THE last AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division round was a weekend of one sided results with spectators hoping for a closer weekend in Round 6. With top of the table East Coast Eagles having the bye, UTS Bats could temporarily grab top spot, with Macquarie University capable of moving into third. One of Southern Power or Sydney Uni will break their winless start to the season, while North Shore Bombers and Manly Warringah Wolves have a massive mid-table clash.
NORTH SHORE BOMBERS vs. MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES
Saturday, May 13 @ Gore Hill Oval, 10:10am
The clash between fourth-placed North Shore Bombers and fifth-placed Manly Warringah Wolves looms as an eight-point game given its importance in the context of the season. In what should be the match of the round, the astroturf should provide a lightning surface for both teams who will try to implement fast and effective ball movement. They both have slightly different styles though and whichever side negates the others’ strength will succeed on the day. If the Wolves can stop the multiple handpasses for free running extraction from the Bombers, or if North Shore can negate the frantic defensive play that Manly brings to the table, an edge can be found.
UTS BATS vs. PENNANT HILLS DEMONS
Saturday, May 13 @ Trumper Oval, 12:35pm
The second game of the weekend will be all about Pennant Hills who will be frustrated with the last two weeks and the lack of offensive play and damage on the scoreboard. UTS play a different style currently to the Demons’ previous two opponents and if they can get a few players back into the side, they can defensively strangle the contest, and they might be able to keep it close. Otherwise, it could be another blowout. If UTS Bats win, they will temporarily take top spot ahead of the massive clash with East Coast Eagles. Melissa Lindsay booted five goals last week to take her total to nine for the season and move into the top five, while her Bats teammate April Devine is averaging two goals a game.
UNSW-ES BULLDOGS vs. MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY GOANNAS
Saturday, May 13 @ Henson Park, 1:10pm
Macquarie Uni put on a show last week and if they can keep the same style of run and gun football. they can put up a big score. Michala Ford‘s athleticism and finishing up front is a standout at the moment, while Lauren Easton was best on ground last week with four goals and the pair have combined for 21 majors this season. Alternately, UNSW is playing through their tall forwards and if the Bulldogs are allowed to do it they will keep it close. Emily Conlan (eight goals in four games) is the danger for the home side. Expect the Goannas to get up and retain third spot.
SOUTHERN POWER vs. SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Saturday, May 13 @ Waratah Oval, 2:50pm
One of the winless sides in this year’s AFL Sydney competition will finally break their drought, with the first premiership points at least going the way of either the Power or Students. If Sydney Uni wants any chance to be there when the whips are cracking, then the Students will have to put their foot down in this one. For and against will be a factor for the tail end of the finals spot later on and they will be desperate to match the performance of other teams. Southern Power, after a record scoreboard loss, should welcome back some experienced defenders and make it a much tougher job, using the constant pressure tackling Southern Power have always been known for. They will be desperate to hit the scoreboard as well. Still, expect the visitors to be too strong as they have been more competitive this season.