THE AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division returned for Round 13 with some massive results across the board. Manly Warringah Wolves maintained their grip on top spot, Sydney University and North Shore Bombers secured crucial wins to stay in the hunt, and Parramatta Goannas delivered a ruthless performance to boost their percentage. St George Dragons had the bye.

East Coast Eagles 1.1 (7) def. by Manly Warringah Wolves 14.11 (95)

Manly Warringah Wolves proved why they are the team to beat, dismantling the East Coast Eagles by 88 points at Bruce Purser Reserve. The Wolves built a steady lead early and blew the game open in the second half, holding the Eagles to just one goal for the entire match while piling on 14 of their own. The victory keeps Manly Warringah at the summit of the ladder with a healthy percentage.

Isabella Rudolph was the star up forward for the Wolves, booting four goals in a dominant display. She was well supported by Brooke Bailey who kicked three goals and was named among the best, alongside Kate Salmon (two goals) and Lauren Bull (one goal). Hannah Woolf was named best afield for the victors.

For the Eagles, Molly Martin was the sole goalkicker, while Renee Tomkins, Skye Southon and Talia Manassa battled hard all day against the tide.

Sydney University 8.8 (56) def. UTS Bats 2.4 (16)

Sydney University consolidated second spot on the ladder with a comfortable 40-point victory over the UTS Bats at Blacktown International Sportspark. After a tight, goalless first quarter from both sides, Sydney Uni kicked into gear, slamming on four goals in the second term and controlling the contest from there to secure the points.

Potential first-round AFLW Draft prospect Frances Walsh was best on ground for Sydney University. The Swans Academy and Allies representative continued her impressive season, hitting the scoreboard with two goals. Brianna Davies also kicked two goals, while Saskia Johnson and Lucy Gilfedder (one goal) were influential.

Gemma Casiglia and Ella Parker were the goalkickers for UTS, with Elly Rudd, Tahlia Fraser and Kaitlin McCaffery named as the Bats’ best players.

North Shore Bombers 13.14 (92) def. UNSW-ES Bulldogs 3.5 (23)

The North Shore Bombers made a massive statement in the battle for the top three, knocking over the UNSW-ES Bulldogs by 69 points at Gore Hill Oval. The Bombers were relentless from the opening bounce, steadily increasing their lead at every change and finishing with a flurry of goals in the final term to secure a vital percentage-boosting win.

Lily Sullivan was the main target up forward for North Shore, booting four goals and being amongst the best for her efforts. Abbey Martin added three majors, while Swans Academy and Allies representative Ava Horneman and Swans Academy member Willow Orsini chipped in with two goals each. Heidi de Saxe was named best afield, alongside All-Australian Charlotte Tidemann.

While the Bulldogs were well beaten on the scoreboard, they had strong contributions from Sera Kaukiono, Eliza Vale and Aimee Whelan. The team also featured All-Australian, Swans Academy and Allies member Ashleigh Barlow and Swans Academy and Allies representative Lolita Savala.

Pennant Hills Demons 0.0 (0) def. by Parramatta Goannas 21.21 (147)

The Parramatta Goannas showed no mercy against the winless Pennant Hills Demons, storming to a massive 147-point victory at Mike Kenny Oval. The Goannas dominated from start to finish, keeping the Demons scoreless for the entire match while piling on 21 goals in a ruthless display that significantly boosted their percentage.

Giants Academy members led the charge for Parramatta. Annabelle McHale and Haylee Shelton kicked four goals each, while Brea Trevitt booted three and was named best on ground. Fellow Giants Academy and Allies representative Lauren O’Sullivan was also among the best. Khobi Devine, Montana Doubell and Tayliya Noack all contributed with two goals each.

For the Demons, Louise Fisher, Lillian Ward and Ella Gillard fought hard all day in a tough outing.