Round 3, 2026 Preview - AFL Sydney Premier Division

UNSW-ES Bulldogs v North Shore Bombers

Henson Park, Saturday 12:20pm

Bulldogs – 4^th. Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, 157.78%. Streak – W1

Bombers – 1^st. Played 2, Won 2, Lost 0, 388.27%. Streak – W2

Our first game at Henson Park for the year brings together the teams that between them have won the last four premierships; with the 2022-23 premiers hosting the holders of the 2024-25 title. Both come into this game on the back of big wins last week; and with high hopes for this season, a win here is a chance to score a key blow against a potential finals rival. Plenty to play for here, and the best place to catch the action is at Henson Park. The next best place is live on Streamer. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6067 ]

After dropping their opening game of the season, the Bulldogs hit back hard in round 2 to easily account for St George by 90 points at Kelso Oval. It was a high-scoring shootout early, but the Bulldogs then tightened the game up to deny the Dragons scoring opportunities after quarter time as they built their way to a match-winning lead. Jake Sutton and Charlie Burgess-Hoar spearheaded the charge up forward with four goals apiece; while Will Spencer and Ben Scala were also in the thick of the action. This week will be a tougher test; but the Bulldogs are one of the few teams that have troubled the Bombers in recent seasons and they’ll be ready for this challenge.

Meanwhile at Gore Hill, the Bombers were ruthless in their demolition of East Coast at Gore, with a nine-goal second quarter and ten goals in the third pivotal in recording a 153-point win. Jackson Nelson booted seven goals and Matt Buskariol five, while Felix Rogers and Nick Pavlou were in everything around the ground. The Bombers will be hard to stop if they can maintain that form every week; but they have a much tougher opponent this time, one that has been known to test them in recent seasons.

The Bulldogs beat North Shore on the eve of the finals last year; but the Bombers turned the tables in the first week of the finals. Both teams go into this clash in good form and with every reason to be confident. But the true challenge comes when the likely top teams meet each other; and this is a test for where both clubs are at. Not only does the winner claim the competition points, but the loser doesn’t; and there’s also a psychological edge up for grabs. Plenty to play for here, and neither team will want to leave anything in the tank.

UTS Bats v Inner West Magpies

Waverley Oval, Saturday 12:40pm

Bats – 2^nd. Played 2, Won 2, Lost 0, 188.33%. Streak – W2

Magpies – 8^th. Played 2, Won 0, Lost 2, 49.40%. Streak – L2

After claiming the scalp of Sydney Uni last week, the Bats have a spring in their step. Could this be the year they finally snap their ten-year finals drought? So far so good, but there’s a lot of footy still to play before the business end of the season. And a slip-up could undo all their good work; they have to keep turning up every week. That continues at Waverley this week as the Bats play host to the Magpies.

UTS are looking like big improvers so far this season, and showed their credentials at Waverley last week when they recorded a comfortable 41-point win over Sydney Uni. The Bats took the lead early, and a run in the second quarter set up a match-winning lead by half time; and kept the scoreboard ticking over in the second half to ensure the Students had no way back into the contest. Ben Lenarduzzi announced himself as a forward to watch with a four-goal return; while Lewis McCormack, Josh Lee and Louis Pribula were prolific around the ground. It’s been an impressive start to the year for the Bats, but the job isn’t done yet. The challenge now is to keep turning up every week and delivering to the level they have so far.

Inner West Magpies weren’t able to get the win against South-West Sydney last week; the Blues’ six-goal run in the second quarter put the game out of reach. The Magpies played better after half time, winning the second half; but they were too far behind to be a chance of snatching the win. Ben Zoppo landed four goals; while Max Fasolo, Bill Robertson and Finnegan Ritchie played key roles in the Magpies’ second half fightback. In both games so far, against finals teams from last year, they’ve had periods where they were competitive; but the challenge is to keep that going for a full four quarters.

UTS were the only team the Magpies could beat last year, but the Bats can’t afford a repeat of that result. Last week was a special result for the Bats, one which gives them genuine hope for this season. But hopes can be dashed as quickly as they are raised if the Bats can’t get the job done here. They need to win. But the Magpies are taking tentative steps towards being a more competitive outfit; and if they can pile on the pressure here, they can cause the home side some uncomfortable moments. Despite being unbeaten against a winless opponent, the Bats can’t expect a walk in the park in this game.

East Coast Eagles v Pennant Hills Demons

Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 1:40pm

Eagles – 10^th. Played 2, Won 0, Lost 2, 28.29%. Streak – L2

Demons – 6^th. Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, 104.46%. Streak – W1

The Hills are alive with the sound of football, as another keenly-anticipated Hills derby awaits at Bruce Purser. The Eagles will be desperate to bounce back after a very heavy loss last week; but it won’t be  easy against a Pennant Hills side that has a spring in their step after their massive win over Manly last week. Even if you can’t make the Metro ride to Rouse Hill, you don’t have to miss out on the action. Just get on to Streamer and you can see everything as it happens. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6068

The Eagles had a difficult day last Saturday, when they travelled to Gore Hill and went down to North Shore by 153 points. Jacob Jones, Thomas Black and Liam Dowle tried hard all day, but the Eagles didn’t have the firepower to match it with North Shore on the Bombers’ turf. But this week they’re back in their familiar surroundings and need to find every advantage they can.

Pennant Hills had a blinder at Mike Kenny last week, knocking off last year’s runners-up Manly by 26 points. There was only a point in it at the long break, but six unanswered goals in the premiership quarter got it done. Nick Hey was the standout, booting five goals in a best-on-ground performance; while Cooper Lee and Andrew Murdoch also impressed. The Demons would have every reason to be proud of their efforts last week, but every week is a new challenge and they can’t afford to rest on their laurels. There’s another job to be done this time, and their opposition will be hungry.

There’s always plenty of interest from these two clubs when the Hills derby comes around. In recent years Pennant Hills have had the upper hand in meetings between these clubs. And the Demons go into this one on a high after their impressive win over Manly last week. It would be a massive boilover if the Eagles can find a way to win this; but we had upsets in this division last week. Another big loss would put the Eagles in all sorts of trouble for the season, and they can’t afford that. The Eagles need to compete relentlessly. It’s the only way.

St George Dragons v South-West Sydney Blues

Kelso Oval, Saturday 2:40pm

Dragons – 9^th. Played 2, Won 0, Lost 2, 34.07%. Streak – L2

Blues – 3^rd. Played 2, Won 2, Lost 0, 144.92. Streak – W2

The Dragons suffered two losses to start their season, and it doesn’t get any easier for them this week as they again head out to their 2026 home of Kelso Oval. This time they’re taking on the undefeated South-West Sydney, with the Blues looking to build on what has been an impressive start to the season.

It wasn’t St George’s day last week when the Dragons went down to UNSW-ES by 90 points. The game started at breakneck speed, but as the game drew on the Dragons were unable to keep up with the Bulldogs; despite the determined efforts of Will Mazor, Nelson Carey and Cave McKnight. Two heavy losses in the first two rounds have given the Dragons plenty of work to do to salvage their season; and that work starts right here. To compete and not give the Blues any easy possessions.

South-West Sydney have started the season solidly with two wins from as many games. Last week at Campbelltown a devastating six-goal burst in the second quarter was the difference in their clash against the Magpies. Thye Hamilton landed five goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Nick Dunshea contributed four and Coby Hilton picked up myriad possessions. The Blues have got themselves among the competition leaders, and although there are tougher tests to come, they are building a solid foundation for this season. But they need to keep winning, and can’t afford to give the Dragons a chance of the upset.

With two big losses to start the season, there’s plenty of work ahead for the Dragons. And that hard work needs to start here. To claim the scalp of the currently undefeated Blues would not only move them up the ladder and begin the repair job on their percentage; but also be a big confidence boost. But the Blues won’t give them any easy use of the ball. This is an opportunity for the Blues to underline their credentials as one of the competition heavyweights. If the Blues fancy themselves as title contenders, they can’t give the Dragons a sniff.

Sydney University Students v Manly-Warringah Wolves

Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 2:55pm

Students – 5^th. Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, 131.61%. Streak – L1

Wolves – 7^th. Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, 90.48%. Streak – L1

Two teams looking for redemption go head to head at Sydney Uni No 1 as the Students take on the Wolves. Both went into last week’s games as favourites but weren’t able to get the job done on the day. Both go into this game looking to fight back and put things right. But there can only be one winner.

Sydney Uni weren’t able to get the job done against UTS last week, falling behind early and couldn’t find a way to stop the Bats from getting the answering goal whenever they tried to get back into the contest. Despite determined efforts from Jack Lewsey, Marcus Valastro and Arlo Merewether, the Students never looked like taking the points and weren’t able to live up to the high standards they set for themselves. But bad days can happen sometimes, the challenge is to hit back the next week and put things right. But this won’t be easy against a Grand Final team from last year who is also on the rebound.

Manly haven’t yet clicked into top gear in 2026. They only just fell over the line in the season opener, and last week they fell down against Pennant Hills at Mike Kenny and dropped a game they would have expected to win. Lachlan Behagg, Kyle Martin and Ky McGrath battled hard; but the Wolves haven’t yet found the form that took them to back to back Grand Finals. It will come, but they’re still working their way into the season and haven’t peaked yet. But at their best, as we’ve seen in the last couple of years, they can be devastating.

Neither team wants to suffer a two-game losing streak so early in the season, but that must be the fate of one club. For the winner, the shocker of last week is put behind them and they’re getting back on track. For the loser, they’ll likely drop out of the top five and have plenty of hard work ahead of them. It’s still early, a loss isn’t fatal; but the loser won’t have the winning momentum that a finals aspirant is looking to capture in the early rounds.

East Coast Eagles v Pennant Hills Demons

Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 12:00pm

Eagles – 6^th. Played 2, Won 0, Lost 2, 26.32%. Streak – L2

Demons – 9^th. Played 1, Won 0, Lost 1, 0.00%. Streak – L1

The Hills derby puts together two teams yet to open their account for 2026. The Eagles have enjoyed plenty of success in recent years, but two losses to start this season leaves them needing a spark to get themselves going. While the Demons are even more desperate for a spark, having failed to score in their opening match last week.

There’s plenty of passion in a local derby; and if you’re not able to get to Bruce Purser for this one, make sure you tune your device to Streamer and catch it all as it unfolds. [link  - https://streamer.com.au/match/6069 ]

Last week wasn’t easy for the Eagles. Gore Hill is a tough away trip, and the Eagles were only able to manage two goals against the defending champions as they went down by 47 points. Nellie MxMillan, Jess Whelan and Alex Huynh battled hard, but the Eagles never looked like troubling the Bombers. The loss leaves the Eagles in an unfamiliar 0-2 start to the season. But this week at their beloved Bruce Purser surroundings, now is the opportunity to get their season kick-started.

It was even tougher for Pennant Hills. Playing their first game of the season, the Demons were unable to score as they went down to Manly by 129 points. Remy Ally, Caitlin Gurney and Ash Grubba never stopped trying; but the Demons were unable to put the Wolves under any pressure. After a winless year last year, the Demons need to show something and display some evidence of improvement. It’s no fun getting well beaten every week; but to show some lift in performance would do wonders for the morale.

Local bragging rights are up for grabs. But more importantly, so is the chance to create a confidence boost and build some momentum they can carry forward into the next few weeks. The Eagles need a win. The Demons may not win, but it’s essential they be competitive. If they fail to score again this week, they’re looking down the barrel of another long, hard season. Last year was tough, signs of improvement are needed. There’ll be plenty of desperation on display here.

Sydney University Students v Manly-Warringah Wolves

Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 1:00pm

Students – 2^nd. Played 2, Won 2, Lost 0, 984.62%. Streak – W2

Wolves – 4^th. Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, 266.67%. Streak – W1

Two wins to start the season, and Sydney Uni are flying high. This week they take on a Manly team that kick-started their season with a massive win last week. These teams played in last year’s Preliminary Final, both have lofty ambitions for 2026. And this is a chance to impress and show the Sydney footy world that they’re ready to take on the best our league has to offer.

The Students’ second win of the season came at Waverley Oval with a 21-point win over UTS. In a low-scoring game, the Students scored all four of their goals in the second quarter; and despite not drawing twin flags from the goal umpires in the second half, the defence held firm and the Bats never looked a chance to run them down. Ash Dribbus, Sopbie Andreacchio and Maryanne Harley were pivotal to getting the Students to the win. Undefeated, a percentage of nearly 1,000; it’s looking good. But this will test them.

After going down in their opening round game, the Wolves hit back hard last Saturday against a struggling Pennant Hills, holding the Demons scoreless as they powered to a 129-point win. Isabella Rudolph was once again a focal point up forward to finish with five goals; while Bella Clarke landed four goals in a best-on-ground performance and the ever-reliable Andrea Roditis was also prominent. The Wolves faced minimal opposition, and this week will be tougher; but the Wolves will be looking to capitalise on the momentum they built in that one-sided encounter.

Both teams enjoyed important wins last week. Sydney Uni remain undefeated with an impressive percentage; and the Students enjoy the home advantage this time. While the Wolves, last year’s minor premiers, have a smile on their face after holding their opponent scoreless last week. Both teams are ready for action, and a win here will strengthen their hold on what is going to be a tight race for finals berths. Expect to see a no-holds-barred contest here.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs v North Shore Bombers

Henson Park, Saturday 2:40pm

Bulldogs – 3^rd. Played 2, Won 2, Lost 0, 614.29%. Streak – W2

Bombers – 1^st. Played 2, Won 2, Lost 0, 1184.62%. Streak – W2

Two clubs that enjoyed the spoils of victory in the first two rounds go head to head at Henson Park. Depending on percentage, top spot is up for grabs; and although the finals are still a long way off, it’s never too early go take the competition lead. Both sides have looked impressive so far, but both sides will find this their toughest test yet. A clash between two front-runners will be one not to miss, so if you’re not at Henson Park, make sure you catch the Streamer feed and you won’t miss a thing. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6070 ]

UNSW-ES’s second win of the season came at Kelso last week when they were 69 points too good for St George. Shelby Koh, Georgia Voura and Rebecca Privitelli were standouts for the Bulldogs as they enjoyed a comfortable afternoon with few causes for concern against the struggling Dragons. But this week will be tougher, and the Bulldogs will need to absorb a lot more pressure this time round.

Meanwhile North Shore’s premiership defence has started in style, and last week at Gore Hill they enjoyed a 47-point win against East Coast. Lucy and Elizabeth Yates along with Tilly Eder were standouts for the Bombers as they led all day against the Eagles and never looked threatened. But this week they’re on the road against a tough opponent; and this is a game that will test them.

The Bulldogs beat the Bombers on the eve of last year’s finals, the Bombers haven’t lost since. Now we see two sides unbeaten so far this season, two sides with enormous percentages and enormous potential; rising up for the challenge. You can expect to see plenty of quality football on display here, and likely a close finish. Whoever wins makes a statement that they’re a team to keep an eye on, a true title contender.

UTS Bats v Parramatta Goannas

Waverley Oval, Saturday 3:10pm

Bats – 5^th. Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, 131.37%. Streak – L1

Goannas – 8^th. Played 1, Won 0, Lost 1, 0.00%. Streak – L1

UTS go into their clash against Parramatta with a 1-1 record. Looking to hold their position in the top five, the Bats take on a Goannas side coming off the bye; and looking for a chance to finally trouble the scorers in 2026.

The Bats went down to Sydney Uni last week by 21 points. In a low-scoring game, the Bats defended resolutely in the second half and the Students were unable to add to their game tally of four first-half goals. But the forwards were unable to penetrate the Sydney Uni forward line with any coherence, and never looked like snatching the game; despite the desperate attempts of Tailulah Kirk, Olivia Morris and Marnie Robinson. They find themselves 1-1, still with a good percentage. But the clashes against the likely bottom-three teams are where percentage will be made and broken; and a big win is needed here.

Parramatta haven’t taken to the field since before the Easter break, having had the bye in round 2. It’s been a long wait for the Goannas, but now it’s time to get stuck into the challenge in front of them. In the opening round, the Goannas were unable to score against North Shore. Megan Mifsud, Tayliya Noack and Sally Toohey persevered all day against the odds; but the Goannas couldn’t match it against North Shore. But they’ve had this long break to re-set and prepare; and a more competitive effort is required this time. It wasn’t a kind draw for the Goannas to get the Bombers first up, but now it’s time to rip in and compete.

The Bats may have had some encouragement from their game against the Students, but were unable to take the points. But in this match, a big win is a must. Meanwhile the Goannas need to put in a competitive performance. Being unable to score against the defending premiers wasn’t ideal; but they can’t afford another zero scoreline this week. Only relentless attack and all-out effort towards getting scores on the board will be acceptable.