WITH representative action now over, players return to their local clubs in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division, with a couple tantalising clashes between finals hopefuls taking place tomorrow. All four matches in Round 14 suggest they will be fairly evenly matched, which makes for a great weekend of action.

EAST COAST EAGLES vs. MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES
Saturday, July 27 @ 10:30am
Kanebridge Oval

Potentially the game of the season thus far and a potential grand final preview with the minor premiership on the line, neither side will want to give an inch. The normally impenetrable East Coast Eagles have looked a little down the last two rounds, getting out of jail against UNSW-ES Bulldogs before a shock loss to North Shore Bombers.

They were harassed and kept from finding space to execute well by hand or foot, and it forced fumbling and turnovers. That could be the key to victory for a Manly side that has looked like a legitimate contender since bringing in ex-GWS player Zara Hamilton. The midfielder has racked up the possessions each week and is one of the favourites for the league best and fairest.

However the Wolves have also seen players such as Kenya Fahey and Hannah Woolf having outstanding years and taking the next step in their careers. Right across the field Manly has the athleticism and speed to worry any opposition, and the Wolves have been playing free, blowing football. The next area of improvement is to be more precise with their disposals once clear, which will aid in creating even more scoring opportunities.

If East Coast gets field position dominance and allow the likes of Caitlin Davidson to go to work, then that could spell danger for the Wolves. It will come down to whether the likes of Woolf can take control in the middle and force the Eagles onto the back foot. Abbey Martin has enjoyed a great season in defence, while they also regain the services of Amelie Prosser-Shaw who returns from Allies duties.

Summer Hall has been explosive around the stoppages and caught the eye, and teaming up well with vice-captain and ruck Caitlin Reid has been crucial to the Eagles’ ongoing success. For the Wolves, they also bring back forward Lauren Bull from her two-game stint with the Allies, while the likes of Holly Wickham and Ava Barraclough are other young guns who can impact the match.

Expect the match to go down to the wire, though the form of the Wolves has been noticeably better of late. In saying that, it is hard to go past the Eagles at home with the likes of Prosser-Shaw returning to the lineup.

PARRAMATTA GOANNAS vs. NORTH SHORE BOMBERS
Saturday, July 27 @ 10:45am
Gipps Road Oval

While on paper the match is a clash between third and sixth, just four points and percentage separates the two sides which shows just how tight the race for finals is this season. The Goannas will be favourites at home, boasting the third highest percentage and will retain third spot regardless of the result. However given the Eagels and Wolves face-off, the Goannas can at least either draw within four points of top spot, or take second earning themselves a double chance spot for the time being.

The Bombers are under just as much pressure to win, with a loss potentially detrimental to their finals chances. Already behind the other top five sides in terms of percentage, a defeat in the game would see them needing to make up ground in the final few rounds. A win however would at the minimum see them rise to fifth with the UTS Bats having a bye, but as high as fourth if Sydney University lose.

Caitlin Fletcher is coming off a best on ground performance in the AFL Sydney/Canberra’s win over Tasmania and will be a key player for the Goannas alongside Amanda Farrugia and young gun duo Megan Mifsud and Kiera Yerbury.

That midfield will be quite a tough task to overcome, though the Bombers will look to co-skipper Matilda Eder, while Emily Bliss has also been in great form. Zoe Hurrell and Lucy Yates are other key players in the red and black.

On paper the Goannas should get the chocolates, but the Bombers are a danger as the Eagles found out in Round 13.

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY vs. UNSW-ES BULLDOGS
Saturday, July 27 @ 3:25pm
Sydney Uni

It is crunch time for Sydney University in what is simply a must-win game for the home side. The only top six team to be playing a bottom three side, the Students bring back some key players, and will rise up to fourth with a victory. Boasting a game in hand to their nearest rivals, the Student will enjoy the Bats having a bye over the weekend in order to take fourth spot. Furthermore, if the Goannas and Wolves both lose, then Sydney Uni is still in the running for a top two spot.

The Bulldogs on the other hand cannot make finals, but showed two rounds ago its best can match it with the best, leading the Eagles for significant time before being run over the top of late in the game. They are clearly a step ahead of the bottom two, but will want to spoil some finals hopes in the run home, starting with the Students.

Sydney University will regain the services of talented AFLW Academy member Emma Juneja for the match, and she will undoubtedly create some crucial run for the Students. Jasmine Smith and Saskia Johnson will also be hungry to bounce back from their heartbreaking six-point loss last week.

Emily Conlan is coming off a five-goal haul last round, while the inclusion of Ahlani Eddy was a good one for the Bulldogs. Expect them to push the home side, but Sydney University is likely to have that extra class.

ST GEORGE DRAGONS vs. PENNANT HILLS DEMONS
Saturday, July 27 @ 4:50pm
Olds Park

A bottom-two battle closes out the weekend with the league’s two least experienced sides looking to pick up a win. In their debut Premier Division season, the Dragons are yet to taste a victory and sit anchored to the bottom of the ladder with a percentage of 5.32. However if they are to get a win, then the rebuilding Pennant Hills Demons are their best chance. The Demons’ only win came against the Dragons, and are also short on percentage with just 26.96.

Though the Dragons are unlikely to get another win in order to catch up the percentage difference, St George could build a bit of momentum into the off-season heading into 2025. For the Demons, a win should be a non-negotiable as they look to continue their youth development for the future as well.

Pennant Hills will be minus key player Elly Rudd for the clash, though co-captains Kaitlin Noble and Kaitlin Quinlan remain experienced players who can ensure the Demons stay on task. Cassidy McArthur is a bottom-ager to keep an eye on as well.

For the Dragons, Jordan O’Neill has been one of the shining lights this season, while Caitlin Edmonds and Rachel Simpson are among the other more prominent players in St George’s debut Premier Division year.