A FIERCELY contested battle awaits when Manly Warringah takes on Sydney University for a place in the AFL Sydney Women’s Grand Final. Expect a tough, physical contest with plenty of stoppages and inside footy – an arm-wrestle that will be fought in tight spaces all afternoon.

Neither side has yet been able to consistently link up with clean chains of possession during the 2025 finals. Instead, they’ve relied on one or two quick extraction plays before sending the ball forward. North Shore exploited that against both teams, forcing turnovers and then punishing them with their transition game. The ability to find a clean avenue to goal out of congestion will be the difference on the day.

This won’t be a high-scoring clash – both teams are defensively disciplined, athletic, and thrive on shutting down space. Expect a high number of ball-ups and wrap-up tackles, meaning the ruck battle and the ability to release cleanly from stoppages will be vital. Jasmine Smith looms as a key figure in that space, with her work around the contest likely to be decisive.

Both sides also need to show more proactive ball movement under pressure. Too often, they’ve been caught flat-footed, allowing tacklers to disrupt linkages and stall momentum. The contested ball will be the decisive factor, and for two major reasons. First, it is Sydney University’s greatest weapon, and second, Manly will be desperate to respond after conceding a flurry of goals against North Shore last week, and that response must begin in the middle.

Hannah Woolf up against Amanda Farrugia is a tantalising matchup through the middle, while Ash Carter looks to curb Smith’s influence around the ground. Maryanne Harley was a game changer for the Students last week, and her influence will be vital. If she has the confidence to take the game on, watch out.

Watch for both teams to try and close down space, and once they secure attacking territory, they will try and lock it in. Bruce Purser Reserve’s length makes full transitions tough, so repeat entries will be vital.

TIP

Manly may hold a very slight edge, but this promises to be a nail-biting contest. Around 38 points could be enough for victory, and whichever team reaches that mark will likely progress through to the grand final to take on North Shore next week.