FINALS football has arrived, and the stage is set for a blockbuster opening week in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division. The competition’s two form sides, North Shore and Sydney University, meet in a qualifying final that promises tactical intrigue and a spot in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, three-time reigning premiers East Coast face elimination against a fearless UNSW-ES Bulldogs outfit that has hit peak form at just the right time.

NORTH SHORE BOMBERS vs SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Saturday, August 30 @ 1:20pm
Blacktown International Sportspark

Two of the competition’s form teams go head-to-head this weekend in what promises to be a high-quality qualifying final. North Shore and Sydney University have been the standout performers of the 2025 season, and this clash is set to be as much a tactical battle as a physical one.

The Bombers have been superb all year, built on their trademark one-two handball chains that release runners into space. When it clicks, their run-and-carry game can dismantle any opponent, but UNSW recently showed that with homework and discipline, the system can be disrupted. If the Bombers are allowed to break free out the front of contests, however, they will be very hard to stop.

North Shore boast a balanced and even contribution across the ground. Lily Sullivan and Kiera Yerbury have been driving forces in recent weeks, while Adrienne Keeffe’s finishing ability has been among the best in the league. The biggest proven inside football contributor for the Bombers is Lucy Yates, who along with Heidi de Saxe and Ella Daniel, have been in great form and rising stars of the competition.

Sydney University, though, have been equally impressive. Almost every player has taken a step forward this season, and the injection of Amanda Farrugia experience through the midfield has provided steel and leadership. Saskia Johnson is a genuine Mostyn Medal contender, while Jasmine Smith and Emma Walsh continue to be reliable senior figures.

Perhaps the Students’ greatest strength is their flexibility – the ability to rotate magnets and adjust structures mid-game, constantly forcing opponents to adapt. Rising talents Frances Walsh and Arabella Hendriks have also emerged as key contributors with their evasive skills and ball use.

The blueprint for Sydney Uni is simple: they cannot allow the Bombers freedom in the middle. Their hunt at the contest, and ability to either shut down North Shore’s release handballs or win first possession themselves, will define the outcome.

Expect a tight and contested game with both sides likely to generate around five goals each. The question is whether North Shore can get their run-and-release game going, and how the Students can find avenues to score against the Bombers’ disciplined defence. Last time these two met, both showed glimpses of dominance but also vulnerabilities. Now, with finals intensity applied, it will come down to which side adapts best on the day.

Tip: North Shore by 6 points.

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EAST COAST EAGLES vs UNSW-ES BULLDOGS
Sunday, August 31 @ 1:20pm
Blacktown International Sportspark

Finals football delivers a mouthwatering elimination clash as the reigning powerhouse East Coast Eagles take on the surging UNSW-ES Bulldogs. The contrast couldn’t be sharper – a side chasing a historic fourth straight premiership against a team brimming with confidence after causing two huge upsets to storm into September.

The Bulldogs enter in red-hot form, finally translating effort into results with back-to-back statement wins. Aimee Whelan has been at the heart of their success, with her midfield work setting the tone, while Senna Gulden‘s top-level experience has eased the load on her teammates. Shifting Sera Kaukiono forward has proven a clever move, adding another dimension to their attack, while Hayley Stanford‘s inside ball-winning and Gabby Eaton’s growing influence have underpinned their improved consistency.

The challenge now is whether they can sustain that level under the pressure of finals football, and crucially, whether they can turn opportunities into goals, something that has been their Achilles heel in recent seasons.

For East Coast, 2025 has been a season of tests. Injuries and unavailability have disrupted continuity, producing patchy results by their lofty standards. But write off the three-time reigning premiers at your peril. The Eagles’ squad has the depth, experience, and proven big-game temperament to rise when it matters most.

The possible return of stars such as Rylee McGartland, Caitlin Davidson, Emily Goodsir and Amelie Prosser-Shaw could transform their line-up into the most potent in the competition once again. Add in the form of Matilda Elbourne, who has been proactive around the contest and clean with her distribution, and the Eagles look poised to return to their trademark style.

Expect East Coast to rely on their structure and experience. Leaders like Renee Tomkins and Abbey Martin provide stability behind the ball, setting up intercepts and launching attacks, while their forward line — when fully stocked — remains the most dangerous in the league. Finals familiarity is their trump card, and they’ll look to impose their authority early.

For UNSW, the path to victory lies in pressure. They must hunt the ball, stay composed with every possession, and convert every chance they generate. The Bulldogs know they will be made to chase and scrap for much of the afternoon — the question is whether their belief and momentum can overcome the class and experience of the champions.

It’s an elimination final full of intrigue. The Bulldogs have shown they can shake the league’s best, but the Eagles’ pedigree and returning firepower make them deserved favourites.

Tip: East Coast by 20 points