MANLY Warringah Wolves secured the win they needed in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division, getting past North Shore Bombers by just 10 points at Weldon Oval. The tight, low-scoring Round 13 clash proved the Bombers are far better than their seventh position would suggest, taking it right up to the third placed Wolves but falling short, 4.6 (30) to 2.8 (20).

The Wolves were able to get on the board in the opening term in the must-win clash, going six points clear at the first break. That turned around in the second term however, as Kate Nespeca stepped up to the plate for the Bombers. Making the most of their momentum, North Shore booted 2.2 to 0.2, with Nespeca kicking both goals for the visitors.

Unfortunately for the Bombers – who led by a straight kick at the main break – they could not maintain the lead, with the likes of Brooke and Andrea Roditis taking control for the Wolves. Kicking the only goal of the third term, Manly Warringah regained the lead, albeit by three points. The game was on a knife’s edge heading into the final term with the likes of Serena Lienert and Matilda Eder trying hard for the Bombers.

The Wolves have had that extra class above their rivals this season and it showed in the final term, grinding out the final two goals of the game, while the Bombers – who had more opportunities on goal – could not seemingly find the big sticks. The final 20 minutes went the way of the Wolves 2.0 to 0.5, which was ultimately the difference with Isabella Rudolph finishing with two goals for the winners in the 4.6 (30) to 2.7 (20) victory.

Jessica Layton and Caitlin Johnson were also impressive for Manly Warringah, while Kaitlyn Manning and Kate Salmon both added important majors to their season tallies. While Nespeca was the only goalkicker for the Bombers, Lienert, Elle Carroll and Maddie Bart were named among the better players on the day.

MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES 1.1 | 1.3 | 2.6 | 4.6 (30)
NORTH SHORE BOMBERS 0.1 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.8 (20)

GOALS:
Manly Warringah: I. Rudolph 2, K. Manning, K. Salmon
North Shore: K. Nespeca 2

BEST:
Manly Warringah: B. Roditis, A. Roditis, J. Layton, C. Johnson, J. Manning, A. Carter
North Shore: S. Lienert, E. Carroll, M. Bart, L. Skelton, L. Krimmer, M. Eder

AROUND THE GROUNDS

UTS Bats stormed to a 39-point win over Pennant Hills Demons, keeping the Demons to just one behind in the first half. Though the home side did managed to get on the board after half-time, the Bats still booted four goals to one to secure the 7.7 (49) to 1.4 (10).

Gillian Behan and Annabel Watts both booted two goals for the Bats, while bottom-age talent Ella Parker was named best on ground in the win. Eliza Harvey was the star for the Demons, with Laura Donohue also impressive with her side’s sole goal.

Fourth placed Macquarie University Goannas slammed home six goals to nil in the opening term to set up a comprehensive 59-point win over UNSW-ES Bulldogs. Keeping the Bulldogs to just one goal for the game, the Goannas only kicked the only major themselves after half-time, but did all the damage early in the 10.7 (67) to 1.2 (8) victory.

Sera Kaukiono stood out again for the Goannas, one of four players to kick two goals, with Lili Kablau another multiple goalkicker named in the bests. Caitlin Fletcher also caught the eye in her side’s win. For the Bulldogs, Hayley Stanford was the sole goalkicker, while Chloe Anderson was voted best on ground.

In the final game of the round, East Coast Eagles completely dominated Southern Power by 133 points, keeping the Power scoreless for the second time this season. The unbeaten Eagles produced 43 scoring shots, while there was a positive for the Power, making it far closer than their 225-0 loss earlier in the season.

Caitlin Davidson booted five goals – to add to her 10 against the Power earlier in the season – in the victory, while Sarah Burns, Caitlin Rogers and Amelie Prosser-Shaw all converting three majors. For the Power, Ivy Halliwell and Amy Kowski were named the losing side’s best.