Written by Michael Shillito
What will 2026 bring? A new season, boundless possibilities. Over the next 18 rounds and then four weeks of finals we’ll see dreams fulfilled and hopes shattered; the ecstasy of victory, the agony of defeat. Players will rise and fall, sporting careers will be made and broken.
Ten teams will contest Men's Premier Division in 2026, along with nine in the Women's league. Each has had players move on since last year, with new names coming in to take their place. Recruits from elsewhere, new players to our game, juniors looking to make their mark at a senior level. Who will step up and take on the challenge? Whose star will rise in 2026?
North Shore are the benchmark. They won both Premier Division titles last year. They’re looking strong again for both competitions this year and want to go back to back in both. But history tells us that one team doesn’t dominate forever. North Shore have raised the bar, but history tells us that someone will step up and embrace the challenge.
Who will it be? Will it be local rivals Manly, who were minor premiers in both comps last year? Will it come from the universities, where UNSW-ES and Sydney Uni are both ready and keen? Will South-West Sydney build on their meteoric rise from last year? Or will it be someone coming up from the pack and lifting their game?
We start with a full round in the Men's comp, with all ten teams in action. In the Women's, Pennant Hills have the opening round bye. 2025 was tough for them, and they have a couple more weeks to fine-tune their preparation for what they are hoping will be a vastly improved performance.
After this week, we’ll take a week off for Easter. And when we return on the weekend of 11-12 April, our divisional warriors will commence their seasons.
So much to look forward to. So many challenges and opportunities ahead. Raise the curtain and let the games begin!!
ROUND 1 PREVIEW
East Coast Eagles v UTS Bats
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 12:10pm
Our Men's Premier Division season gets under way at Bruce Purser, with a clash between the Eagles and the Bats. For both, it’s been a long wait for success. The Eagles last competed in finals in 2018, with the Bats having not been a part of playoff action since 2016. But both have hopes of moving up the ladder in 2026, and the campaign to be big improvers starts right here.
Wooden spooners for three years in a row from 2022 to 2024, the Eagles climbed off the bottom last year and managed four wins. It’s been a long rebuild for the Eagles, but now is the time to consolidate and make the move up the ladder. The club has been a powerhouse in Women's footy in recent years, but now it’s time for the blokes to step up. It’s still a very young list, but there’s more experience in it now; and the lessons learned in recent years will be put to the test as the months of 2026 unfold.
As always, there’ll be plenty of new faces in the UTS lineup for 2026. After just five wins in 2025, they’re hoping for an improved showing this season. The potential is there, but can they step up when the game gets tight and find a way to get across the line? There were times last year when they were in a winning position, even against strong opponents, but couldn’t get it done at the critical moments. The foundations are there, but must be built on this season.
Last year these teams split their meetings, with the Eagles getting up by 18 points at Bruce Purser in round 2; but the Bats turned the tables with an 11-point result at Waverley in round 14. The Eagles have the home advantage this time, and need to make it count. For both clubs, the dream is to challenge for the finals; and it’s hard to see both of them getting there. That makes games like this of crucial importance. To hit the ground running and get the season off to a flying start will give confidence that the team is heading in the right direction. It’s only one game, but momentum can build from that. It’s so much more than the four points on offer.
Inner West Magpies v North Shore Bombers
Picken Oval, Saturday 1:00pm
North Shore’s premiership defence takes them first up to Picken Oval for a match-up against Inner West Magpies. The Bombers were super-impressive last season in the games that mattered; and they’ll be looking to repeat that performance when the business end of 2026 comes around. But they have to make the finals first, and the Magpies will be doing everything they can to ensure the first hurdle will be a challenging one.
The Magpies were unable to replicate their finals appearance of 2024, winning just one game last season to finish with the dreaded wooden spoon. But a new season wipes the slate clean, and it’s a fresh beginning for the Magpies. A new coach with AFL experience, new players and a new hope and optimism. It will take time for the game plan to fully come together; but a credible performance here would go a long way towards building hope for the future.
Back to back premierships and going for the three-peat; North Shore have been the benchmark in recent years. There’s no shortage of exciting young players coming through the ranks, with hopes of replenishing the lineup with each passing season. They’re the hottest of favourites here; but they can’t afford to rest on their laurels. There’s a job to be done and they need to be focused on getting the points here.
North Shore were untroubled in the two meetings between the two clubs last year; winning by 114 points at Gore Hill in round 6 and by 71 points at Picken Oval in round 16. It would be a boilover if the wooden spooners knocked off the premiers in the opening round; but not unprecedented. East Coast stunned UNSW-ES in the opening round just a couple of years ago. The Bombers can’t afford to take this one lightly; while the Magpies will be determined to put up a competitive performance. If the home side can give the Bombers a run for their money, it will give plenty of reassurance that they’re headed in the right direction.
South-West Sydney Blues v Pennant Hills Demons
Bob Prenter Reserve, Saturday 1:00pm
One of the more intriguing opening round fixtures will take place at the new look Bob Prenter Reserve on Saturday as South-West Sydney plays host to Pennant Hills. The new clubhouse looks a treat, a Premier Division standard venue; while the vast expanses of the ground surface remains to test the fitness of our running players and the distance of our longest kicks. It’s a game to watch; and you don’t have to miss a moment of the action if you tune your device to Streamer. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6005 ]
This is only the fifth year of South-West Sydney’s existence in its present form; the third at Premier Division level. But the Blues went forward in leaps and bounds last year as they made their way into the finals, knocking off Sydney Uni in the Elimination Final to finish in fourth place. The platform is laid for future success, but the challenge is to build on that platform and take the next step and become genuine contenders. To pass that test, this is the sort of game they need to take by the scruff of the neck and get the job done.
It’s rare for Pennant Hills to miss out on the finals, but they fell agonisingly short last year; when they were depending on another result which went the wrong way by less than a goal. Expect to see the Demons galvanised into action in 2026 as they look to return to the business end of the season. A slow start to 2025 meant they were playing catch-up in their efforts to move up the ladder; so this time round they’ll be looking to hit the ground running and clock up some early competition points.
The Blues had the edge over the Demons in 2025, winning by 68 points at Mike Kenny in round 11 and then by 74 points at Rosedale in round 17. But this time the Blues won’t have Trent Cotchin and Brandon Ellis as guest players; they’ll be relying on their own list. And there’s plenty of ability in that list, ready to make the next step. While the Demons, always a club that does the one-percenters well, have the determination to make up for the disappointment of last year. This game could be pivotal to the outcome of the season for both clubs; and there probably won’t be much in it.
Sydney University Students v St George Dragons
Mahoney Park, Saturday 1:20pm
We’re on the banks of the Cooks River for our clash between the Students and the Dragons. Sydney Uni, after a fifth-placed finish least year, are aiming to move up and become genuine premiership contenders in 2026. St George’s aim for 2026 is to break a four year finals drought and return to playoff action. For both clubs, a strong start will help them in achieving their 2026 campaign.
After a promising start last season, Sydney Uni fell into a mid-season slump and their place in the finals wasn’t wrapped up until the final round of the regular season. Since winning the 2020 premiership, the Students haven’t finished in the top three; but the blue and gold hoops have high hopes of a move upwards. With a strong junior pathway, bolstered by some handy recruits, they’re fired up and ready to go.
St George struggled in 2025, winning just four games in an eighth-placed finish. It was a season that didn’t live up to the high standards the Dragons set for themselves, and they’ll be going all-out to put things right in 2026. They’ve trained hard, re-set the game plan, brought some new faces into the club. And now it’s time to put those plans into action and lay the groundwork for a run up the ladder this season.
The Students got the job done both times the teams met last year; firstly by 44 points at Olds Park in round 3, and then by a whopping 105 points at Sydney Uni No 1 in round 9. We’re not at the campus this time, but the Students are the home team; and they’ll be keen to make their advantage count. There’s a long season ahead; one game doesn’t make or break a season. But it’s a momentum builder, and creates confidence that the team is in a good position to achieve their goals for the season. Four competition points hits the ground running; and both clubs will be battling hard to get the season off to a flying start.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Weldon Oval, Saturday 2:30pm
In last year’s Preliminary Final, UNSW-ES got out to a shock half time lead before the Wolves fought back in the second half to make their way into the Grand Final. Now the Wolves and the Bulldogs meet again in a game which will tell us plenty about the likely fortunes of both clubs in this new season. The stakes are high, it’s a game to keep an eye on; and if you can’t get over the Spit Bridge to Weldon, make sure you tune in to Streamer and you won’t miss a thing. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6006 ]
By any measure, the Wolves had a good season last year. Top of the ladder after the regular season, and thanks to that Preliminary Final heart-stopper, they were a part of Sydney footy’s showpiece game and there was only a kick in it at the long break. The Wolves were unable to keep up with a red-hot North Shore in the second half, but the vibe from Weldon this season is they can go one better. Once again they’ve assembled a strong lineup, and got some good juniors who will make their way to Seniors this year. This is their first big test for 2026, and they’re ready.
UNSW-ES bounced back from a disappointing 2024 to make the Preliminary Final last year; and were so close to the Grand Final. There’s a few changes to their lineup, a couple of key departures; but still plenty of quality in the Bulldogs side this season. Weldon away is a tough draw to start the season, but a strong showing here will put them in good stead for the season ahead.
Last year the Wolves had the edge over the Bulldogs, winning all three meetings between the two sides. A 25-point win at Weldon in round 4 was followed up by a 24-point result at Henson in round 10; and then the thriller in the finals. With the home ground advantage, the Wolves will go into this one as favourites. But these are two teams with strong finals ambitions; up for grabs is not just the four points the winner gets, but four points the loser doesn’t, and a key psychological edge. Plenty to play for here, and with two strong teams on the field, this should be a cracker.
Parramatta Goannas v North Shore Bombers
Gipps Road Oval, Saturday 11:00am
It’s a morning start at Gipps Road as the Goannas kick off the season, hosting defending premiers North Shore. The Goannas had a challenging 2025, winning just two games; and it’s a tough draw to open the season against a Bombers lineup with ambitions of taking out back to back titles. Wherever you find yourself in the world, all the action unfolds before you if you tune your device to Streamer. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6003 ]
Last year’s meetings between the two clubs were lopsided, with the Goannas unable to score either time as they went down by 172 points at Gore Hill in round 3 and by 99 points at Gipps Road in round 10. The Goannas are all too aware that another scoreless performance this time isn’t acceptable; and will have the forward line working overtime to get the scoreboard ticking over.
For the home side, the 2026 season is about redemption after a disappointing 2025. The Goannas were only able to salute twice, while copping several heavy defeats. They’ve bolstered their lineup with some young talent; and while it will be a learning curve to get them up to Premier Division level, the expectation must be that there are steady signs of progress. It’s so hard to stay motivated when you’re getting comprehensively beaten every week; and the Goannas need to see signs of a lift in performance as the weeks tick by.
No such issues for North Shore. Last year’s premiership was a triumph for the Baby Bombers, the vast majority of whom still qualify for the Under 20s. But although they have hopes of building a dynasty, and there’s plenty more quality players keen to join them; every week is a new challenge and there’s no room for resting on their laurels. Favoritism means nothing once the ball is bounced, they still have to turn up and get the job done. If they’re even slightly off their game, the Goannas must be primed to pounce on their opportunity.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Weldon Oval, Saturday 12:30pm
There was plenty to like about the 2025 season for both these clubs; although they ultimately fell short of premiership glory. The Wolves were minor premiers but ended up going down in the Preliminary Final, while the Bulldogs ended East Coast’s premiership streak in their fourth placed finish. For both clubs, it’s a solid foundation to build a 2026 campaign around; but only one of these teams can get the season off to the strong start they want.
The best place to watch the action unfold is at Weldon Oval. The second best is on your device as you catch the Streamer feed. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6004 ]
For much of last year, the Wolves looked the team to beat as they swept most of their competition aside to take out the minor premiership. But it came unstuck in the playoffs as they lost both their finals to miss out on a spot in the competition decider. It’s a wrong that the Wolves are determined to put right this year. But before they can think about winning finals, they need to make the finals; and wins in games like this will go a long way towards getting them there.
The Bulldogs also had an encouraging season in 2025 as they finished the regular season strongly to make their way into the finals; and then ended East Coast’s hopes of a four-peat in the Elimination Final. Their season ended the next week, but it’s a good platform to build on this year. There’s always ins and outs from the lineup from one season to the next; but there’s plenty of reason for hope and confidence this season. But Manly away first up is a tough draw.
Last year the Wolves had the wood on the Bulldogs, taking out a 12-point win at Weldon in round 4 and following it up with a nine-point win in a low-scoring clash at Henson in round 10. But a new season is a clean slate, a fresh chance to impress. The winner gets off to a flying start, and strikes a key blow against a potential finals rival. Both clubs will be going in hard here, looking to hit the ground running in 2026. There’ll be plenty of interest in how this game goes.
East Coast Eagles v UTS Bats
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 2:30pm
We’re at Bruce Purser for a critical first-up clash between the Eagles and the Bats. As recently as 2023 these clubs met in the Grand Final. But last year fell short of those lofty heights. The Eagles’ premiership streak came to an end with a fifth-place finish; while the Bats fell at the last hurdle to miss out on the finals. It’s been a long summer to reflect on a year that got away; and this clash is the start of the campaign to put things right and restore their former glory. But only one team can get the start they’re looking for.
Premiers in 2022, 2023 and 2024; the Eagles have a proud record at this level. But last year they were unable to replicate that premiership form; and although they always looked like making the finals, their season came to an end in the first week of playoff action. A few key departures create a new challenge, but there’s no shortage of talent coming through the East Coast pathway. It would be dangerous to write them off.
UTS’s season last year threatened to unravel early as they suffered a long losing streak; but some wins later in the season gave them a sniff of making the finals. Ultimately they fell short, and missing out on the finals will spur them on to wanting to put things right this time around. With a strong under 20s pathway, there’s some handy talent to draw on to replenish the lineup for 2026. They’re fired up and ready to go.
Last year’s clashes between these teams favoured the Eagles; with East Coast knocking off the Bats by 25 points at Bruce Purser in round 2, and following it up with a 19-point result at Waverley in round 14. But at the opening of a new season, it’s a fresh start and a chance to hit the ground running. There’ll be no shortage of motivation or desperation; two teams desperate for a strong start to the season. This should be hard-fought, and thee shouldn’t be much in it. Cometh the hour, who will step up and get it done?
Sydney University Students v St George Dragons
Mahoney Park, Saturday 3:55pm
Runners up in 2025, Sydney Uni’s aim must surely be to go one better this season and take out the premiership. It’s a high ambition, but having got so close last year, it’s within reach. Their 2026 campaign kicks off at Mahoney Park with an evening clash against a St George side looking to build on their four wins last year.
It was a fine moment for the Students as they overcame Manly in last year’s Preliminary Final to make their way into the competition decider. And after a tight first half, scores were level at the long break. The Students were unable to match it with the red-hot North Shore in the second half; but this season they aim to put that disappointment behind them and have another crack at premiership glory. There’s plenty of star power in their lineup, an experienced squad who know what they have to do to make the next step. And first up, they need to get the job done against the Dragons.
St George were winless in their first season at Premier Division level in 2024, and copped some heavy defeats in 2025; but managed to knock off Parramatta and Pennant Hills twice each to record four wins. But last year was a year with a massive gap between the bottom three and the rest; and being the best of the bottom three isn’t good enough this year. It’s all about closing that gap and being competitive against the top teams. And round 1 is their first big test.
It was all Sydney Uni in their two meetings last year, with the Students holding the Dragons goal-less to win by 69 points at Olds Park in round 3; and then holding them to a single goal in round 9 to prevail by 67 points. The Dragons need to score more than one goal this time; and even if they can’t win, they need to compete. The gap between the top teams and the bottom three was way too high last year; and the Dragons will be all too aware they need to be more competitive this season. This is their first chance to showcase the improvement they’ve been working on.