Written by Michael Shillito
We move on to Round 5. Now is the month of May, time marches relentlessly onwards. For the top teams, they’ve built some handy momentum but the challenge will be on to maintain that form. For the teams down the bottom, now is the time when the risk becomes very real that the season could get away from them.
Through April, the weather is still good, the season is young and everyone is keen. But May can sort the contenders from the pretenders. Who is still training well? Who has maintained their fitness? Who’s putting the work in? Seasons can be made or broken before we reach the half way point.
In Men's Prems, just two undefeated teams remain. North Shore have swept all before them, while UTS have given themselves the best chance of breaking their finals drought. Pennant Hills, South-West Sydney and Sydney Uni are chasing them; while Manly and UNSW-ES outside the top five.
UNSW-ES are the only undefeated team in Women's Prems, it’s been a great start to the year for them. Manly, North Shore, Sydney Uni and UTS are only a game behind and ready to pounce if the Bulldogs slip up. East Coast are in sixth and have the bye this week, and are in a spot of bother after a poor result last week. A week to reset and recharge may be just what they need.
Another full round of matches awaits this week. The weather is good, grounds are open and we’re ready to go.
ROUND 5 PREVIEW
Manly-Warringah Wolves v North Shore Bombers
Weldon Oval, Saturday 12:40pm
Wolves – 6th. Played 4, Won 2, Lost 2, 142.70%. Streak – W1
Bombers – 1st. Played 4, Won 4, Lost 0, 383.03%. Streak – W4
They’ve played off in the last two Grand Finals, so there’s plenty at stake when these teams face off. North Shore won both those premierships, and have so far had a dream start to 2026 with four big wins. But this will be a test for them, against a Manly side that returned to their finals form last week and which will be primed and ready for this contest. There’s no shortage of passion in the Battle of the Spit Bridge, and this is one not to be missed. And even if the trip to Curl Curl isn’t logistically possible, you don’t have to miss out. Get on to Streamer and you’ll see it all. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6125 ]
The Wolves were in complete control from start to finish against East Coast last week, holding the Eagles to a single goal as they ran out 135-point winners. Trent Dennis-Lane was again unstoppable as he landed nine goals in a best-on-ground performance; while Kale Gabila and Cooper McClennan also impressed for the Wolves. North Shore will be a tougher opponent than the Eagles were; but the Eagles went through their paces last week and played themselves into some good form. They’ll be ready for this match-up. They need to be. The three teams a game ahead of them on the ladder all have games against teams outside the five this week; if the Wolves drop this game, they could find themselves two games outside the five and with plenty of work ahead of them just to make the finals.
But while it’s taken a few weeks for Manly to find their best form, North Shore have burst out of the blocks in 2026. The defending champions have won their first four games by big margins. Last week at Gore Hill they led 77-0 at quarter time before coasting to a 146-point win. Matt Buskariol landed seven goals, while Cooper Donald scored five in a best-on-ground performance. Tom Hitchens scored four, while Jake Veale and Buskariol were also prominent around the ground. So far so good for the Bombers, but there’s tougher opponents to come. This game will test them.
North Shore only dropped two games in their premiership season last year; but one of them was this equivalent contest at Weldon. Local rivalry, wanting to right the wrong of last year’s Grand Final and more; there’s plenty of reasons why the Wolves will lift for this one. So far it’s been easy sailing for the Bombers, but this is a game that will test them. The Wolves will be going all out, and the Bombers will need to rise to this occasion. This should be North Shore’s toughest test yet.
East Coast Eagles v South-West Sydney Blues
Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 12:50pm
Eagles – 10th. Played 4, Won 0, Lost 4, 22.41%. Streak – L4
Blues – 4th. Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1, 171.50%. Streak – L1
The start of the 2026 season hasn’t been kind to East Coast. And it doesn’t get any easier this week as they host a South-West Sydney team looking to bounce back after going down in a thriller last week. The Blues have done plenty to impress so far in 2026, not so the Eagles. But every week is a new challenge, and the Eagles will need to lift for this one.
Last week the Eagles travelled to Weldon, but it was a shocker. Held to a single goal, the Eagles had no answers to a rampant Manly. Reeve Simmons, Jacob Jones and Lyndon Hupfeld battled gamefully; but the Eagles were never able to put the Wolves under any pressure at all. Now they return to Bruce Purser and are looking for a way to turn their season around. Last week wasn’t good, but they need to put that behind them and move on.
After winning their first three games, the Blues suffered their first loss of the season last week when they went down to Sydney Uni by six points at Bob Prenter. There was never much in it all day, with Jerome Lawrence, Bailey Stewart and Max Lower featuring prominently for the Blues. But in the end, the undefeated streak is over. Now the challenge is to hit back, learn from those critical moments that cost them against the Students and use that knowledge to emerge stronger and better next time.
Four straight losses and a poor percentage; and the Eagles are in all sorts of trouble this season. Only by breaking their losing streak and getting wins on the board can they fight their way out. Only by finding a new way to pressure their opponents and a new drive to post a winning score on the board can they reverse their fortunes. And the Blues will be a tough opponent. This is a South-West Sydney team with finals as their goal in 2026, and they can’t afford to drop a game like this one. Get back on the winning list and the Blues are up there with the title contenders; but drop this game and they’re back to the field, no certainties to stay in the top five. If the Blues are to be contenders, this is a game they need to win.
Inner West Magpies v Sydney University Students
Picken Oval, Saturday 1:00pm
Magpies – 8th. Played 4, Won 0, Lost 4, 42.89%. Streak – L4
Students – 5th. Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1, 118.54%. Streak – W2
The Inner West derby always has plenty of passion behind it. And this week at Picken Oval will be no exception as the Magpies, looking to open their winning account for 2026, play host to a Sydney Uni team that maintained their position in the top five last week when they managed to get up in a close one.
It hasn’t been a great start to the season for the Magpies, and last Saturday at Picken Oval they were no match for Pennant Hills, going down by 103 points. Finn Ritchie, William Sabolch and Jonty Inglis kept the work rate going; but the Magpies weren’t able to match it with the Demons on the day. Four games without a win, and the Magpies find themselves searching for a circuit-breaker to get their season back on track. There’s plenty of work to be done, but it has to start here with a competitive performance against the Students.
Sydney Uni meanwhile won their second game on the trot at Bob Prenter last week when they got up over South-West Sydney by six points. The lead see-sawed all day, but the Students were holding the parcel when the music stopped. Lucas Newman, Nick Andreacchio and Oscar Bosnjakovic were in the thick of the action as the Students did what they had to in order to get the points. In what could be a close battle for finals positions, the Students have shown they have what it takes to get over the line when it gets tight.
The Students have good form behind them, two wins in a row; and buoyed by last week’s result. They go into this game as favourites against a Magpies side that hasn’t looked like seriously challenging any of the teams they have played so far this season. Times are getting tough for the Magpies; and now is the time they need to lift. To scrap, contest and make life difficult for the Students. Put them under pressure and who knows what might happen. Because if they can’t put Uni under pressure, this is going to be a long, hard afternoon for the Magpies.
UTS Bats v St George Dragons
Trumper Park, Saturday 2:20pm
Bats – 2nd. Played 4, Won 4, Lost 0, 173.66%. Streak – W4
Dragons – 9th. Played 4, Won 0, Lost 4, 27.87%. Streak – L4
The Bats have got off to a flying start in 2026. Four wins on the trot, including against 2025 finallists Sydney Uni and UNSW-ES. The Bats have given themselves their best possible chance to break their 10-year finals drought. This is a vastly improved team compared to the Bats’ lineups of recent seasons. Now they take on St George, with the Dragons yet to sing the song this season and coming off the back of a shocker last week.
UTS remain undefeated, but they were tested by UNSW-ES at Trumper Park last week. The Bats were three goals behind at half time, but wasted little time after the long break in making up that deficit; and once they hit the front there was no stopping them as they powered away to a 28-point win. Lachlan McNamara, Jack Jarvis and Henry Gosse were superb, particularly in the Bats’ third quarter burst. Undefeated and looking good, and with the capability of turning on a surge of scoring activity to turn a game their way. But every week they have to get the job done again, and they can’t take the Dragons lightly.
Last week was almost too bad to be true for the Dragons. Failing to score in the first quarter while North Shore raced to a score of 77; and that set the tone for a 146-point defeat. Hunter Pickett showed some defiance to land four goals; while Jack Druery, Liam Taylor and Eddie Marning tried hard all day. But the Dragons remain winless with a poor percentage, and have plenty of work to do to get themselves into this season. A more competitive performance is a must this time.
Form and momentum favour the Bats in this clash. The Bats are undefeated, playing with confidence and look to be a team on a mission. All they need to do in this clash is keep doing what they’ve done so far. But for the Dragons, it’s time to arrest the slide and build some momentum of their own. Two games plus percentage out of the top five, the Dragons are in trouble already unless they can look deep within themselves and find a way to move forward. If they can’t establish some form very quickly, the finals contenders will very quickly look out of reach.
Pennant Hills Demons v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 2:35pm
Demons – 3rd. Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1, 214.36%. Streak – W3
Bulldogs – 7th. Played 4, Won 1, Lost 3, 93.66%. Streak – L2
Two teams with contrasting form lines go head to head at Mike Kenny Oval on Saturday as Pennant Hills host UNSW-ES. The Demons have won three on the trot to make their way up to third on the ladder, the form is flowing and the spirits are high. While the Bulldogs, after dropping their last two games, find their season at the crossroads; and if they drop another game here, they’re at serious risk of losing contact with the top five.
The Demons are flying, with three big wins in a row. Last week at Picken Oval they were in control from the start, a six goal opening term the launching pad for a 103-point demolition of the Magpies. Nick Hey ran rampant on the forward line to finish with nine goals; while Mitch Blow and Oliver Williams were ball magnets around the ground. There’s plenty of confidence in the Demons camp, they’re in good form; but they have to keep it going. The Bulldogs would be a danger game if they’re not at their best.
The Bulldogs had their chances against UTS last week, and led by 18 points at the long break. But when the Bats clicked into gear in the third term, the Bulldogs were unable to hold them back; and their third defeat of the season ensued. Noah Harper, Luke Swan and Will Foster put up some resistance, but it was one that got away from the Bulldogs and leaves them in a vulnerable position. It hasn’t been the kindest of draws for the Bulldogs to start the season, and there are easier games to come; but they have plenty of ground to make up.
If the Demons, in form and at home, can get the job done; they’re well set and entrenched in the top five. After missing the finals last year, that’s where they want to be. But that result would leave the Bulldogs two games, possibly three, plus percentage, outside the top five. Not fatal, but it would be a long way back into finals contention from there. There’s no time for the Bulldogs to lose, they need this win. They’ll be desperate and will work for every possession; and the Demons can’t expect an easy game here.
UTS Bats v St George Dragons
Trumper Park, Saturday 10:30am
Bats – 5th. Played 4, Won 2, Lost 2, 103.53%. Streak – L1
Dragons – 8th. Played 3, Won 0, Lost 3, 9.92%. Streak – L3
It’s an early start at Trumper Park for this clash between the Bats and the Dragons. The Bats sitting in the top five with a 2-2 record, while the Dragons had an improved showing last week but are still looking for their first win of the season.
For the Bats, this is their opportunity to hit back. Last week fell short of their ambitions when they went down to UNSW-ES by 92 points. Despite the valiant efforts of Gemma Casiglia, Siena Visentini and Georgina McDonnell, the Bats were unable to conjure up a goal until the final quarter, and by then the game was gone. It’s been a year of mixed fortunes to date; win, loss, win, loss; and if the Bats are to be genuine contenders they need to win this one and then string a few more wins together.
St George are looking for their first win of the season, 0-3 so far in 2026. At Gore Hill last week they went down to North Shore by 64 points. But despite another loss, they at least managed to find something. Scoring the first goal, managing three major scores against the defending premiers and not letting the margin completely blow out. Delaney Guinn, Kaitlin Eisenhuth and Ellen Soffe toiled hard all evening. It wasn’t a win, but it was something to build on. It’s a long road ahead of them, but they need to show signs of improvement with every passing week. To contest and compete.
The Bats are looking to impress this season after missing out on the finals last year. Games like this are a must for them, and they can’t afford to go down to a bottom-three team. But the Dragons showed some green shoots last week, not enough to threaten the defending champions but enough to give them some sort of encouragement. But that all falls by the wayside if they can’t follow it up here. Even if the Dragons don’t win, they need to compete and put up a credible performance. Last week gave just the slightest of hints that they have that in them.
Pennant Hills Demons v UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Mike Kenny Oval, Saturday 12:50pm
Demons – 9th. Played 3, Won 0, Lost 3, 2.18%. Streak – L3
Bulldogs – 1st. Played 4, Won 4, Lost 0, 417.91%. Streak – W4
On paper, the game at Mike Kenny looks to be a mismatch. The Demons, winless and with only one scoring shot from their first three games. Against the undefeated Bulldogs, who have dominated all four of their games to date with a percentage of over 400. But football games aren’t won on paper, and the Bulldogs still have to turn up and get the job done.
Life hasn’t been easy for Pennant Hills at Premier Division level this year, and in three games they’ve only scored once. That was a goal against the Goannas last week, in a game where they went down by 59 points, despite the determined efforts of Greta Clatworthy, Sophie Pendlebury and Lillian Ward. But the Demons need more. They can’t just accept another heavy loss every week.
Last week at Trumper Park, the Bulldogs continued on their winning ways with a comprehensive 92-point result over UTS. Former AFLW legend Bec Privitelli was a standout, landing five goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Emily Conlan chipped in with four goals; and Eliza Vale and Shelby Koh were irrepressible around the ground. This is a Bulldogs side that means business, hasn’t put a foot wrong so far. They’ll be hard to stop this week.
It’s hard to see the Demons winning this one, probably too big an ask. But the Demons, even if they don’t win, need to be competitive. To fight for every possession, do everything in their power to make the Bulldogs feel pressure. Getting thrashed every week is no fun for anyone. But if they can compete and slow the Bulldogs down, they can lay the foundations for future success. But that competitive drive can only come from within themselves.
Parramatta Goannas v Sydney University Students
Gipps Road Oval, Saturday 3:00pm
Goannas – 7th. Played 3, Won 1, Lost 2, 40.00%. Streak – W1
Students – 4th. Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1, 234.43%. Streak – L1
It’s a blue and gold fest at Gipps Road on Saturday as Parramatta play host to Sydney Uni. The Goannas celebrated their first win for the season last week and are hoping to capitalise on that momentum. But it won’t be easy against a Sydney Uni team refreshed after last week’s bye and looking to bounce back and build a winning streak of their own.
The Goannas’ first win of the season came last week with a 59-point result against Pennant Hills. The Goannas were well served by the efforts of Marley Rhodes, Montana Doubell and Brea Trevitt. After heavy losses in their first two games, singing the song felt so good. But the Goannas’ job isn’t done yet. Getting a win is great, but now they need to turn up for the next match and get it done again. And this is a much tougher opponent.
It’s been a long wait for Sydney Uni to put things right since their loss to Manly before the bye last week. The game against the Wolves saw the Students held to just two goals; and although Maryanne Harley, Amanda Farrugia and Emma Juneja worked hard, it wasn’t enough to challenge for the game. But this is a new beginning, a chance to hit back. They’re still in the five, with a game in hand against the other teams around them on the ladder; and plenty of time to hit their straps and get their 2026 campaign warmed up.
Just one win separates these two clubs on the ladder, but the percentage differential suggests a gulf in class between these teams. The Students certainly have heavy favouritism for this clash. But the Goannas have saluted once, and have to believe they can do it again. It will take a determined effort. This is a Sydney Uni team loaded with top talent and the experience that’s done it all before. The Goannas will need to compete, scrap and throw everything into this if they are to trouble Sydney Uni.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v North Shore Bombers
Weldon Oval, Saturday 3:30pm
Wolves – 2nd. Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1, 402.86%. Streak – W3
Bombers – 3rd. Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1, 349.35%. Streak – W1
The local rivalry, the Battle of the Spit Bridge. The Wolves and the Bombers, both going into this game with 3-1 records and impressive percentages. Neither invincible but both in solid form. This should be a cracker; so if you’re not at Weldon, tune your device into Streamer and you won’t miss out. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6124 ]
Manly are on fire. After dropping their first game, they’ve won three in a row. Last week it was a one-sided display from start to finish as they demolished East Coast by 89 points, holding the three-time premiers to a single behind. Bella Clarke helped herself to four goals; while Kenya Fahey, Hannah Woolf and Abbie Hayes were prolific ball-winners. With names like that in the lineup, the Wolves have a quality team capable of doing serious damage; and this game will be a test for them. If the Wolves can get it done here, they’re set to go a long way this season.
North Shore returned to the winning list last week with a 64-point result against St George at Gore Hill. Sophie Kavanagh and Lizzy and Lucy Yates were superb for the Bombers as they got the job done against the Dragons. But now they face a tougher opponent, one they’ve stared down before. Weldon is a tough away trip, but the Bombers are ready.
Last year the Wolves were minor premiers but it was the Bombers who prevailed on Grand Final day. Both clubs are almost sure to be up there with the leading contenders when the business end of this season rolls around. And it’s the ability to prove themselves by getting past a major rival that sets the foundation for a tilt at the premiership. The Bombers beat the Wolves three times last year; but the Wolves have the home ground advantage this time. Plenty of star power on display, and no shortage of motivation. This could be one of the matches of the home and away season, and neither team wants to risk dropping this one.