road Ovals, with the Goannas deserving plenty of credit as the competition’s most improved side. They do not yet have the same weapons or developed systems across the ground as the top teams, and every possession should come under pressure. However, the Goannas will perform far better than their results of previous years suggest, and their running possessions forward of half-back will be crucial in trying to break through the Bulldogs’ defensive structure.

UNSW-ES is missing several players from its best available squad, but the contest is another chance to fine tune the inside-to-outside football and organised hunt defence it will need to limit the top two sides in finals. Ashleigh Barlow and Sera Kaukiono give the Bulldogs class in key areas of the ground, while Megan Mifsud and Brea Trevitt will lead Parramatta’s attempt to keep the ball moving. Expect the Bulldogs’ chain of possessions just outside and inside 50 to prove decisive. UNSW by 32 points.

Manly Warringah travels to Kelso Park North to face St George in what looms as a difficult day for the Dragons. St George showed a few weeks ago that, when allowed to run freely, it can score, but has not yet built the evasive weaponry needed to consistently absorb pressure. That shapes as a major issue against Manly, the league’s premier side at harassing the ball carrier and cutting down opposition linkages.

The Wolves’ forwards enjoyed a field day last week, with Isabella Rudolph kicking 12 goals, and there is every chance another big bag is on offer if Manly’s pressure game takes hold. Hannah Woolf will again be pivotal around the contest, while Jordan Davis looms as an important player for St George in transition. The number of successful linkages will define the scoreboard. Manly by 64 points.

The battle at the bottom of the ladder sees Pennant Hills Demons host East Coast Eagles at Mike Kenny Oval. The Eagles were belted by Sydney University last round but unearthed a couple of encouraging contributors for the future, while the ruck battle was even throughout the day. Pennant Hills, unfortunately, has not shown signs of substantial scoreboard improvement or sufficient attacking linkages, despite the group holding its heads high through very trying circumstances. Renee Tomkins remains a key source of experience for East Coast, who should be too strong. Eagles by 65 points.

With the finals field confirmed, the last two weeks are about form, confidence and the order that will define September. Round 17 offers each contender a crucial chance to build momentum before the post-season begins.