Round 9, 2026 Preview - AFL Sydney Premier Division

St George Dragons v Pennant Hills Demons

Kelso Oval, Saturday 11:00am

Dragons – 8^th. Played 8, Won 1, Lost 7, 35.22%. Streak – L2

Demons – 3^rd. Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2, 157.02%. Streak – L1

We’re out at East Hills for the first game of the round, a clash between two teams that have had time to contemplate their last defeat and hit back hard. Both looking to bounce back, but for different reasons. The Dragons were humiliated by Sydney Uni at their last start and need to turn their fortunes around. While the Demons let slip a chance to go to the top of the ladder, and are looking for a win to stay in the top three.

Moved at the last minute to Blacktown, St George got off to a reasonable start against Sydney Uni in their last start with three early goals. But they would not score another for the rest of the game as they found themselves unable to keep up with the Students. Jeremy Woods, Roman Pickett and Vincent Kannah tried hard; but the Dragons weren’t able to trouble the Students, as they slumped to another heavy defeat. One win so far this season, the finals look out of reach. But over the remainder of the season, it’s about finding improvement, developing and laying the foundations for future success. A competitive performance against one of the leading teams is the first assignment for them.

Pennant Hills were playing for the ladder leadership in their last start, when they hosted South-West Sydney at Mike Kenny. But it came unstuck when they fell behind the Blues after quarter time and went down by 65 points. Cam Mitchell, Stephen Wray and Cooper Lee battled gamely, but it wasn’t the Demons’ day. They’ve lost twice this season, both times to the Blues; but for much of the season the Demons have looked to be in control, and against an opponent that’s well outside the top five, they’ll be looking to re-assert themselves and get some winning momentum on the board. After this week, they’ve got some tough games coming up.

This game is one the Demons will be looking at for a percentage-boosting win. There’s some tough games ahead, and it’s going to be a tight battle for the finals double-chance. And if the Demons are to be contenders this season, they can’t afford to let a game like this slip. But the Dragons, at home and with little to lose, can throw caution to the wind and come out swinging. If they can click and put the Demons under pressure, they can create some anxious moments for the Demons. But it needs to be a stronger performance than what they showed last time. If the Dragons can’t lift this time round, this could be a long, hard game for them.

Manly-Warringah Wolves v UTS Bats

Weldon Oval, Saturday 12:10pm

Wolves – 6^th. Played 8, Won 5, Lost 3, 137.88%. Streak – W2

Bats – 5^th. Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2, 142.49%. Streak – L1

With six teams in realistic finals contention for the five places available, games between these top-six contenders are where seasons will be made and broken. And at Weldon Oval we have an example of such a high-stakes clash. Manly, after a slow start to the season, are coming good and this is their opportunity to enter the top five. To get there, the Wolves will have to get past a UTS side that has lost two of their last three; and from being top of the ladder just a few weeks ago, a loss here will see them drop out of the top five.

Manly find themselves on the way up, in their last start they got it done by 74 points against the Magpies at Picken Oval. The ground was wet, but it didn’t stop the star-studded Manly lineup from strutting their stuff. Making a mockery of the conditions, a bizarre second quarter saw the Wolves land 13 goals to seven; they had the firepower to dominate a shootout and the game was safely theirs. Kale Gabila landed six goals; while Lachlan Kilpatrick, Lachlan Behagg and Willem Smit were pumping the ball forward with regularity to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The result of the shootout was they find themselves only a game behind UTS, with very little separating them on percentage. And on their home turf, a win will see them pass the Bats and enter the top five.

Two losses in their last three starts has seen the Bats fall back from top to fifth, needing a win this week to stay in the five. Last game was at Gore Hill against North Shore, and the Bats were never in the contest, five goals down at quarter time and going down by 59 points. Henry Gosse, Ash Backlund and Lewis McCormack kept the work rate up, but the Bats were never able to put the Bombers under pressure. It’s a tough section of the draw for the Bats, from Gore Hill last start to Weldon this time. But after such a promising start to the season, the Bats can’t afford a mid-season slump.

Some uncharacteristic losses early in the season put the Wolves under pressure; but in recent weeks they’ve started to hit some much-improved form. A month ago, the top five was a fair way off; but now they’ve given themselves a chance. But they’ve got to get the job done against the Bats. UTS will be desperate and ferocious; they can’t let a season that started so promisingly fall away. If the Bats can get this done, they restore a handy break over the Wolves and their finals chances look so much better. Whoever takes the points here is going to have to earn it, and this will be a hard-fought encounter. And one suspects it will be much more defensive, low-scoring and physical than that second quarter at Picken Oval last week.

East Coast Eagles v Inner West Magpies

Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 12:40pm

Eagles – 9^th. Played 8, Won 1, Lost 7, 34.30%. Streak – W1

Magpies – 10^th. Played 8, Won 0, Lost 8, 33.74%. Streak – L8

The Eagles and the Magpies face off at Bruce Purser. It’s been a challenging season for both. The Eagles finally got some reward for effort last start when they got up in a cliff-hanger. They’ve had the taste of victory now, and they want more of it. But to achieve that, they’ll have to get past a Magpies team that is yet to salute in 2026, and the Magpies will be showing plenty of grit and determination if they’re going to get off the mark this season.

East Coast got off the mark in their last start, coming from nine points behind at the last change to stun UNSW-ES by three points in a thriller at Blacktown. Marshall Poynter directed traffic up forward to finish with six goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Jacob Jones and Brody Kane also featured prominently for the Eagles. They sang their song with great glee after the match, but there’s a job to be done this week if they are to do it again. To seize the moment when the game is there to be won and come up with the right play at the pivotal moment. They did it last time, and will fancy their chances of doing it again.

The Magpies showed enough attacking flair against Manly in their last game, particularly during their seven-goal second quarter. But it wasn’t enough to challenge the Wolves, with the defensive shortcomings all too clear to see as they went down by 74 points. Lachlan Tiziani chipped in with four goals; while Dan O’Connell and Max Fasolo also looked impressive for the Magpies. But they’ll need to tighten up the defensive side of their game this week. At times in their game against Manly, it looked too easy for the Wolves to find the big sticks. This week is a game the Magpies can win, but they’ll need to keep it tight.

These are two teams that have copped some heavy losses so far this season. But both will have looked ahead in the fixture and circled this game as an opportunity for some relief and the chance to get a win on the board. The Eagles have saluted once, and they want more of it. The Magpies are looking for their time to shine, and this is it. The elation of victory, the sense that the club is going in the right direction. A win will provide hope, for the remainder of this season and for the future. But that’s only available for the club that is good enough to take their opportunity here. If you can’t step up in this one, it’s just another hard week in a hard season.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs v Sydney University Students

Henson Park, Saturday 1:50pm

Bulldogs – 7^th. Played 8, Won 2, Lost 6, 103.12%. Streak – L2

Students – 4^th. Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2, 150.09%. Streak – W1

The traditional University derby, with Uni NSW taking on Sydney Uni. These teams have had some fascinating battles over the years, and it wasn’t all that long ago they played off in three Grand Finals in a row. 2026 hasn’t been kind to the Bulldogs, but the sight of one of their traditional rivals could be what’s needed to lift them for a big performance. While the Students come into this clash with some imposing form behind them and looking to build some momentum as we hit the half-way points. It’s a game not to be missed; so if you’re not able to get to Henson, and for the diaspora of both clubs around the globe, tune your device to Streamer to see it all as it unfolds. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6309 ]

Finals looks a long way off for the Bulldogs. In their last start, taking on East Coast at Blacktown, the Bulldogs looked to have things under control at three quarter time; but were pipped at the post by the Eagles to go down by three points. Jacquin Mifsud landed five major scores for the Bulldogs, while Luke Swan and Giovanni Douziech picked up plenty of the ball. But, for the third time this season, the Bulldogs went down after leading at three quarter time. They’ll need to run out four quarters this week if they are to have any chance against Sydney Uni.

Meanwhile Sydney Uni are on a roll. Last week it was one-way traffic after quarter time as the Students powered their way to a 128-point win over St George. Alex Witherden was unstoppable on the forward line to finish with seven goals; while Connor Kent, Jack Lewsey and Wilson Baade picked up myriad possessions around the ground. It was an impressive display by the Students, and a welcome percentage boost for them. But to be genuine contenders, they need to turn on that sort of form every week. Another game against a team well outside the top five gives them that opportunity.

We’re only at half-way, it’s still mathematically possible for the Bulldogs. But if they are to have any realistic hope at all of making the playoffs, a win here is not negotiable. Whatever it takes, by hook or by crook, they must get the points. Their old rivals from Sydney Uni are waiting and ready. They’re aiming for the finals double-chance, and in that quest, they can’t afford to let this game slip. The Students are in form, and won’t be letting up on the pressure. The Bulldogs are going to have to dig deep within themselves and find something they have done in recent years but haven’t managed to do yet this year. It’s now or never for the Bulldogs, and the clock is ticking.

South-West Sydney Blues v North Shore Bombers

Bob Prenter Reserve, Saturday 1:50pm

Blues – 1^st. Played 8, Won 7, Lost 1, 208.08%. Streak – W4

Bombers – 2^nd, Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2, 248.80%. Streak – W1

This is only South-West Sydney’s third season at this level, but there’s no disputing that they’ve wasted little time in making an impact. The Blues made the finals in their second season, and now sit on top of the ladder in this, their third year. Along the way, they’ve beaten every team except one. This week their leadership of the competition is on the line as they take on the only team they’ve never beaten at this level; but with the home ground advantage and some solid form on the board, they give themselves every change. The best place to see this top-of-the-table clash is at the ground, the next best is live on Streamer. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6310 ]

Before the long weekend, taking on Pennant Hills at Mike Kenny, the Blues found their way to outright top of the ladder when they pulled away from the Demons, winning every quarter to take out a 65-point win. Jerome Lawrence spearheaded the charge up forward with five goals; while Matt Belbasis and Edward Cole were prolific around the ground. The Blues have played some impressive footy, especially using the expanses of Bob Prenter to their advantage. This week will test them, but so far they’ve passed nearly every test that’s been thrown their way; and this is a challenge that they’re ready to take on.

North Shore bounced back from two close losses to record a comfortable 59-point win over UTS at Gore Hill. Five unanswered goals in the first term put the issue beyond doubt, and the Bombers were on their way back to the winning list.  Pat Bolger landed five goals, while Nick Pavlou and Cooper Donald were in sparkling form. The win saw them move up to second, still with an imposing percentage; and this is the Bombers’ opportunity to return to the top. The quest for the three-peat is very much still alive.

Although the Blues are yet to beat North Shore, they gave the Bombers an almighty fright at Rosedale last year. They didn’t quite have the maturity to last the distance against the defending champions on that occasion, but another year older and wiser it could be a different story this time. Looking to extend their lead on top of the ladder and make a statement that they are genuine contenders, if the Blues can get a sniff of a win here there won’t be any stopping them. North Shore have dropped two tight games on the road this year, but the Bombers will be doing all they can to not let a third game slip. This game could well be about more than just the four points on the ladder; there’s every chance they could meet again for far higher stakes when the business end of the season comes around. So a win on Saturday could deliver not just the competition points, but a key psychological edge. 

East Coast Eagles v Parramatta Goannas

Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday 10:50am

Eagles – 6^th. Played 7, Won 1, Lost 6, 41.98%. Streak – L4

Goannas – 8^th. Played 7, Won 1, Lost 6, 18.87%. Streak – L4

Both are blue and gold. Both need a win, having lost their last four by big margins. But the fortunes of the Eagles and the Goannas will take divergent paths when they meet at Bruce Purser on Saturday. For one team, the elation of victory. For the other, another chapter in the tale of dreams unfulfilled.

The Eagles have been one of the league’s strongest womens teams in recent years, winning three flags on the trot from 2022 to 2024. But their fall this season was underlined in their last start, when they were unable to score against UNSW-ES and went down by 68 points. Jess Whelan, Sarah Hicks and Kahli Gilchrist battled hard; but it was one of those days when nothing was going right and the Eagles weren’t able to compete with an undefeated opponent. But now, against a team with an identical win-loss record, this is their opportunity to get their mojo back and put the struggles of this season behind them.

The Goannas have also been through their share of trials and tribulations in 2026. Last start was against Manly, and the Goannas got a goal on the board early, but would not score again for the rest of the day and went down by 49 points. Cindy Lam, Montana Doubell and Megan Mifsud battled tirelessly against the odds, but it wasn’t their day. Four big losses in a row hasn’t been easy for them; but now against a fellow outside-the-five team, this is their chance to impress and get that all-important psychological boost.

With the gap between the top five and the rest, it would be close to a miracle for either of these teams to compete for the finals this year. In all probability, that ship has sailed. But when the teams outside the five face off, this is the chance for some respite from the heavy losses that have gone before. It’s these games, where they have a chance, that keeps the interest going. There’s a shot at victory here; but it’s only there for the team that’s good enough to put their hands up to take it. When the wins come, they must be savoured.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs v Sydney University Students

Henson Park, Saturday 12:10pm

Bulldogs – 1^st. Played 7, Won 7, Lost 0, 905.87%. Streak – W7

Students – 3^rd. Played 7, Won 5, Lost 1, Drawn 1, 424.58%. Streak – W2

There’s always plenty of passion in the University derby, the clash between Uni NSW and Sydney Uni. Even more so when both teams are in impressive form, are keeping the scoreboard ticking over, and playing for prominent positions on the competition ladder. There shouldn’t be any issue with motivating the troops for battle in this clash, and there’s no shortage of quality players on the park when these teams face off. If you can’t get to Henson for this one, make sure you catch the action as it unfolds on Streamer. [link - https://streamer.com.au/match/6308 ]

For UNSW-ES, 2026 has gone as well as they could have hoped for. Seven games in and they’ve won all of them, with a percentage of over 900. Their last start was at Blacktown against East Coast, with the Bulldogs keeping a clean sheet to record a 68-0 win. Ella Willey, Imogen Baldassarre and Taylor Smith were prominent in another clinical display. They’ve had no problems with knocking off lowly opponents so far this season; but Sydney Uni will test them. They’ll need to step up another gear.

Sydney Uni are undefeated since Round 3, although they did have a draw since then. But most weeks they’ve had a solid run of form, including their last start when they had no worries in getting past St George by 59 points. Amanda Farrugia, Madison McCarthy and Ash Dribbus were standouts for the Students in another strong performance. But they’ve got a much tougher opponent this time. Plenty of top performers in the Students’ lineup, and if they can rise to the occasion, the Students will fancy their chances of bring the UNSW-ES undefeated run to an end.

The Bulldogs remain top, while the Students have made their way into the top three and are in pole position for the finals double-chance. These are two teams with plenty of star power, confident and in form. It’s games like this where finals positions are determined. These clubs both have premiership ambitions, and this will be a test for both clubs. A Bulldogs win extends their lead over the competition, while the Students will face a very tight battle to stay in the top three if they can’t end the UNSW-ES winning streak. The stakes are high, the players are ready; let the battle begin.

St George Dragons v Pennant Hills Demons

Kelso Oval, Saturday 1:40pm

Dragons – 7^th. Played 7, Won 1, Lost 6, 21.88%. Streak – L2

Demons – 9^th. Played 6, Won 0, Lost 6, 1.10%. Streak – L6

Two teams that desperately need a win will match up at Kelso Oval. The Dragons have won once, but copped heavy defeats every other week. For the Demons, the need is even more clear to see after a winless run in which they’ve only scored one goal for the season to date. This is desperation stakes, but an opportunity for a rare win; an oasis in the desert of the season. But for one club, the oasis will be just another mirage.

The Dragons were only able to manage a point in the first half against Sydney Uni and ended up going down by 59 points. Madeleine Holden, Eloise Carey and Charlotte Bulmer were determined in their resistance all game; but it wasn’t enough to avoid the Dragons’ sixth loss of the season. They have managed one win, and at times during the season have shown some signs of improvement; but not enough to put a stronger performance on the board consistently for a full game. But to come out swinging here and getting the result would give the Dragons some hope that they are headed in the right direction.

It’s been a few weeks since the Demons have taken to the field. The long weekend last week, the bye the week before that. Their last start was a tough afternoon at Sydney Uni No 1 in which they went down by 158 points. Charis Zacharias, Caitlin Gurney and Zoe Winn were the Demons’ best; but it was another difficult game for them. They’ve had a couple of weeks to reset, and now there’s a lot of hard work ahead. But they need to show more than they have so far this season. Against another team that’s not in the top five, they need at least a competitive performance.

It’s not easy when you’re being beaten by big margins every week; but for both clubs, this is a chance to break the losing cycle and get a win on the board. There’ll be plenty to celebrate for the team that can take the points here. These are the moments that can save morale and fortify them for the fights against tougher opponents that are to come. But for the loser, especially if the game is one-sided, it’s just another disappointing week.

Manly-Warringah Wolves v UTS Bats

Weldon Oval, Saturday 3:00pm

Wolves – 2^nd. Played 7, Won 6, Lost 1, 311.73%. Streak – W6

Bats – 5^th. Played 8, Won 5, Lost 3, 136.83%. Streak – L1

When Manly went down in the opening round of the season, there were questions about how the Wolves would handle the pressure of 2026. But those questions have been resoundingly answered since then, as the Wolves have won six on the trot, most of them by big margins; moving up to second spot and playing some great footy along the way. Now they return to home base at Weldon Oval for a clash with a UTS side that will be desperate for redemption after a disappointing performance in their last match.

The Wolves’ sixth straight win was achieved at Gipps Road, when after conceding an early goal to the Goannas, tightened their game and went on to take a comfortable 49-point win. Roxy Beuzeville, Jayme Saggers and Stephanie Wilkins impressed in another display of strong defensive football by the Wolves that denied the Goannas any further scoring chances. When they’re in form like that, the Wolves are hard to score against, which has seen them move up the ladder while building up an imposing percentage.

The Bats go into this game looking to put things right after not living up to their expectations last time. Gore Hill was always going to be a tough away trip, but the Bats failed to score and went down by 98 points, despite the efforts of Gabriella Stanwicz, Hannah Cerezo and Georgina McDonnell. And now they have another tough away trip, Weldon Oval isn’t an easy venue for an away team and not many visiting teams take the points there. But the Bats need to show more than they did against North Shore, when they were well below their best.

Although the teams that will play in the finals looks to be all but settled, the battle for the top three and the double-chance is looking extremely tight. And when two teams within the five play each other, this is where seasons can be made or broken. The Wolves, on a roll and at home, can tighten their grip on the top three. But that would leave the Bats some distance behind third and they still have two byes to come. The Bats can’t afford to let that happen, and after last week’s disappointment they need to hit back here.