Written by Michael Shillito
We had a week off for the Rep fixtures. With AFL Sydney taking both Men's and Women's against their Canberra counterparts, we again see some great work from the elite players in our league.
And now it’s time to get back into the club competition. One third of the way through. And already we’re seeing big gaps forming in the ladders for both competitions between the leading contenders and the also-rans.
There are no undefeated teams left in the Men's comp. We have a top four separated only by percentage, with South-West Sydney leading Pennant Hills, UTS and Sydney Uni. Then follows North Shore, a game behind the top four but with a better percentage than all of them. Manly are a game plus percentage out of the five, with UNSW-ES a further game behind.
In the Women's, UNSW-ES are the only undefeated team. The Bulldogs have the bye this week, while the teams behind them fight for position. The draw between Sydney Uni and North Shore complicates ladder position calculations; and also sees a two-and-a-half game break between fifth and sixth. The teams from second to fifth all have games against bottom-four clubs; and if there’s no upsets this week, we’re already close to getting our final five locked in.
It’s an important round of footy ahead.
ROUND 7 PREVIEW
UNSW-ES Bulldogs v South-West Sydney Blues
Henson Park, Saturday 2:10pm
Bulldogs – 7th. Played 6, Won 2, Lost 4, 110.06%. Streak – W1
Blues – 1st. Played 6, Won 5, Lost 1, 205.34%. Streak – W2
We have a new ladder leader, with the competition’s newest team, South-West Sydney, making their way to the top with a 5-1 record and an imposing percentage. But to stay there, they’ll need to capture the points on the road against a UNSW-ES side that desperately needs to turn their last win into a winning streak. If they can’t, the top five could disappear over the horizon.
The Bulldogs are two games plus plenty of percentage away from the finals. But they’re not giving up hope just yet, and trying their best to hang in there. At their last start, they regained some pride and momentum with a 75-point win over Inner West. After a first half that never reached any great heghts, a nine-goal third term was decisive. Luke Swan helped himself to six goals; while Harrison Dyson and Ben Scala were pivotal in general play. It was a welcome win for the Bulldogs, but there’s plenty more work to be done. To make the five, they’re going to have to knock off teams that are in there now. And that starts right here, right now.
The Blues showed once again that they are a team to be reckoned with when they knocked off Manly by 39 points at Bob Prenter in their last start. The game was still up for grabs at three quarter time, but an explosive eight-goal final quarter was enough to get the job done. Uchenna Egbu, Max Lower and Luke Parkinson were superb for the Blues in a must-win game. The result took them to the lofty heights they now enjoy at the top. To be a premiership chance, you need to come up and perform week after week, and that is the challenge the Blues now willingly embrace. They’ve shown their best is good enough to compete with the best.
After getting so close to last year’s Grand Final, 2026 hasn’t been kind to the Bulldogs so far. But their hopes aren’t over yet. Get the win here and they’ll keep themselves within striking distance. But getting the win won’t be easy against a Blues side with plenty of form and momentum behind them. The Blues have play3ed some impressive football so far this season. But against a desperate opponent, this game will test the Blues. It’s the sort of test they need to pss if they are to be genuine premiership contenders.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v St George Dragons
Weldon Oval, Saturday 2:15pm
Wolves – 6th. Played 6, Won 3, Lost 3, 116.52%. Streak – L1
Dragons – 8th. Played 6, Won 1, Lost 5, 38.26%. Streak – W1
A game plus plenty of percentage out of the top five, Manly haven’t quite lived up to their own high standards so far in 2026. But when the going gets tough, the tough get going; and Manly will be looking to use this middle phase of the season to get their campaign back on track. And that starts here on their home turf at Weldon as they host a St George team that have finally broken through for their first win and, having sung the song once, are keen to do it again. It’s a crunch game, and if you’re not able to get there, make sure you get on to Streamer and see it unfold. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6207 ]
The trip to Bob Prenter has become a tough away trip, and the Wolves in their last start weren’t able to claim the points against a rampant South-West Sydney. They hung in there for three quarters without really looking convincing, but had no answers when the Blues got on top in the last quarter. The experience of Lachlan Behagg, Kale Gabila and Ky McGrath kept them in the contest for much of the day, but it was another day in which the premiership points slipped away. 2026 hasn’t brought the success the Wolves were looking for; but a footy season is a marathon, not a sprlint. There’s stil plenty of time to get the season back on track and make a run for the finals. They’re still close enough. But can’t afford to drop this one.
After dropping their first five games, the Dragons broke their drought last start with a 17-point win over East Coast at Kelso Oval. A five-goal burstin the second quarter was the difference between the two teams; and the relief on the faces of the St George faithful was palpable. Nathan cKenzie-Hicks, Josh Nicholls and Jack Druery were standouts as the Dragons finally achieved that breakthrough result, hanging on whenever the Eagles attempted to fight their way back into the contest in the second half. Having finally got to taste the sweet spoils of victory, the Dragons want more. They’ll give it everything they’ve got to do it again.
The Wolves need the win here. The top five are in sight, but they’ll need to string some wins together to stay within striking distance. On their home deck, with the quality of players they have on the field, they have the capability to get it done, and do it comfortably. But the Dragons won’t make it easy for them. They’ve had the taste of victory, and they want more if it. It would be an upset, but the Dragons will come in with the belief that this thing can be done. Four points on the road against a highly-credentialled opponent would be a healthy reward for effort. If they compete hard, get the fundamentals right and catch the Wolves even slightly off their best, anything is possible
UTS Bats v East Coast Eagles
Waverley Oval, Saturday 2:30pm
Bats – 3rd. Played 6, Won 5, Lost 1, 152.84%. Streak – L1
Eagles – 10th. Played 6, Won 0, Lost 6, 26.15%. Streak – L6
These teams met in the opening round of the season; and on thatoccasion the Bats took out a 65-point win. Since then their seasons have gone on very different paths. The Bats’ opening round win was the first of five on the trot, which has taken them to a share of the ladder leadership; while the Eagles are yet to taste the spoils ofvictory in 2026. Now they meet again, the Bats looking to get back on the winning path while the Eagles are looking to go in a new direction. If you can’t get down Bondi Road for this one, put your device on to Streamer and you won’t miss a thing. [link- https://streamer.com.au/match/6208 ]
After five wins on the trot to start the year, the Bats suffered their first loss when they went down to Pennant Hills by 49 points at Mike Kenny Oval. James Higgins, Justin Ryan and Matthew O’Hanlon kept the work rate up, but the Bats were well short of their best and never looked like threatening an in-form Pennant Hills team. The Bats have had a successful start to the season, but will now be looking to regain that winning momentum to keep themselves among the competition leaders. Against a winless opponent, this is a clash they must go all out to win.
The Eagles’ last game was at Kelso Oval against the also-winless Dragons. But a poor second quarter saw the Eagles fall 18 points behind at the long break. Try as they did, they were unable to make up that deficit in the second half, going down by 17 points. Lyndon Hupfeld, Brady Mackay and Jacob Jones battled tirelessly; but it was to be another day of disappointment for the Eagles. At the bottom of the ladder, the first step to putting things right in 2026 is to reverse the round 1 result; and that is the aim in front of them this week.
The Bats have been the competition’s big improvers so far in 2026. But now they are ready to be tested. The first winning streak is over, and if they are to be a genuine contender, they must fight back here. Return to the winning list, and they stay in the ladder leadership group. Drop this and they fall back to the field and teams outside the top five will be gunning for their spot. Meanwhile the Eagles are well short of finals contention but looking for that spark to turn their fortunes around. If they can find it at Waverley, it’s the first step towards moving away from the bottom and moving up the ladder.
Sydney University Students v Pennant Hills Demons
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 2:55pm
Students – 4th. Played 6, Won 5, Lost 1, 148.67%. Streak – W4
Demons – 2nd. Played 6, Won 5, Lost 1, 181.90%. Streak – W5
Two teams in sparkling form go head to head at the Campus as the Students host the Demons. Sydney Uni have won their last four, Pennant Hills their last five; both claiming some handy scalps along the way. Both have had their fair share of thrilling encounters, and another one is a strong possibility in this clash.
The Students have needed these two weeks to get their heart rate back down after a pulsating win over defending premiers North Shore at their last start. It was a shootout of the ages at the Campus, but a run of seven goals to one in the premiership quarter set up a 21-point lead at the last change. The Students had to hang on for dear life in the last quarter, but managed to eke out a two-point win. Alex Witherden contributed eight goals to the cause; while Sam Barkley, Hugh Sienkiewicz and Jack Lewsey picked up myriad possessions. A win to be celebrated, a game they’ll never forget; but there’s more work to be done this week.
The Demons haven’t lost since the opening day of the season, and continue on their winning ways in their last match when they overcame the previously-unbeaten UTS by 49 points at Mike Kenny Oval. The Demons won every quarter, and the Bats never looked a chance of getting back into the game. Oscar Irwin landed four goals, and along with Xavier Russell and Charles Allison was among the Demons’ best. The Demons have been tested several times this season, but since the opening round game they’ve survived everything their opposition have thrown at them. But this is another tough challenge at Sydney Uni.
There’s been some thrilling contests between these clubs in recent seasons, and another one is a strong possibility this time. Both teams are in good form, both know how to find the goals; and as we saw in the last game at the Campus, it’s a ground where you can score quickly. With a share of the ladder leadership on the line, and a chance to land a key blow on a likely finals rival; this isn’t a game for leaving anything in the tank. It wouldn’t be a surprise if this one was to go down to the wire.
North Shore Bombers v Inner West Magpies
Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 3:00pm
Bombers – 5th. Played 6, Won 4, Lost 2, 218.72%. Streak – L2
Magpies – 9th. Played 6, Won 0, Lost 6, 35.84%. Streak – L6
North Shore, the reigning premiers, are looking far from invincible. Back to back losses by a kick has seen them fall to fifth, and in need of a win to regain their momentum. This week they return to their beloved synthetic at the Goretress for a clash against the winless Magpies. 2026 hasn’t been kind to the Magpies, but they’ve had two weeks to reflect and adjust; and now it’s time to turn the fine-tuned plan into action.
Two losses by a kick see the Bombers knocked off top spot and down to fifth. Last game at Sydney Uni No 1 was a bizarre shootout; and it’s a long time in our league since a team scored 120 and didn’t win. Ned Campbell and Nick Robinson each landed four goals; while Cooper Donald and Nick Pavlou were influential around the ground. But the Bombers were unable to come up with the winning goal. No-one is bullet-proof, and every week you have to turn up and get the job done. And now is the time for the Bombers to hit back and return to their winning ways.
Six losses to start the season wasn’t the start the Magpies wanted. Their last start, against the Bulldogs at Henson Park, resulted in a 75-point loss. Kevin Clark, Max Fasolo and Tom Saad battled tirelessly, but once again the Magpies didn’t have the ability to stop their opponents when the goals started to pile on. And against the North Shore forwards, it will take some determined defence to hold their opposition back.
It’s the second clash between these teams this season. In the opening round at Picken Oval, the Bombers took control in the second half to record a 95-point win. This week, the Bombers will be desperate to get back onto the winning list, and return to the imposing form of the first four weeks of this season. On their home surroundings, the Bombers will be hot favourites. But the Magpies will be desperate, and will throw everything they have into this. Even if they don’t win this one, a strong performance will give hope to the Magpies. There are winnable games to come.
North Shore Bombers v Parramatta Goannas
Gore Hill Oval, Saturday 11:20am
Bombers – 5th. Played 6, Won 3, Lost 2, Drawn 1, 209.68%. Streak – D1
Goannas – 8th. Played 5, Won 1, Lost 4, 22.28%. Streak – L2
After the Rep break, North Shore return home to Gore Hill for a clash with the Goannas. The last few weeks haven’t been easy for the Bombers, dropping two games and drawing another to drop to fifth. But those lost premiership points were all away, their record at Gore Hill remains intact; and the Bombers will be keen to keep it that way.
North Shore’s last game was at Sydney Uni. In a game of twisting fortunes, the Bombers started in front, were two goals down midway through the last term but when the final siren sounded the teams couldn’t be separated. The first Premier Division draw of the season. Zoe Clubb, Ella Daniel and Sophie Kavanagh were in the thick of the action all day for the Bombers. Having only one win from their last four games, the Bombers will be looking to this game to get their campaign back on track.
The Goannas have managed one win this season, but their other games haven’t been easy. Last time round they played the undefeated UNSW-ES and were unable to score as they went down by 92 points. Tayliys Noack and Zara and Sienna Stanford battled hard, but it was another frustrating day for the Goannas. Now it’s another tough away trip, and there’s plenty of work to be done if they are to give the Bombers some nervous moments.
It’s already the second meeting of these teams this season. They played off at Gipps Road in round 1, with the Bombers completing an easy 94-0 win. This time we’re at Gore Hill, and the Bombers will need to make their home advantage count. While the Goannas sit two-and-a-half games plus plenty of percentage out of the five. If the Bombers get up here, the gap between the top five and the rest could already be too big to bridge. It’s now or never for the Goannas.
Manly-Warringah Wolves v St George Dragons
Weldon Oval, Saturday 12:10pm
Wolves – 2nd. Played 5, Won 4, Lost 1, 368.97%. Streak – W4
Dragons – 7th. Played 5, Won 1, Lost 4, 24.02%. Streak – W1
After dropping their opening round game, Manly have found some solid form to win their next four in a row. They’ve had a long break, with the bye before the Rep weekend; but now they return home to Weldon Oval looking to keep their winning momentum going. This week they’re up against a St George team who finally got to anjoy a win at their last start, and are keen to build a winning streak of their own. Two teams with wins behind them; and if you can’t get over the Spit Bridge for this, the next best thing is to see it on Streamer. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6205 ]
It’s been a few weeks since Manly have played, having had the bye before the Rep weekend. Their last start was a triumph, when they recorded a 22-point win over North Shore at Weldon Oval. Emma Bull, Andrea Roditis and Peggy Stanbury were superb. In a low-scoring game, the Wolves dug deep in defence to hold a highly-credentialled opposition to just two goals. If the Wolves can maintain that sort of form and momentum this week, they’ll be hard to score against.
St George’s last game was at Kelso Oval against East Coast. Two early goals gave the Dragons a lead that they were able to maintain for the rest of the day to record a 12-point win. It was low scoring, it wasn’t always pretty; but they got it done. Eloise Carey, Ruby O’Dwyer and Sophie Higgs were superb, and as the Dragons had the sniff of a win, they weren’t letting go. The early rounds of the season weren’t easy; but they have a win on the board. Having sung the song once, they’re keen to do it again. But Weldon is a tough away trip, and they’ll need to lift even more than they did to get over East Coast.
Manly have momentum. St George are on the board. Both teams will have trained this week with great enthusiasm for the task ahead. Manly, well represented in the Rep team, should have the firepower to get this win and do it comfortably. But the Dragons, even before their win, had shown signs of competitiveness against the top teams. It’s a long way to the top, not just if you want to rock and roll. But every week, they need to show signs of progress. Take it up to Manly, even if they don’t win, and it’s another step along the road.
UTS Bats v East Coast Eagles
Waverley Oval, Saturday 12:40pm
Bats – 3rd, Played 6, Won 4, Lost 2, 192.57%. Streak – W2
Eagles – 6th. Played 5, Won 1, Lost 4, 55.38%. Streak – L2
Two wins on the trot has lifted UTS to third place, and the lure of finals draws ever closer with each passing week. This week they’re on their home turf at Waverley taking on an East Coast team looking to hit back. They’ve been a powerhouse in recent years, but if the Eagles can’t get the job done here, the gap between them and the top five could already be looking insurmountable. The best place to see the action is at Waverley Oval, the next best is on Streamer. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6206 ]
The Bats go into this game well-placed with a 4-2 record. They got there in style in their last start, when they dominated Pennant Hills from start to finish to win by 124 points. Brianna-Lee Wade scored six goals; while Emma Keane, Ella Parker and Olivia Morris stood out around the ground. The Bats have played some impressive footy in recent weeks and built some handy momentum; and just need to keep doing what they’ve been doing.
East Coast have had their struggles this year, but their last start fell short of expectations when they went down to St George at Kelso Oval. The Eagles fell behind early and were well held for the rest of the game, held to two goals and never looking like running the Dragons down. Erin Naden, Renee Tomkins and Nellie McMillan never stopped their work rate; but this was well short of what we’ve come to expect from the Eagles and they were never able to get their game going. But they’ve had the Rep weekend to regroup, and this is a new challenge; one they must embrace and lift for.
It’s the second meeting between these two clubs this season. They met in the opening round at Bruce Purser, with the Bats taking out a 37-point win. Now they’re on the Bats’ home turf, and the home side wants a bigger win this time. But the Eagles won’t be giving them the win without a fight. Time is already running out, and they need to raise their intensity this week. For a club with such a strong record of success, they need to do more.
Sydney University Students v Pennant Hills Demons
Sydney Uni No 1 Oval, Saturday 1:00pm
Students – 4th. Played 5, Won 3, Lost 1, Drawn 1, 258.60%. Streak – D1
Demons – 9th. Played 5, Won 0, Lost 5, 1.06%. Streak – L5
After a thrilling draw in their last start, the Students are back at the Campus for a clash against the winless Pennant Hills. For the Students, a win further extends the gap between the top five and the teams outside. For the Demons, it’s an opportunity to compete and show some signs of improvement after heavy defeats in every game so far this season.
It was a photo-finish at Sydney Uni No 1 last time, when the Students and North Shore had a dead-heat. It was a game of momentum swings, with Saskia Johnson, Ash Dribbus and Arabella Hendriks featuring prominently. But when the final siren sounded, there was neither the joy of victory nor the agony of defeat. They’ll play again later in the season and battle for supremacy then. But first things first, there’s a battle against a winless opposition to play this week; and the
Students are looking for not just a win but a percentage boost.
2024 has been a struggle for the Demons. In five games so far this season, they’ve had one scoring shot. In their last game, they were unable to score as they went down to UTS by 124 points. Stephanie Este, Eliza Michie and Amelia Bennett tried hard; but once again the Demons had no answers when their opposition got on top. They need to put on much more resistance this time.
Last time was a heart-stopper for the Students. This game is unlikely to be. It would take something out of the ordinary for the Demons to take this game, probably too big an ask. But the Demons can, and must, compete. To find a way to hold the Students back, and get some scores on the board. Every act of defiance, every tackle, every spoil; it’s only by doing these things that the Demons can find a way forward. Without those acts from the Demons, this will be a very one-sided affair.