FRESH off an early bye for Easter, the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division resumes with plenty of changes set for Round 2. Pennant Hills Demons come in for their first game of the year, while many of the teams will be minus some of their top young talent as the Swans and Giants Academies take part in the Talent League Girls competition.

NORTH SHORE BOMBERS vs EAST COAST EAGLES
Saturday, April 11 @ 11:50am
Gore Hill Oval

Each side has had one game under their belts and reigning premiers North Shore Bombers did nothing to dispel the hopes around back-to-back flags. When the Bombers can get their run-and-gun game going, it is difficult for any side to try and contain them, and North Shore will look to have plenty of plans up the sleeve id that does eventuate.

The Eagles squad has drastically changed over the last few years since winning three consecutive flags, and they really struggled in Round 1 to find fluid ball movement and transitional plays, particularly after half-time. Most importantly, East Coast needs the midfield to get proactive when it comes to ball-winning and go route one like North Shore will look to do.

It will be a huge test for the Eagles, but at this stage, it is too difficult to tip against the Bombers who should get up by around five goals.

UTS BATS vs SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Saturday, April 11 @ 12:20pm
WAVERLEY OVAL

Clearly the match of the round and featuring two teams who will provide a real armwrestle to the final siren. Watch for copious amounts of contested ball with both sides forced wide in offence. The team that finds a way though to play direct football, will win.

The forecast edge goes to Sydney Uni because of their contested work and extraction proficiency, but they will look for more to share the load in that regard. UTS always plays well at Waverley Oval, and should really keep the game tight. Expect a nail-biter to the end with the tip going the Students by one point.

PENNANT HILLS DEMONS vs MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES
Saturday, April 11 @ 1:20pm
Mike Kenny Oval

Manly Warrigah Wolves are looking for answers after a disappointing Round 1 defeat after a straight sets finals exit last year. They should have no problems against a Pennant Hills Demons side which is still rebuilding to be more competitive, consistently. The game marks the Demons’ first hitout of the year after having a Round 1 bye and an extended break to start the season.

Whilst the margin should be significant, specific areas of improvement for both teams is what each set of supporters will be looking for. Will Pennant Hills provide more scoreboard pressure on the opposition this year? Have they made advances from last year? Meanwhile Manly will need to find the key to unlocking space around the stoppages in order to get more run going and apply greater scoreboard pressure themselves.

The Wolves should take out this one very comfortably however, and bounce back.

ST GEORGE DRAGONS vs. UNSW-ES BULLDOGS
Saturday, April 11 @ 1:40pm
Kelso Park North

Based off Round 1 results, UNSW-ES Bulldogs are on the rise in 2026 and should be too offensively smart for the developing Dragons. St George always bring great defensive effort around the stoppages and can minimise the scoring for a while. However the Bulldogs showed they have plenty of avenues to goal and will be a massive threat.

Expect the game to be tight early, and then at some point, the dam wall will burst and the Bulldogs can break through with free flowing football. The key to the scoreline will be in the midfield battle, and how easily the Dogs can extract it going forward. With talls up front and quality across the board, expect UNSW to come away with a dominant win.

Bye: Parramatta Goannas