IT WAS the weekend of upsets across the Northern States with the reigning premiers in both the QAFL Women’s and AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division going down in rare losses. Southport and North Shore Bombers both suffered defeats in their respective Round 2 and Round 3 competitions, showing just how unpredictable the leagues could be in 2026.

QUEENSLAND:

QAFL Women’s: Round 2

Morningside survived a thriller against Southport in the grand final rematch, bouncing back from a scoreless first term to edge past the all-conquering Sharks by a point, 3.3 (21) to 2.8 (20). Smart thinking from Panthers’ Kaitlyn Day put the visitors ahead at Fankhauser Reserve, and they held on from there in a fitting rematch. Laura Roy continued her incredible past 18 months with another huge performance for Morningside, while Sharks Kiara Hillier and Melita Watts were named amongst the best for the losing sides.

Bond University had a far easier time of it, trouncing Moreton Bay by 74 points on the road, 11.14 (80) to 1.0 (6). Kendra Blattman and Charlotte Taylor each kicked three goals, while Shannon Nolan was named best on in a game where the Bull Sharks booted seven goals to one in the second half. Arden Quilliam was named best for the Lions.

Coorparoo had a close 5.3 (33) to 3.3 (21) victory over Aspley at Giffin Park. The sides were coming of polar opposite Round 1 results, but put on a show in front of the home Kings crowd, as the Hornets won the second half but were forced to play catch up. Lucy Schneider was a standout for the Kings, while Carly Hess (two goals) kicked multiple goals. Ella Smith also kicked two goals in a best-on performance for her side.

Another tight battle between two sides who were smashed in Round 1 saw University of Queensland get on the board in season 2026 with a 9.8 (62) to 7.13 (55) win over Maroochydore. The Roos lead by a goal at the final break, before the Red Lionesses kicked four goals to two in the final term to win by seven points. Edie McCabe (three goals) was the top goalkicker in the game, while Luka Yoshida-Martin caught the eye with a couple of majors and was amongst the best. Sara-Jane O’Grady stood out for the Roos.

Wilston Grange continued on its merry way with another massive belting, this time over newcomers Broadbeach, 16.12 (108) to 1.3 (9) at Hickey Park. Zimmorlei Farquharson (six goals), Summer Hamilton (four) and Tshinta Kendall (three) all filled their boots, while Jasmine Single tried her heart out in a tough day out for the Cats.

NEW SOUTH WALES:

AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division: Round 3

UNSW-ES Bulldogs produced the upset of the round by continuing their unbeaten start to the season in taking down reigning premiers North Shore Bombers. In a battle of two sides who have impressed to start 2026, the Bulldogs took control in the first half to lead by 15 points at the main break before securing the 7.3 (45) to 4.8 (32).

Emily Conlan, Rebecca Privitelli and Taylor Smith all booted two goals in the victory, while Eliza Vale and Sera Kaukiono were amongst the best. Adrienne Keeffe (two goals) stood tall in defeat, while Ella Daniel and Sophie Kavanagh.

Manly Warringah Wolves made it back-to-back wins with a 7.6 (48) to 2.3 (15) victory over Sydney University. Bella Clarke and Peggy Stanbury each kicked a couple of goals for the Wolves, while Andrea Roditis was named best-on in the win. Maryanne Harley and Amanda Farrugia were once again amongst the best.

East Coast Eagles crushed Pennant Hills Demons in an 81-0 victory at home. The Eagles kicked five goals in the first half, but really put the foot down in the last quarter with another five in that term alone. Rylee McGartland filled her boots with four majors, while Skye Southon and Jessica Whelan were standouts. Ava Clegg battled hard against the momentum for the Demons.

In the last game of the round, UTS Bats crushed Parramatta Goannas by 82 points, 14.11 (95) to 2.1 (13). After a tight start, the Bats opened the shoulders and rand away with the contest in the second half, booting six goals in a dominant third term. Ella Parker and Brianna-Lee Wade were among the multiple goalkickers with three apiece, while Beth Martini was named best on ground. Cindy Lam was named the Goannas best.