THE northern states’ competitions head into ANZAC weekend with a host of compelling matchups, as the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division and QAFL Women’s both take to the field for Round 4 and Round 3 respectively. Academy prospects remain absent through Talent League commitments, giving club-level talents a further chance to impress.

AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division:

ROUND 4 FIXTURE:

Parramatta Goannas vs. Pennant Hills Demons | Saturday April 25, 12:20pm @ Gipps Road Ovals
UTS Bats vs. UNSW-ES Bulldogs | Saturday April 25, 12:50pm @ Trumper Oval
Manly Warringah Wolves vs. East Coast Eagles | Saturday April 25, 3:30pm @ Weldon Oval
North Shore Bombers vs. St George Dragons | Saturday April 25, 4:20pm @ Gore Hill Oval

Bye: Sydney University

The round opens with an intriguing bottom three clash between Parramatta and Pennant Hills, with both sides still searching for their first win of the year. Whichever team can convert scoring opportunities will take the points — defence has not been the issue for either side, but clean forward entries and scoreboard conversion have been the determining factor.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs head to Trumper Oval as the competition’s form side after last week’s stunning win over North Shore. The Bulldogs have found a way to disrupt opposition transitions more effectively than any other team in the competition right now, and the UTS Bats – who are building towards a finals tilt – face their stiffest examination of the season so far.

Manly takes on East Coast Eagles in a game the Wolves should win, but have historically made hard work of. East Coast has a knack for pressuring Manly into disjointed, fumbly play, and that tendency has played out over multiple seasons. If the Wolves’ unrivalled athleticism across the park fires over four quarters though, this could be the day they put the Eagles away convincingly.

North Shore Bombers host St George Dragons at Gore Hill in what should be a comfortable evening for the reigning premiers, despite a chastening result against the Bulldogs last round. The Dragons are still finding their offensive feet and will struggle to restrict the Bombers’ runners and overlapping chains for four quarters. A statement win is needed from North Shore after UNSW exposed their defensive vulnerability last round.

QAFL Women’s:

ROUND 3 FIXTURE:

Maroochydore vs. Moreton Bay | Saturday April 25, 2:00pm @ Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex University of Queensland vs. Southport | Saturday April 25, 2:00pm @ Base Architecture Meadows Bond University vs. Coorparoo | Saturday April 25, 3:00pm @ Bond University Oval
Broadbeach vs. Aspley | Saturday April 25, 4:45pm @ Kombumerri Park
Wilston Grange vs. Morningside | Saturday April 25, 4:45pm @ Hickey Park

Maroochydore hosts Moreton Bay with both sides looking to build on their Round 2 results – the Roos went down narrowly to University of Queensland in what was a competitive contest, while the Lions are yet to trouble the scorers much. Maroochydore’s home advantage should be decisive here.

The ANZAC Day showpiece sees University of Queensland host reigning premiers Southport, who suffered a surprise one-point defeat to Morningside in Round 2. The Sharks remain one of the competition’s most powerful sides and will be keen to bounce back, while a Red Lionesses team that found form in Round 2 will hope to use that momentum into the contest.

Bond University against Coorparoo is the match of the round – two undefeated sides colliding with plenty at stake near the top of the table. The Bull Sharks have been devastating across two rounds, while the Blues edged Aspley 5.3 to 3.3 in Round 2 after a competitive contest at Giffin Park. Chelsea Chesterfield and Grace Roberts-White against the likes of Tegan Williams and Isabella Iverach – the first genuine top-of-the-table test of 2026.

Newly admitted Broadbeach host Aspley in a match both sides will see as an opportunity. The Cats are still seeking their first win after a tough opening fortnight, while Aspley went down to Coorparoo in Round 2 after a competitive second half. An even contest between two sides at similar points in their season.

The evening closer at Hickey Park sees Wilston Grange host Morningside in what shapes as the competition’s most intriguing contest. The Gorillas have been ferocious – Zimmorlei Farquharson booting six goals in both of her side’s massive wins – while the Panthers have backed up their Round 1 win with the upset of the round, defeating Southport by a point. The Panthers are building genuine momentum with midfielder Laura Roy leading the way, and this will be another great test.