A NEW AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division champion will be crowned this weekend when North Shore Bombers and Sydney University go head-to-head for the premiership at Blacktown International Sportspark. After an era of dominance from East Coast Eagles – winning the past three flags – two new competitors step up to the plate.

DETAILS

Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 1:50pm
Venue: Blacktown International Sportspark

HEAD-TO-HEAD

North Shore Bombers: 2
Sydney University: 1

LAST TIME THEY PLAYED

Qualifying Final 1: North Shore Bombers 7.6 (48) def. Sydney University 1.2 (8)

In a dominant statement by the Bombers, North Shore shrugged off a first half challenge from the Students to boot four unanswered goals in the second half and come away with a 7.6 (48) to 1.2 (8) triumph. Young gun Kiera Yerbury starred in the clash, with fellow teenagers Charlotte Tidemann, Lucy Yates and Heidi de Saxe all named amongst the best. Ashley Dribbus and Daisy George were named best-on for the losers.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kiera Yerbury (North Shore Bombers)

The potential first round draft prospect leads all-comers when it comes to top-age talents, with her explosiveness out of the middle, ability to go forward, and dual-sidedness all great traits within her profile. She was massive last time these teams faced off, so expect her to once again be a dominant force for the Bombers.

Charlotte Tidemann (North Shore Bombers)

A name to watch for next year, Tidemann is fresh off running around for the Under 17 Futures down in Melbourne where she showed her trademark speed off half-back. A damaging user by foot, Tidemann is a metres gained player, and has shown in the past she can run off a wing as well. Her work off half-back is where she has excelled, and she will begin plenty of forawrd forays from behind the ball.

Grace Parsons (North Shore Bombers)

A key forward for the Sydney Swans Academy and Allies, she has also played through the ruck, where she will have a big job on the weekend once again. A nice jump and strong hands, Parsons is one who can hit the scoreboard when deep inside 50, but also has a long kick so is capable from range too. One of a number of key talls at the Bombers’ disposal.

Heidi de Saxe (North Shore Bombers)

The AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Rising Star is a midfielder with plenty of talent. She can go forward and impact the game too, and looms as one to watch in 2026. She is traditionally an inside ball-winner but runs hard and gets to plenty of contests, with de Saxe one of a number of young guns as shown by this list, who can get control of a game.

Amelia Rainbow (North Shore Bombers)

The youngest player out there having turned 16 just recently, Rainbow is a member of the GWS Giants Academy – the ones above are all Swans – and has shown great versatility to be able to play anywhere on the field. She is dual-sided and stands at 173cm so has the height to get her hands on the ball and compete well against a myriad of opponents.

Adrienne Keeffe (North Shore Bombers)

The leading contested marker in the competition, Keeffe has pulled in 39 of them throughout the course of the season, to be well clear of her nearest competitor. Keeffe came third in the leading goalkicker to Isabella Rudolph and is second for the season overall, and one of only three players to kick more than 40, with 46 for the season. A real threat inside 50 who can get off the chain if the Students are not careful.

Amanda Farrugia (Sydney University)

Tough to look past the former GWS Giants AFLW skipper as the main cog in the Students’ midfield. She will always bring 100 per cent effort, finds the ball at will and be a real headache around the stoppages. If Sydney University is to cause an upset, she needs to be at her best and work well with her younger teammates at winning the ball and getting it forward. Has racked up a ridiculous 136 clearances this season.

Frances Walsh (Sydney University)

One of two Walsh sisters named in the team, the bottom-aged talent is another player returning from running out in the Under 17 Futures match last weekend. Traditionally a wing, Walsh can also play behind the ball and provide a similar style of run and carry to Tidemann. She backs herself, can run all day and rack up metres gained. Missed the preliminary final due to the Under 17 Futures, but is a big addition.

Emma Walsh (Sydney University)

The older of the Walsh siblings, Emma has paved the way for her young sister, and is one of the leaders at the Students. She has the natural football instincts and helps direct teammates to get into the right spots. Pairs up well with her sister in terms of their varying strengths and is another player who can join Farrugia in putting her body on the line and winning it for her side.

Lucy Gilfedder (Sydney University)

The Students’ leading goalkicker with 27, she and Jasmine Smith (20 goals) loom as the biggest threats to the Bombers’ defence. Both have shown a knack for finding the big sticks, while Smith is ranked sixth in the league for contested marks. Gilfedder just finds space inside 50 and converts when given the chance, so will be tightly watched by the Bombers.

Maryanne Harley (Sydney University)

Second in clearances for her side with 73, Harley is another key ball-winner who complements Farrugia in the middle. If her senior teammate is being tightly negated, it will be up to her to step up. Harley has been a consistent player for a long time, and sometimes can fly under the radar, but up on the big stage for the Students, expect her to flourish.

Saskia Johnson (Sydney University)

Second in overall disposals for the Students, Johnson is renowned for winning it on the outside and transitioning it forward. She gets on the end of the grunt work from her teammates, and gets the ball into dangerous spots. She has had 50 inside 50s across the course of the 2025 season, third to only Farrugia and Harley. Another named to note down as a potential big game player.

PREDICTION

North Shore Bombers have won the last two times these sides have faced off, the most recent of which was the dominant first qualifying finals win. That, coupled with an ultra-impressive belting of minor premiers Manly Warringah Wolves the following week has them cemented as favourites. Sydney University earned its spot here with and equally great win over the Wolves, but the Bombers have the depth of talent and form to suggest a win. North Shore by 25 points.