Round 12, 2026 Preview - AFL Sydney Premier Division

UNSW-ES Bulldogs v St George Dragons

Henson Park, Saturday 12:20pm

Bulldogs – 7^th. Played 11, Won 2, Lost 9, 79.69%. Streak – L5

Dragons – 10^th. Played 11, Won 1, Lost 10, 33.90%. Streak – L5

Neither of these teams have won since the first Rep weekend. A season of shattered dreams, as these teams sit a long way from finals contention. But finally relief is coming for one of these teams. A chance for that morale boost that only victory can bring; to sing the song and bask in that joyous feeling. But it’s a prize that only one of these teams can attain.

The Bulldogs had a chance to break their losing streak last week and spring the upset on Pennant Hills at Henson Park. Taking a surprise seven-point lead into the three quarter time break, everything was on track. But it was an all too familiar story for the Bulldogs, as once again they were run down in the last quarter to go down by 28 points. Marcus Lippett, Luke Swan and Fionnan Madden battled tirelessly; but the Bulldogs showed plenty for three quarters but couldn’t last the distance. They’ll need a four-quarter effort this time.

St George have also had plenty that hasn’t gone their way this season. Only one win to date, sittng on the bottom. Last start was against UTS at Kelso Oval last week, s game where the Dragons never looked like getting into the contest as they went down by 48 points. Jack Logan, Josh Nichols and Harry Challen kept working hard; but the Dragons never looked like fighting back and the result just seemed all inevitable all game.

The Bulldogs won by 90 points when these teams met at Kelso in round 2. At that point of the season, we didn’t realise what a struggle 2026 was going to be for the Bulldogs. But for both clubs, 2026 has brought more than its share of trials and tribulations. Plenty of heavy defeats. But here is a chance for some respite. Nothing boosts the spirit more than a win; and both clubs will see this as an opportunity. It’s there for the club that is good enough to put its hand up and take it.

UTS Bats v Pennant Hills Demons

Waverley Oval, Saturday 12:20pm

Bats – 6^th. Played 11, Won 7, Lost 4, 118.30%. Streak – W1

Demons – 4^th. Played 11, Won 8, Lost 3, 168.31%. Streak – W1

Just one win plus percentage separates the Bats from the Demons as these clubs lock horns at Waverley on Saturday. Hopes of getting into the top three, and the finals double-chance, are real. But so is the risk of missing the finals completely. And it’s games like this one that will go a long way to determine who gets in and who misses out.

UTS snapped their losing run and returned to form with a 48-point win over St George at Kelso Oval last week. It was a low-scoring game, not always pretty to watch: but the likes of Lachlan McNamara, Ben Lenarduzzi and Justin Ryan did enough to ensure that the Bats’ losing streak would come to an end. With some momentum on the board, the Bats will need to win here to give themselves a chance of re-entering the finals race.

The Demons returned to the winning list on Saturday, but were given an almighty scare by UNSW-ES at Henson Park. The Bulldogs led by seven points at the last change; before the Demons steadied with five unanswered goals in the final term to win by 28 points. Jonathan Moran, Michael Carroll and Stephen Wray were superb in their role in getting the Demons over the line. You’re not going to dominate every week; but a quality team will still find a way to win when they’re not at their best and the game gets tight. It’s a quality that will stand the Demons in good stead here.

These teams met at Mike Kenny Oval in round 6, where Pennant Hills won by 49 points to hand the Bats their first loss of the season. Now they meet again, this time on the Bats’ turf. It’s effectively an eight-point game. Not just the four competition points the winner gets, but the four points the loser doesn’t. Depending on other results, the Bats could re-enter the top five if they win this. They could certainly leave the Demons in a vulnerable place. But if the Bats can’t get the win, they could fall a long way behind the top five and it would be hard to get back from there. It’s a must-win game; but only one team can.

South-West Sydney Blues v East Coast Eagles

Rosedale Oval, Saturday 2:10pm

Blues – 2^nd. Played 11, Won 9, Lost 2, 216.67%. Streak – W2

Eagles – 8^th. Played 11, Won 2, Lost 9, 40.19%. Streak – L2

After playing their home games at Bob Prenter until now, the Blues play their first home game at Rosedale for the year as they host East Coast on Saturday afternoon. The Blues have established themselves as genuine premiership contenders this season, and will be looking to continue that momentum with another strong performance this week against the struggling Eagles.

Last week the Blues had few concerns as they breezed past Inner West by 134 points. A 44-0 first quarter had put the issue beyond doubt, and from there it was a title contender going through their paces and playing some impressive footy. Matt Ronan landed five goals; while Jack Rule, Ed Cole and Max Lower were ball magnets around the ground. It was a result that bridged a considerable part of the percentage differential with North Shore; and if the Blues can pick up another big win here and it gets tight at Gore Hill, the Blues have a chance to move to the top of the ladder.

East Coast haven’t had the greatest of seasons, saluting just twice so far in 2026. But they would be reasonably encouraged by their performance against top side North Shore at Bruce Purser last week. They didn’t win, but they fought it out all the way and kept it tight.  45 points behind it three quarter time, they never gave up and finished strongly with five goals to one in the final term; not enough to win, but it cut the margin in half. Nick Johns, Mitch Bradley and Riley Hayman were superb. It’s another tough game this week, but the Eagles showed a fighting spirit last week that hasn’t always been there; and they’ll need to take plenty of that spirit to Rosedale this week.

When these teams met at Bruce Purser in round 5, the Blues dominated to record a 109-point win, With the form the Blues are in, and some of the big margins they’ve been winning by in recent weeks, they’ll have high hopes of a repeat result this time. 2026 hasn’t been kind to the Eagles, but they pushed North Shore last week. If that last quarter can give them some confidence that they can compete against the top teams, they’ll need four quarters of that. If the Eagles can finish full of running again, this one could be closer than a lot of people expect.

North Shore Bombers v Manly-Warringah Wolves

Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 2:50pm

Bombers – 1^st. Played 11, Won 9, Lost 2, 225.21%. Streak – W5

Wolves – 5^th. Played 11, Won 7, Lost 4, 138.50%. Streak – L1

The Northern derby, the Battle of the Spit Bridge. The Bombers and the Wolves have played off in the last two Grand Finals. These clubs and players know each other well, and neither team will have any trouble motivating themselves for this contest. And no-one with any link to either club will want to miss this; and even if life conspires to prevent you from getting to Gore Hill, just get your device on and head over to Streamer. [ link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6438 ]

North Shore, having won both those Grand Finals against the Wolves, come into this game on top, having won their last five. They won ugly at Bruce Purser against East Coast last week, well short of full strength and nowhere near their best footy, but did enough to get the points; thanks in a large part to the efforts of Mitch Rogers, Jake Veale and Nick Brewer. After three weeks in a row on the road, the Bombers will look forward to being back on their synthetic; and a game against a big rival should spur them on to a much stronger performance this week.

Manly’s winning streak, that took them from a slow start into the top five, came to an abrupt end at Weldon last week when the Wolves went down to Sydney Uni by 53 points. The damage was done early, as the Students got the early jump and the Wolves never looked like bridging the deficit. Whiley Toll, Barry O’Connor and Zac Youlten battled hard; but the Wolves had some key players missing and never looked like threatening their opponents. This is another tough fixture, but the Wolves stand ready for this challenge. The stakes are high; and if they drop this one, they risk falling outside the top five.

The round 5 clash between these clubs at Weldon was a thriller, with the lead changing hands numerous times before the Wolves prevailed by two points. This time we’re at the Goretress, and the Wolves haven’t won there since the synthetic was installed. Neither team was at their best last week, but the sight of their opponent will fire both clubs up for action this time. Some quality players returning to the lineups of both teams this week, a rivalry clash, the Bombers playing to maintain top spot while the Wolves are playing to stay in the five. Plenty to play for; and this should be a cracker.

Sydney University Students v Inner West Magpies

Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 2:50pm

Students – 3^rd. Played 11, Won 9, Lost 2, 171.89%. Streak – W4

Magpies – 9^th. Played 11, Won 1, Lost 10, 40.65%. Streak – L1

There’s always a sense of anticipation for the Inner West derby; and although the last couple of years haven’t been kind to the Magpies, they have a history of lifting for games against Sydney Uni. And they’ll need to lift a lot this time; with the Students buoyed by a big win on the road last week and holding a share of the competition lead.

Sydney Uni have won their last four, only separated from the ladder leadership on percentage. Last week they pulled off a superb road win, getting the early jump with a seven-goal first quarter and going on to beat Manly by 53 points at Weldon Oval. Lachlan Keeffe starred up forward to land six goals; while Hugo Blacker and Vasili Malempre were influential around the ground. They’re in solid form, playing at the Campus; and they’ll fancy their chances of going on with the job this week.

Last week was a shocker for the Magpies against South-West Sydney at Bob Prenter. The Magpies were unable to score in the first quarter and were already 44 points down at quarter time; going on to lose by 134 points. Will Deller, Jonty Inglis and Ben Zoppo battled tirelessly against the odds; but the Magpies struggled to lay a glove on the Blues. This week is another tough away fixture against an in-form opponent. The Magpies will need to tackle a lot harder and compete for every possession a lot more than they did last week if they are to pressure the Students.

When these teams met at Picken Oval in round 5, it was one-way traffic with the Students dominating all the way to win by 66 points, falling just two points short of the double-century. On the more confined space at the Campus, there are quick goals to be had when you’re on top; and the Magpies will need to defend like their lives depend on it to prevent this being another blowout. For Sydney Uni, percentage could cost them top spot or a double-chance; and here is a chance to boost that percentage and give themselves the best chance of a strong ladder position.

UTS Bats v Pennant Hills Demons

Waverley Oval, Saturday 10:30am

Bats – 5^th. Played 10, Won 6, Lost 4, 110.60%. Streak – W1

Demons – 9^th. Played 9, Won 0, Lost 9, 0.79%. Streak – L1

It would take a bizarre series of mathematical permutations for UTS to miss the finals from here. But they’ve still got some work to do if they are going to get any higher than fifth. A game and a half out of the double chance, they need to lift further. But they’re back on the winning list after last week’s result. But they would help their cause with a big percentage boost; and a clash against the winless Pennant Hills gives the Bats that opportunity.

The Bats had to dig deep to get past St George at Kelso last week. The Dragons kicked the only two goals of the first quarter; but after the first change the Bats tightened the game. The Dragons would not score another goal, as the Bats took the lead and went on to win by 34 points. Brianna-Lee Wade, Melanie Bertuna and Alex Wade led the way for the Bats in a revival after a few weeks of indifferent performances. Not always totally convincing, but enough to take the points. But against the bottom side this week, they’ll be looking for more this time.

There’s not much you can say about Pennant Hills but that it’s been a struggle for them. Last week they were held scoreless for the seventh time in nine games, going down to UNSW-ES by 98 points. Ash Grubba, Greta Clatworthy and Remy Ally tried hard; but the Demons haven’t had the firepower to be competitive this season. One can only hope they can find something positive to hold on to, that can motivate them to find a way out of the situation they find themselves in.

It’s the second meeting between these clubs this season. In round 6 at Mike Kenny, the Bats held the Demons scoreless while running out 124-point winners. Another performance like that will give the Bats the assurance and confidence that they’re returning to the impressive form they showed earlier in the season. But for the Demons, who have struggled to get any score on the board this season, it will take a heightened effort to be competitive and put their opposition under pressure. But after so many heavy losses this season, only that sort of effort can break the cycle.

Sydney University Students v Parramatta Goannas

Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 1:00pm

Students – 4^th. Played 10, Won 7, Lost 2, Drawn 1, 273.01%. Streak – L1

Goannas – 8^th. Played 9, Won 2, Lost 7, 26.68%. Streak – W1

Sydney Uni’s winning streak came to an end last week, a result that saw the Students drop to fourth. But with two teams above them playing each other, the Students can keep themselves within reach of the double-chance if they can get the job done against Parramatta. The Goannas return to action after the bye last week, travelling to the Campus after a win at their last start and hoping to build some momentum with an upset result.

The Students didn’t have a great trip to Weldon last week, going down by 57 points to Manly. The Wolves won every quarter, and the Students were never able to get themselves into the contest or build any momentum. Amanda Farrugia, Ryleigh Delacor-Batch and Lucy Gilfedder tried hard; but it was a surprisingly flat performance by the Students, well short of their normal standards. Good teams don’t always win, but they hit back hard next time; and the Students will be looking for a big lift this time round.

The Goannas had the bye last week. Their last start was a win, a three-point thriller against St George. Montana Doubell, Megan Mifsud and Tayliya Noack, who have worked hard all season to lift the Goannas, played key roles in getting them over the line. It wasn’t always pretty to watch, but they did enough to get the win; and with a win comes confidence and morale. It’s been a long wait to back up that performance, but having tasted victory once, they’ll give it their best shot this time.

At Gipps Road in round 4, the Students held the Goannas to a single goal to record a big 84-point win. They’re hot favourites again this time, shooting for the finals double-chance while up against a team whose finals hopes are mathematical only. The Goannas enjoyed a win last time, which made the bye weekend so much more enjoyable. But they’re going to have to find a lot more to challenge the Students.

North Shore Bombers v Manly-Warringah Wolves

Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 1:10pm

Bombers – 3^rd. Played 10, Won 7, Lost 2, Drawn 1, 443.79%. Streak – W4

Wolves – 1^st. Played 10, Won 9, Lost 1, 457.63%. Streak – W9

North Shore and Manly, always a mouth-watering rivalry; and especially so while the battle for finals positions is heating up. The Wolves are top at the moment but need a win to stay there, and if that was to happen, the Bombers’ hopes of the double-chance would be in jeopardy. But if the Bombers can prevail on the Gore Hill synthetic, the race for both the minor premiership and the double-chance would be thrown wide open. It all makes for a hot and spicy clash; and if you’re not able to be there in person, the next best thing is to see all the action as it unfolds on Streamer. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6438 ]

The North Shore juggernaut rolled on at Bruce Purser last week, when the Bombers faced few obstacles in recording an 86-point win over East Coast. Abbey Martin spearheaded the charge up forward with five goals; while Ella Daniel, Georgina Maher and Sophie Kavanagh were once again outstanding around the ground. Manly will be a tough test for the Bombers, but if they can keep playing like that, it’s a challenge they’re more than adequately equipped to take on.

Manly haven’t lost since the opening round of the season, and underlined their class in 2026 with a comprehensive 57-point result against Sydney Uni at Weldon last week. From start to finish, it was a demonstration of the Wolves’ ability, with Andrea Roditis, Hannah Woolf and Bella Clarke in the thick of the action; and the Students were powerless to resist. In that sort of form, the Wolves are hard to stop. But playing away to the defending premiers in a rivalry game will test them.

In round 5 at Weldon, the Wolves got it done by 22 points. But Gore Hill is a very different setting. These are two teams in form, playing some impressive footy. Both these teams will be well represented during the upcoming Rep weekend, a sign of the quality of star power on display. This is a contest that is keenly anticipated; and could be pivotal in how the final five will unfold. And there’s every chance these teams will meet again when the business end of the season comes around.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs v St George Dragons

Henson Park, Saturday 2:40pm

Bulldogs – 2^nd. Played 10, Won 8, Lost 2, 576.15%. Streak – W1

Dragons – 7^th. Played 10, Won 2, Lost 8, 32.54%. Streak – L2

It’s a season of contrasting fortunes for the Bulldogs and the Dragons. The Bulldogs have an 8-2 record, looking good to finish in the finals double-chance; all they have to do is keep doing what they have done. While the Dragons are 2-8, their finals hopes gone in all but a series of unlikely mathematical permutations. Can the Dragons be competitive in this encounter and put one of this season’s title contenders under pressure?

UNSW-ES sit in second spot on the ladder, and were untroubled in recording a 98-0 win over Pennant Hills at Henson Park last week. Ash James, Ella Willey and Bonnie Swan played key roles for the Bulldogs as they played to impress. Just one win behind ladder leaders Manly with a better percentage; and if Manly slip up at Gore Hill, the Bulldogs can return to top spot. But they have to get the job done here.

At quarter time last week, the Dragons had the slightest sniff of an upset. They’d kicked the only two goals of the first quarter in their clash against UTS at Kelso Oval. But that was as close as they could go, as they were unable to score a goal in the remainder of the game while the Bats took the lead to win by 34 points. Kaitlyn Eisenhuth, Charlotte Bulmer and Eloise Carey played solid games, particularly through those early exchanges. They caused their opposition a few anxious moments, and need to build on that ability every week. But it’s another thing to keep that game going for four quarters.

The Bulldogs enjoyed a comfortable 69-point win over the Dragons when these teams met at Henson Park in round 2. It was part of the strong early-season winning streak by the Bulldogs that left them well placed on the ladder and laid the foundations to have a solid crack at the premiership this season. It’s a big ask for the Dragons to win this one, but they need to put the Bulldogs under pressure for as long as they can. It’s a long road to improvement for those teams outside the top five; but to compete and pressure and tackle hard will give the Dragons some sort of re-assurance they are heading in the right direction.