With just weeks remaining until the opening ball up (wow that sounds odd… can we just keeping say ‘opening bounce’??) of the 2026 AFL Sydney season, excitement is building across our Harbour City. Whether you’re lacing up the boots in the Eastern Suburbs, on the North Shore or out West AFL Sydney footy is nearly back, and how good is that!
The release of the 2026 AFL Sydney Premier Division fixture provides the first real glimpse into what promises to be another compelling year of Premier Division football, with established powerhouses, emerging challengers, and a number of mouth-watering matchups across both the Men’s and Women’s competitions to keep us all entertained from March to September.
The full 2026 fixture (match times TBC) is available via PlayHQ, so make sure to check out who your club is playing in Round One and beyond, a reminder that the 2026 season commences on Saturday, March 28 with all Premier Division aligned competitions, followed by Divisional competitions post-Easter on Saturday, April 11.
Below is your official preview of the 2026 AFL Sydney Premier Division competitions, along with a quick taster for Men’s Division One — enjoy!
AFL SYDNEY PREVIEW
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION – SEASON PREVIEW
North Shore enter 2026 as the benchmark once again after defeating Manly Warringah Wolves in last year’s Grand Final, making it back-to-back Premierships for the Bombers and back-to-back heartbreak for the Wolves. However, the gap at the top is far from comfortable for the Bombers and despite a few additions the competition to lift the Bill Hart Trophy will be fierce.
In addition to the Wolves, who remain dangerous and a serious flag contender, Sydney University have rebuilt quickly via several key recruits and a footy factory at the Glebe Greyhounds and via their own Under 19.5 program, along with a rapidly improving South West Sydney Blues outfit fresh off a finals appearance in their second season at the top level of footy in Sydney. In addition, don’t write off the UTS AFC Bats who have had an active transfer window since February 1 and appear to have a First 22 capable of matching it with anyone on their day.
These teams and more are firmly in the premiership conversation and up to challenge North Shore in 2026. This shapes as one of the most competitive Premier Division seasons in recent memory.
North Shore Bombers
Reigning back-to-back Premiers - The hunted once again.
After claiming the 2025 premiership with a Grand Final victory over Manly Warringah at BISP, North Shore remain the competition’s measuring stick and the envy of many a program across the state and territory, if not the country.
Their ability to absorb pressure, win the big moments, and perform deep into September has become the standard others are chasing. The Bombers have even locked in a pre-season clash with the Swans VFL team at Tramway Oval in early March, and it would be a brave person to think they won’t compete at that level.
While our very own representative superstar Ethan Grace has departed to the Eagles in the SANFL, the Bombers if you listen to the rumour mill have wasted little time with some high-end recruits. We will watch the transfer list with interest ahead of Round 1.
Expect another season where every club circles their match-up against the Bombers as a statement opportunity. How many will be able to tick that box?
One word: Benchmark
Round One: Inner West Magpies vs North Shore Bombers – Picken Oval, Saturday March 28
Manly Warringah Wolves
Grand Finalists
Manly return with unfinished business once again after falling just short on the last day of the 2025 season.
The Wolves had a few very tough years, especially in their men’s program, but emerged from the abyss with a statement in 2025 and followed that up with consistency across the season. Despite a few tough Grand Finals, the Wolves are firmly in the premiership window, especially with the recruitment of Western Bulldogs Premiership star Lachie Hunter who will be electric at AFL Sydney level.
2026 shapes as another year where they will expect to be playing meaningful football late in the season, and if the club can convince Barry O’Connor to forego a return home to Ireland until after September they just might go one step further.
Watch for Travis Schiller to dominate once again in 2026, he is all class and one of the best in the league, if not the best.
One word: Relentless
Round One: Manly Warringah Wolves vs UNSW-ES Bulldogs – Weldon Oval, Saturday March 28
Sydney University
Top-four contender
Sydney University have fallen away slightly in recent seasons; however, they remain one of the most structurally sound programs in the competition and again loom as a genuine threat in 2026.
Alex Witherden is elite and has taken a leading role building the standards and work ethic at the Students. Kyle Underwood has taken on the Head Coach role following a highly successful tenure with the club’s Men’s Division One team.
Let’s not forget to mention the most sought-after recruit of the offseason signed at Sydney University, with Lachie Keefe now officially a Student. “Kick it to Lachie” should be the catch cry from the hill at Uni No.1 Oval, and if a heap of those kicks are coming from Witherden and Sam Barkley, good luck stopping Sydney Uni in 2026.
Having consistently featured in finals without a deep run recently, the challenge now is converting that consistency into a premiership breakthrough. Expect the Students to be disciplined, well prepared, and firmly in the hunt across the season.
One word: Contenders
Round One: Sydney University vs St George Dragons – Mahoney Park, Saturday March 28
South West Sydney Blues
Big improver
It seems odd to call a team who both made the finals and won their inaugural final in Premier Division a big improver, but watch this space.
The Blues have recruited well with the likes of Uchenna Egbu (Inner West) joining the club, and despite the loss of reigning Phelan Medallist Finbar Delbridge the Blues are eyeing a deeper run in 2026.
The Blues have eleven players in the Under 22’s Summer Series squad which is a fantastic sign for the future. With momentum building and belief growing within the group, along with solid improvement in their young guns like Kohan Prenter who should very much enjoy the wide open expanses of Bob Prenter Oval.
And wow… don’t get me started on how good that facility is out at Bob Prenter following its upgrade in 2025.
South West Sydney shape as the side most capable of disrupting the established top tier.
One word: Ascending
Round One: South West Sydney Blues vs Pennant Hills Demons – Bob Prenter Reserve, Saturday March 28
East Coast Eagles
The Eagles continue to invest in youth and development, and while results may fluctuate, there is genuine optimism around the trajectory of the program.
Just take a look at the East Coast Eagles talent in the Under 22’s representative squad, highlighted by Jacob Jones, who is an absolute superstar of the competition. Don’t be surprised if he is right there in the Phelan count this season. In the 22’s squad he is joined by six of his Eagles teammates including Jesse Eldred, Liam Sankey and Lukas O’Neil.
The off-season loss of Harry Elbourne, who has headed down to Tasmania, will hurt the Eagles, he was pure class. Gavin Jones, the long-time Head Coach, has moved to the front office to oversee the football department, while Ben Rogers, no stranger to AFL Sydney footy, will lead the Young Eagles in 2026.
Expect a competitive edge that comes with added experience, as the East Coast young guns start to approach 50+ Premier Division matches. This is a side that will test opponents each and every week.
One word: Exciting
Round One: East Coast Eagles vs UTS AFC Bats – Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday March 28
Inner West Magpies
Inner West remain one of the league’s most physical units and on their day will make teams work hard for the four points, particularly on their home deck.
The Magpies are a proud and historic club and will be eager to turn strong performances into upward ladder movement this season as they aim to compete in more games for longer and improve the win-loss ratio.
The club announced Brent Staker (ex-West Coast Eagle and Brisbane Lion) as their Head Coach, which will bring steel and quality to the club who will be hurting from the offseason departure of Ben Klemke. The Magpies have signed Bililign Robertson (UTS) which is an impressive addition to their squad.
Solid leadership and development of the young talent will be key for the Magpies in 2026.
One word: Rebuilding
Round One: Inner West Magpies vs North Shore Bombers – Picken Oval, Saturday March 28
Pennant Hills Demons
The Demons continue to sit in that challenging middle ground between finals regulars and premiership aspirants, noting a dip in 2025 saw the Demons on the hill watching the finals for the first time in a number of seasons.
The season record and resultant missing of finals certainly wasn’t anything to do with first-year Head Coach Jason Blakemore who had his team primed and playing with passion all season. A biblical run of injuries cruelled the Demons in 2025; however, they appear to be flying in the off-season with the re-recruitment of several players who departed the club in 2025 including the calm under pressure Cooper Lee, along with the nice addition of his talented brother Gus Lee (Sydney University).
Their best football is good enough to trouble the competition’s elite, and 2026 will be about consistency, health, and capitalising on key moments.
One word: Interesting
Round One: South West Sydney Blues vs Pennant Hills Demons – Bob Prenter Reserve, Saturday March 28
St George Dragons
St George will be aiming to translate improvement into results in 2026. They are a club built on local juniors, culture and development from within.
With a developing list of players from the Shire including four Dragons highlighted by the dynamic Hunter Picked and Cave McKnight, and the return of club hero Kye Fringle back from a successful tenure at North Adelaide in the SANFL, the Dragons will target wins against similarly placed sides while looking to spring the occasional upset against top-four opposition.
Don’t be surprised if the Dragons claim more than a few of those upsets, noting they will be away from the fortress that is Olds Park as it undergoes a very exciting and game-changing upgrade in 2026.
One word: Developing
Round One: Sydney University vs St George Dragons – Mahoney Park, Saturday March 28
UNSW-ES Bulldogs
The Bulldogs appear to be on a one-up, one-down trajectory with several players once again opting to hit the highway and apply their trade in the Riverina or AFL Canberra, with notable departures such as Sam Thorn who will turn from friend to foe when AFL Sydney plays AFL Canberra at Manuka Oval in May.
The Bulldogs also say goodbye to Robbie Chancellor as coach, as he makes the move to Head Coach of the GIANTS VFL team.
However, the Dogs are proud and well credentialed just look at their trophy cabinet down at Dave Phillips Oval. Keep an eye on Harry Wichman (Collingullie) who has moved to the Doggies from the Riverina League, where he was a solid contributor for the Demons at senior level.
Write them off at your peril, they are young, talented, and well led. A strong start will be critical as they look to build confidence early and get themselves into September action.
One word: Resilient
Round One: Manly Warringah Wolves vs UNSW-ES Bulldogs – Weldon Oval, Saturday March 28
UTS AFC Bats
After an up and down campaign last season where the whole competition had to look over its shoulder when the Bats appeared ready to break out and capture a top five position, it wasn’t to be.
The injury to Hamish Latchford while representing AFL Sydney & AFL Canberra in their famous back-to-back win versus Tasmania at North Hobart Oval was the final blow the Bats couldn’t overcome in 2025.
But 2026 brings a new season and plenty of top-end recruits at Trumper Oval — watch the transfer list in the coming weeks.
UTS will be focused on growth, stability and consistency in 2026. With an emphasis on development and cohesion, the Bats list looks solid as they look to steadily climb the ladder and trouble opposition sides as the season progresses.
Do I hear finals?
One word: Launching
Round One: East Coast Eagles vs UTS AFC Bats – Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday March 28
Stay tuned for the release of the 2026 AFL Sydney Premier Division Match of the Round Schedule
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION – SEASON PREVIEW
The Women’s Premier Division enters 2026 with a clear narrative: can anyone knock off North Shore?
After finally breaking through when it had been promised for several seasons, the Bombers put it all together in the back end of the season and dominated the Finals. They defeated Sydney University in the 2025 Grand Final with relative comfort, and the Bombers will start as clear favourites.
However, with Sydney University building an impressive program, the Wolves recruiting well, and a rapidly improving UNSW-ES Bulldogs outfit, the competition at the top is tightening.
North Shore Bombers
Reigning Premiers
The reigning premiers set the standard in 2025 and return as the team to beat.
Their young running superstars led from the front, with Charlotte Tidemann and Heide De Saxe nothing short of elite. The Bombers welcome back Sophie Kavanagh and add Abbey Martin (East Coast Eagles) to complement an already elite defensive unit.
When coupled with their current list and impressive local talent, the North Shore Women’s program will fear no one in season 2026 and never has “Gore Hill” felt more like a fortress for the Bombers.
Their balance, depth and ability to perform in big moments makes them the benchmark once again, and every challenger will measure themselves against North Shore in 2026. Will any stack up?
One word: Scary
Round One: Parramatta Goannas vs North Shore Bombers – Gipps Road Oval, Saturday March 28
Sydney University
Grand Finalists
Sydney Uni remain firmly in the premiership mix after another strong campaign.
Amanda Farrugia returns to Sydney University and, for anyone who loves great footy, we all hope Marianne Harley enjoys a healthy 2026 “Return of the Mac”, what an absolute superstar.
It’s great to see Emma Juneja back at Sydney Uni following a stint in Melbourne, which included eight games for Box Hill Hawks in the VFLW.
Having fallen just short in last year’s decider, the Students will be motivated to go one step further in 2026 and reassert themselves as genuine flag threats.
One word: Classy
Round One: Sydney University vs St George Dragons – Mahoney Park, Saturday March 28
UNSW-ES Bulldogs
Big improver
Arguably the most exciting narrative heading into 2026.
Aimee Whelan is one of the best players in the competition and, following an exceptional first season in AFL Sydney which included being named best afield in the representative match versus Tasmania, she has quickly become a leader. It is clear players are following, with the Bulldogs recruiting well both from within the pathway and externally.
In massive news, retiring Swans AFLW star Rebecca Privitelli is back in AFL Sydney and will pull on the red, white and blue of the Bulldogs in season 2026, having previously played with the club back in 2018 and 2019.
Expect UNSW-ES to challenge the competition’s elite regularly this season and have a deep run in September.
One word: Surging
Round One: Manly Warringah Wolves vs UNSW-ES Bulldogs – Weldon Oval, Saturday March 28
East Coast Eagles
Youth and development will be the focus for the Eagles, who for so many years have been the benchmark in this competition.
A steady flow of transfers out of the Eagles, many at the very top end will make 2026 a different season for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 Premiers as they seek to reset and recharge. However, the Women’s Division Two side won the flag in 2025, which in turn shows positive signs emerging in their depth.
Expect steady improvement and competitive performances as the season progresses.
One word: Recharge
Round One: East Coast Eagles vs UTS AFC Bats – Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday March 28
Manly Warringah Wolves
As with Aimee Whelen, Hannah Woolfe is one of the best players in the competition. The reigning two-time Mostyn Medallist is a legitimate superstar, and considering what she has achieved in her short career, it is hard to imagine what she could produce in the coming season.
Manly have recruited well, with Brooke Bailey (East Coast Eagles) moving across to Weldon Oval following a successful season playing for Geelong in the VFLW.
Phil Spratt has taken over the reins of the Manly Women’s program following the off-season departure of Peter Robinson. Ash Carter returns and brings a level of hardness and leadership few players in the competition possess. She will be critical to getting the young Wolves back into the finals and driving their premiership aspirations.
The Wolves will be competitive and well structured, capable of testing any opponent.
One word: Talented
Round One: Manly Warringah Wolves vs UNSW-ES Bulldogs – Weldon Oval, Saturday March 28
Parramatta Goannas
The Goannas underwent a complete reboot in 2025. The club’s list was flipped over and they had to restart.
With the exception of Ash Gray, who remains super important to the Goannas’ make-up, they lost a significant portion of the group that drove back-to-back finals campaigns.
It’s a different story this off-season, with solid recruitment and strong retention leading the Gipps Road faithful to dare to dream of another finals run.
It will be really tough given the depth of this year’s Women’s Premier Division competition, but the Goannas will bring it each and every week. They will be aiming to make a strong early statement against the reigning premiers.
With clear development pathways within and growing confidence in the group, those will be the keys for 2026.
One word: Forming
Round One: Parramatta Goannas vs North Shore Bombers – Gipps Road Oval, Saturday March 28
St George Dragons
The St George Women’s program is a work in progress.
Excitingly, the club has entered an Under 20’s team for season 2026 which shows a good base of juniors coming through. The off-season academy program led by Chloe Molloy (Swans AFLW) no doubt assisted with this.
The Dragons have a lot to look forward to and have plenty of up-and-coming talent emerging through their pathway.
They will continue to build their women’s program and focus on development, competitiveness and consistency across the season.
One word: Growing
Round One: Sydney University vs St George Dragons – Mahoney Park, Saturday March 28
UTS AFC Bats
The Bats will be eager to take a step forward in 2026 after a tough season in 2025.
For much of the year the Bats appeared to be on track to play finals; however, a late-season fade meant they watched on in September.
They have solid talent on their list and, in big news for the club, Marnie Robinson is back in Sydney and playing at her former club UTS following two seasons and 23 games of VFLW for Essendon.
There will be a focus on cohesion, growth and building belief within the group as they look to get back into finals and perhaps have another crack at the Premiership.
One word: Intriguing
Round One: East Coast Eagles vs UTS AFC Bats – Bruce Purser Reserve, Saturday March 28
Stay tuned for the release of the 2026 AFL Sydney Premier Division Match of the Round Schedule
Men’s Division One – 2026 Season Preview
Men’s Division One shapes as one of the most compelling competitions in AFL Sydney in 2026, with a strong mix of proven performers, returning challengers and fresh storylines.
North Shore Bombers enter the season as the three-time reigning Premiers (I know… that’s crazy!) following their Grand Final victory over the brave Parramatta Goannas. It would be a very brave person to pick against the Bombers as they eye a fourth premiership in as many years in Men’s Division One. Simply put, the Bombers are the benchmark.
Parramatta, Camden and Sydney University are, however, firmly in the premiership conversation and will challenge the Bombers the whole way.
The competition does have a different feel in 2026 with the relegation of Inner West Magpies and Southern Power, and the promotion of Manly Warringah Wolves and South West Sydney Blues.
The Wolves arrive with significant momentum after claiming the Division Two premiership last season, and the big question early will be whether they can carry that form forward and go back-to-back at a higher level. Or will the Blues shock the world?
The Pennant Hills Demons had a rare down season in Men’s Division One; however, the Demons, buoyed by solid recruitment into Premier Division and a reduced injury list, could once again be in for a finals run.
With a clear top end, a strong middle tier and several sides capable of shaping the finals race, Division One promises a hard-fought and unpredictable season from Round One.