ROUND 17 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division promises everything from finals-shaping blockbusters to pride-fuelled battles at the foot of the ladder. Two contests between finals hopefuls headline the weekend with everything to play for, while the bottom two face off against each other with both hoping to score a confidence-boosting four points.

PARRAMATTA GOANNAS vs PENNANT HILLS DEMONS
Saturday, August 16 @ 12:20pm
Gipps Road Ovals

It’s a clash between two developing sides sitting at the foot of the ladder, and if Pennant Hills Demons lose, the wooden spoon is all but theirs. Parramatta will go in as favourites, with the Demons still yet to find consistent offensive linkages in 2025.

There’s hope that Pennant Hills will throw off the shackles and take the game on, moving the ball with freedom to create scoring opportunities. While the scoreboard is not the only focus here, both teams will want to show clear signs of development for the future. Expect a spirited contest between two sides desperate to build momentum for 2026. Parramatta by 25 points.

UNSW-ES BULLDOGS vs. NORTH SHORE BOMBERS
Saturday, August 16 @ 12:30pm
Blacktown International Sportspark

The contest shapes as one of the more intriguing matchups of the round. Last season, UNSW proved a thorn in North Shore’s side, upsetting the Bombers’ run into the finals and exposing weaknesses at Henson Park late in 2024. The Bombers, now near the top of the ladder in 2025, will be wary of a repeat ambush.

North Shore’s young runners – such as Charlotte Tidemann, Heidi de Saxe and Kiera Yerbury – are quicker and more polished this year, delivering the ball efficiently into attack and UNSW must deny them clean releases from stoppages if they’re to stay in the game. Expect a fierce ruck battle and a war of attrition in the clinches. With both sides controlling their own destiny – UNSW chasing a finals berth and North Shore eyeing the minor premiership – this will be a high-intensity contest. North Shore by 22 points.

MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES vs. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Saturday, August 16 @ 3:30pm
Weldon Oval

The game that could redefine the finals race. Both teams are assured of a post-season berth, but Sydney Uni is still fighting to lock in a top three finish, with East Coast hot on its heels. Manly’s greatest weapon will be its relentless, in-your-face defence and they cannot afford to go into a standoff, positional style that allows Sydney Uni’s midfield core and Amanda Farrugia‘s leadership to dictate terms.

For the Wolves, it’s all about sustained pressure and forcing the Students into deep defensive exits. Sydney Uni will look for short, sharp forward entries, quick evasive movement at stoppages, and constant forward-half time to pressure Manly’s defence. Line-ups could play a decisive role — if Hannah Woolf or Zara Hamilton return for Manly, they gain a slight edge. It should be a tactical chess match played at finals intensity. Manly by five points.

EAST COAST EAGLES vs. ST GEORGE DRAGONS
Saturday, August 16 @ 3:50pm
Bruce Purser Reserve

East Coast showed last week that it has no intention of taking its foot off the pedal against developing sides, and at home the Eagles should prove too strong again. The Eagles favour a direct approach through the middle, using their high-frequency finishers in attack to generate scoreboard pressure. Grace Tracey has stepped up impressively in the ruck following Caitlin Reid departure, while Aysha Sanchez, Taylah Canobie and captain Bryany Parker will drive repeated forward entries.

Matilda Elbourne‘s ball-winning ability may see her moved closer to the action as finals loom. For St George, their trademark defensive effort will need to be at its absolute best, and this late in the season they may look to experiment with more attacking plays to fast-track development. Expect the Eagles to score in bursts, with the Dragons fighting to stall momentum where possible. East Coast by 81 points.