ONE fortnight remains in the 2023 AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division with three teams still battling it out for the final spot inside the top five. With the top four set – though the minor premiership and double chance are still up for grabs, there are plenty of story lines still to play out.

UNSW-ES BULLDOGS vs. EAST COAST EAGLES
Saturday, August 5 @ Henson Park, 12:10pm

In the opening game of the day, reigning premiers East Coast Eagles are expected to boost their percentage more even though it will not be a bearing on whether or not they can snatch back top spot. They sit six points behind ladder leaders UTS Bats, but with the Bats having a bye in Round 17, the Eagles will close that gap to two heading into the final round. With UTS Bats playing Southern Power in the last round, it would take a miracle for the Eagles to overtake them, but stranger things have happened.

The Bulldogs broke their 12-game losing streak to beat the Southern Power for the second time this season, but have been unable to get past anyone else and the Eagles will be too strong in this clash. Caitlin Davidson has effectively sewed up the leading goalkicker this season, slotting 38 goals in 12 games, with Emily Conlan (11 goals in 11 games) the most potent Bulldogs goalscorer. East Coast by plenty.

SOUTHERN POWER vs. MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES
Saturday, August 5 @ Waratah Oval, 2:00pm

In another predicted one-sided contest, Manly Warringah Wolves will look to have a big win, but like the Eagles, the margin and percentage is not a factor in the run home. The Wolves cannot finish below their current position of fourth, and with the third placed Goannas two points ahead, the Wolves can leapfrog them and then have the double chance in their own hands heading into the final round. Given the Goannas play the Demons and then the Eagles, the Wolves have a good chance to get past them anyway with the Demons in the last round.

Southern Power is anchored to the bottom of the ladder and will not move, but will be hoping to put in a competitive performance in the penultimate round of the season. With a percentage of 4.06 from 13 games – one was called off midway through due to injury – avoiding a thrashing would help that rise. Kate Salmon and Kaitlyn Manning have both been consistent scorers for the Wolves this season and could look to fill their boots against the Power, Amy Kowski a key player in what has been a tough year for the wooden spooners.

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY GOANNAS vs. PENNANT HILLS DEMONS
Saturday, August 5 @ Macquarie University, 3:10pm

One of the two most critical games for the weekend, the third placed Goannas simply must win if they are to grab a double chance. They have the Eagles next week, and with the Wolves looking to beat the Power, the Goannas would not want to rely on the Demons and have to beat the Eagles as well. They will have to win both games to guarantee it, but there is plenty on the line for Pennant Hills as well.

The Demons have to win their final two games if they are to make finals, given they are almost 17 per cent behind the fifth placed Sydney University. If they can win – and the Bombers upset the Students – then the Demons will need to roll the Wolves in the final round. The biggest issue will be Sydney Uni taking on the Bulldogs in the final round, so the Demons will need to somehow catch the percentage. Kaitlyn Quinlan is a Demon to keep an eye on with Rebecca Ives in great form too. Caitlin Fletcher is among the most consistent players in the competition, with the Goannas star working well with Amanda Farrugia.

NORTH SHORE BOMBERS vs. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Saturday, August 5 @ Gore Hill Oval, 4:20pm

It is last chance saloon for the Bombers in this game, who have a bye in the final round. Unfortunately for North Shore, the called off game against Southern Power -which they were winning comfortably will prove to be their downfall in reaching the finals series. For them to make it, they need to win this game, and hope the Demons lose both their games – possible – but also the Students to go down to the Bulldogs next week.

The latter is fanciful given the form of both sides, but not completely impossible. However this game will prove just as tough for the red and black. For Sydney Uni, it is in the box seat knowing the draw favours them next round, and all the Students have to do is win one more game in the final two rounds to book their spot. If they win this one and the Demons go down, the top five is set. Elle Carroll and Lucy Krimmer have been among the better players for the Bombers this season, while Maryanne Harley and Jasmine Smith are ever dangerous for the Students.