AFTER a challenging couple of rounds, reigning AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division premier East Coast Eagles have reminded the rest of the competition what they are capable of with a commanding 19-point win over Manly Warringah Wolves at Kanebridge Oval.

In a rain-affected match, the Eagles ground out a 3.10 (29) to 1.2 (3) victory in the top of the table clash, to all but secure another minor premiership. Gunning for a three-peat in 2024, the Eagles through the work of Caitlin Reid in the ruck took control in the middle and were able to dominate field position for the majority of the match.

The Eagles limited Manly’s free space and marking ability, with the Wolves still needing to tidy up the precision of their passes. The weather certainly did not help the visitors in that regard, but it showed that Manly still needs to find more offensive weapons.

East Coast was incredibly good at closing down the space for the Wolves players, with the visitors’ only goal coming in the third term when Hannah Woolf burst out of the middle and got if forward for Elise Wallace to convert. Otherwise it was a tough day out for the second placed team with star midfielder Zara Hamilton well held by top-age draft prospect Amelie Prosser-Shaw.

Though Wallace’s major did give the Wolves a glimmer of hope, that was quickly shut down by a late goal to Caitlin Davidson. Jessica Whelan was again prominent on the inside, while the defences for both sides were very good.

Bryany Parker got the nod from the Eagles coaches as the best, with Reid, Renee Tomkins and Whelan all there, as was Davidson and Prosser-Shaw. For Manly, Kendra Fahey tried hard again, while Ashleigh Carter and Holly Wickham were named as the coaches best.

EAST COAST 0.3 | 2.5 | 3.7 | 3.10 (28)
MANLY WARRINGAH 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.3 (9)

GOALS:
East Coast: C. Davidson, M. Foscarini, E. Hurley
Manly Warringah: E. Wallace

BEST:
East Coast: B. Parker. C. Reid, R. Tomkins, J. Whelan, C. Davidson, A. Prosser-Shaw
Manly Warringah: A. Carter, H. Wickham, J. Layton Z. Currie, K. Manning, H. Woolf

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Pennant Hills Demons won their second game of the year with a 34-point victory over St George, ensuring the rebuilding side did not lose to the first-season Dragons at all this year. The Demons won 6.5 (41) to 1.1 (8). with Natalie Pajor everywhere early, and Sheridan Baker excellent late. Sienna Smith was named best-on for the Dragons.

Sydney University was far too strong for the UNSW-ES Bulldogs, securing a commanding 45-point win and keeping the visitors goalless after the first 30 seconds. Jasmine Smith slotted five goals up forward in the 8.5 (53) to 1.2 (8) win in a best on ground performance, while Emma Willey was among the better players for the Bulldogs.

In a performance that was as disappointing for Parramatta as it was exciting for North Shore, the Bombers got up 3.5 (23) to 1.1 (7) in a real slog at Gipps Road Ovals. Stephanie Krauel influenced through the ruck for the red sash, while Matilda Eder kicked all three of her side’s goals in the victory. Stephanie Wilkins was named best-on for the Goannas.