AFL Sydney: Season preview, goals, key figures for men’s and women’s premier competitions
With the AFL Sydney season now underway, we take an in depth look at the teams chasing glory in the men’s and women’s competition. Check out our massive season preview.
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THE AFL Sydney premier competitions have commenced, highlighting the state’s best Aussie rules talent.
From ex-Swans players through to those looking to make the top flight, and the local legends who make the game great, there’s a great sense of anticipation among the 18 teams that make up both competitions.
We look at all clubs taking part in this year’s AFL Sydney premier competitions in our season preview.
PREMIER MEN
NORTH SHORE BOMBERS
Coach: Andrew Rogers
Captain: Ned Campbell and Jordy Law
Players to watch: Paddy Bolger is a midfielder who has been through the Swans Academy. He’s a very smart user of the footy, a nice player who is very composed and the club has high expectations of him. Will Hopkins is similarly out of the Academy who is also very skilled and an exceptional kick. He’s a good decision maker and both have enjoyed a very strong pre-season. They had a taste last year and if they believe in themselves, are set for a huge year.
Surprise packet: Jack Dillon has really pleased the club with his progress. He was injured towards the end of last year but has given himself every opportunity to excel and is going to get the reward for his efforts. Another good kick and smart user of the footy.
Biggest strengths: Their depth. Over a long period of time they’ve built up a good core group of fourth or fifth year players who are at premier level or developing into it. There’s a real drive and desire among the group, with many able to compete at this level.
Why they will be competitive: While they have lost eight players from last year’s grand final team, they have recruited well to fill those voids. A mixture of guys looking for opportunities, some from interstate and others looking for a different avenue into the AFL greets the Bombers. Players are capable of stepping up, and they’re focused on team improvement rather than individual game plans, which should keep them right in the hunt once again.
Last season: Second
UTS BATS
Coach: Kevin Dyson
Captains: Jack Calabro, Tom Borrillo and Xavier Barry-Murphy
Players to watch: Harrie Lahy is a seasoned player from Melbourne who has played at a very high amateur level. He’s a leader, a polished midfielder and a big acquisition. Will Devlin is another new player from country Victoria who comes in at 6’3. He’s skilled and plays the brand of footy they want. Suited to defence but a bit of a utility. Nick McGill comes from South Australia and has his eyes set on getting on the Swans VFL list. Has a high pedigree background that saw him on the Crows’ VFL list and is a handy defender/midfielder. Antony Eussen is a four quarter beast. A fantastic young player who has come through the U19s.
Surprise packet: Harrison Callahan has set the benchmark at training and has start to set it in pre-season games as well. A rover/forward who has really impressed. Louis Pribula has come through the U19s and is super fast. Will provide a good target up forward.
Biggest strength: Their focus has been on fitness, conditioning and getting their players ready to compete for four quarters. That’s what they’ve tried to achieve in the pre-season and the Bats believe they’ve done a good job of that.
Why they will be competitive: They’re not looking too far ahead. There have been some good performances but some challenging games where they’ve been on the wrong end of the ledger. They’re focused on competing for four quarters and gaining the respect of the competition. If they can do those things, the results will come off the back of that. The club is building and there’s enough grit within the group to make it happen.
Last season: Seventh
PENNANT HILLS DEMONS
Coach: Ben Roberts
Captain: Tom Edmonds
Players to watch: Harry Maguire is a key forward in the team who is maturing into a good senior footballer. Played VFL for the Swans last year and his leadership has gone to another level with the young group. Mitch Blow is a ruckman coming off a best and fairest win and has grown in confidence. He is really mobile and can jump high. Mitch Kunigiskis is a young player coming through who was their best in the pre-season. Moves from the midfield to defence, and has a great dash, as well as ball use.
Surprise packet: Young Brayden Hawkins comes down from Cardiff in the Black Diamond League. Has impressed with his execution and intensity, and is a versatile midfielder or forward.
Biggest strength: The chemistry. The same group has been together for a while now. They’ve grown up together and a lot played junior footy with each other, some for up to 15 years. The team also has a high skill level.
Why they will be competitive: They enter year two of their game plan and they will definitely start to see some improvements. There is the right balance between their line groups and the overall cohesion within the group. They’re buying into who the coaches are trying. After the disappointment of missing finals, this year is one of redemption.
Last season: Sixth
EAST COAST EAGLES
Coach: Gavin Jones
Captain:s Nathan Coxall, Cam Edwards (VC)
Players to watch: Cam Edwards has come back to the group in career-best fitness. He has played in the VFL and Talent League prior, and is a very committed half-back. Harry Sutherland will again take on ruck duties and he is another year older and stronger. Scott Brown has moved into the forward line and is a pretty versatile player, moving from a key back to a key forward. He’s tall, athletic, has a great vertical and is super competitive.
Surprise packet: The whole group had a consistent pre-season for first time in four years and everyone has impressed. The club believes they have all improved. - they’ve all improved so much
Biggest strength: Their youth. While they don’t deny they are in a rebuilding phase, with the average age of their best 22 at around 20, they’re all super keen and stick together. If their supporters have patience, they will see that this group is capable of doing over the next few years. There’s a lot of energy and intent, as well as connection and trust among the roster.
Why they will be competitive: There’s no lack of talent, but consistency is an area they want to improve upon this year. With some coaching stability, they’re starting to see the developing juniors coming through, and they will all be up for the task this time around. Results will come from their efforts.
Last season: Ninth
ST GEORGE DRAGONS
Coach: Tony Quinn
Captain: Ben Hodgson
Players to watch: Kyle McKellar claimed the best and fairest last year and will put himself right in contention for that once again. Tim Tegg is a winger coming off one of his best seasons with the club, and they are hoping he can go to another level.
Surprise packet: The Dragons are hopeful of seeing a pair of Swans Academy players later in the season. Jeromos Mills-Basas (midfield) and Tye Gander (forward) are two exciting young prospects who will add a lot to the team if they earn the chance.
Biggest strength: The camaraderie between the playing group and the willingness to try and improve. The club has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years with a group of players who come together because they love playing footy. They have a go for each other, and get along on and off the field.
Why they will be competitive: With the fourth year of Quinn at the helm, he believes they have improved every year. There’s a strong core group of players who are local juniors and willing to face up to the bigger clubs. Finishing in third position last year really drives this club for the upcoming season. They had their chances in the finals and didn’t take them, so you know they will be keen to improve upon that.
Last season: Third
UNSW/ES BULLDOGS
Coach: Darren Pfeiffer
Captain: Brandon Jack, Kieran Emery and Jasper Hardy
Players to watch: Sam Thorne comes back from the SANFL. A midfielder who pretty much goes in and wins the footy, as well as making smart decisions with the ball. Tom Longmire is the son of Swans coach John, and has played VFL. Played a bit of centre-half back, is talented and despite coming off some injuries, has the ability to make it to the AFL. Kieran Emery is a key forward coming off a mixed year with injury. Has had a big pre-season and will again be a key target in the forward 50.
Surprise packet: Oscar Peter is looking at a move into the midfield and forward, and club officials believe that can take his game to another level on the back of a really encouraging pre-season.
Biggest strength: The general competitiveness of the team. Winning contested ball is something the Bulldogs pride themselves on, as well as their ability to move the ball quickly in transition.
Why they will be competitive: The depth of the team and list really helps them. They have a squad where everyone contributes and there are no passengers across the board which is really important. They won the premiership last year, and despite a large part of the group moving on, there are key new players that have come in, and there is still a hunger in regards to success which holds them in good stead.
Last season: Premiers
MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES
Coach: Gareth Newman
Captains: Ryan Wearne, Kyle Martin (vc), Kieran Le Jeune (vc)
Players to watch: Cale Gabilla a highly talented forward, is freaky with his abilities and is an exciting player for the team. Will Smit is a young up and coming midfielder who has come through the junior ranks and is a highly promising young prospect. Zach Youlten is returning after injury interrupted him last season, is a strong player and will be a key figure in the half-back line. Kye McGrath was last year’s best and fairest and made the All Sydney team in the midfield who led the way.
Surprise packet: Jasper Crouch has responded to a big pre-season, and has come on through the practice matches, an emerging ruck coming through the U19s.
Biggest strength: Commitment to each other. What they’ve seen through the pre-season, which started in October, is holding each other to account. They’re coming into the year much the fittest a lot have been and this has them as a unified outfit keen to improve throughout the year.
Why they will be competitive: A team structure that works will put them in good stead, along with a tough midfield group that is strong at winning the ball. Last year the club improved significantly in terms of being competitive. With eight new faces in the starting line-up, including a mix of rising juniors and solid recruits, the club has done well off the field, they are in good stead.
Last season: Eighth
INNER WEST MAGPIES
Coach: Ben Klemke
Captain: Callum McEvoy
Players to watch: Lachie Tiziani is a half-forward coming off a GWS Giants list last year. Came back from a knee reconstruction and is ready to fire once again. Luke Jamieson is a 6’6 ruck who keeps developing his game after making the transition from basketball. Cooper Newton is a returning local junior who hasn’t put a foot wrong throughout the pre-season. They’re excited to have him back and he will return in the middle.
Surprise packet: There’s a lot of the young players have put some pressure on the older players to keep their spots within the side, which is creating healthy competition among the playing group.
Biggest strength: The youth in this team. It’s a completely different team and the coaching staff is excited about what they will bring. They can notice it around training and it is having a positive effect on everyone.
Why they will be competitive: Last year the club played finals for the first time in eight years and they are looking to build on the progress made over the past couple of years. It’s a new type of team that should be able to improve. Retention has been good, and even thought they lost a bit of experience, they have been able to get a few handy recruits along the way to help the cause.
Last season: Fifth
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Coach: Matt Vicic
Captain: Spencer Krochmal
Players to watch: Oscar Davis plays in the midfield and half-back. He uses the ball very well and he looks like he’s in for a big year. Riley Fitzroy is in a similar mould after playing his first year of prems. A tough player who grew in confidence and is looking to cement his spot. Angus Jones a full forward who started to hit his straps before injuries hit. He’s an exciting prospect if he can string multiple games together.
Surprise packet: Nathan Tang has really applied himself throughout the pre-season. Got some good practice matches under his belt. Was in and out of the prems side last year but can solidify his spot in the forwards.
Biggest strength: As a group they get along off the field, which helps the group from 19 to 35 years old creates that connection. They’ve practised being aggressive in moving the footy, and they want that to connect on the field.
Why they will be competitive: The last two years they have been thereabouts in the hunt for a flag. The goal is to win the premiership after falling a bit short last year. With a few senior players coming back and some talented young players, there is a good feel around the group. Some fresh faces are creating an exciting environment and giving life to the senior troops.
Last season: Fourth
PREMIER WOMEN
NORTH SHORE BOMBERS
Coach: Jordan Foster
Captains: Emily Matheson and Matilda Eder
Players to watch: Abby Latimer is one of the juniors just coming out of the U18s. She’s talented and has improved a lot in the half-back and midfield positions. Imogen Hungerford is a half-forward with a very dangerous left foot. She played the last eight games in the prems last year and will only continue to improve. Lucy Krimmer is an experienced player who improved greatly last year, and moves from the half-back line into the midfield.
Surprise packet: Another young girl who didn’t play a lot of prems last year but has looked good in pre-season is Bella Hendriks. Worked hard on feedback given to her and will play in the middle in round one.
Biggest strengths: Their youth. They’ve got some talented U18s that are either in their final year or have just come out of that age. They’re making a positive impact on the group, and there’s a couple in Swans and GWS Academy that really add to the side.
Why they will be competitive: They’re going to be a fairly small and fast side. They like to play a lot of run and carry footy, use lots of handballs and run other teams off their feet a little bit. It’s a different game style but they believe they match up against some teams well and will surprise a few of the teams that beat them last year, particularly with more experience among a young list.
Last season: Fourth
PENNANT HILLS DEMONS
Coach: Daniel Fielder
Captain: Eleanor Rugg and Eliza Harvey
Players to watch: New recruit Bec Ives will be playing in the ruck. She’s come down from Wyong and is keen to play in a stronger competition, and see where the experience in premier division takes her. Mia Hartley is a young player who has graduated from the juniors. She plays on the back flank, has great skills with the footy and is always creating options from behind the play.
Surprise packet: Emily Phelps is one of the smaller players on the team but is a rocket. On the wing she knows how to win the ball and earned a spot in the side last year. She won a premiership in division two and her form in the trials has been outstanding.
Biggest strengths: A great early pre-season for the club. Great numbers have come on board and the roster is really taking on board a new game plan. Structures have been working well in the trials and coaches want to see that enacted in the regular season.
Why they will be competitive: They’ve built a very strong bond between all of the rows this season, with a camp at the start of February really helping the squad to gel. While there has been a few players depart, they believe those coming into their place will have a great impact, with a lot from division two really taking that next step up and showing what they can do throughout the pre-season.
Last season: Seventh
UTS BATS
Coach: Miguel Limson
Captain: Julia Georos and Kaitlin McCaffery
Players to watch: One of the new recruits from UNSW is April Devine. She’s a towering player who has played as one of the state rucks for the past two years. A dominant player who can take on the full forward role, is agile and is good for multiple goals per game. Marnie Robinson is a top 30 NAB Academy player and is one of the up and coming 17 year olds. She’s going into her draft year and has won the rising star award. Makes the effort to come down from Newcastle. Ella Parker has come across from the Southern Power, and is a 17-year-old poised to take her game to the next level. A highly rated Swans Academy member who has already been named as a Coates League best on ground.
Surprise packet: Taylah Canobie impressed officials with the way she’s approached the game and her trials. Took a bit of time to get into the groove but has been on fire in the trials and will be a force in the midfield.
Biggest strength: Something they take pride on is the running game. As a team they want to be the fittest in the competition. There are natural runners in the team and they want to use that to the game plan.
Why they will be competitive: Last year was a massive year for the women’s program, improving on three wins to nine last season, the most they’ve ever had. They just missed the finals by percentage and they want to take it all the way in 2023. The Bats have a good foundation of players, they’ve recruited strongly and that want to make a difference this year. They’re not there to fill in the numbers, they’ve earned respect and have their sights set on the finals.
Last season: Sixth
EAST COAST EAGLES
Coach: Ash Moeller
Captain: Chloe Arndt
Players to watch: Teagan Germech is a midfielder who is a powerful and explosive talent. She can kick the ball a long way and is a good prospect who could very well be drafted. Caitlin Reid is a tall ruck who adds a lot to the Eagles around the ground. Has good hands, is athletic and is able to run. Jess Whelan is a smart footballer in the midfield who possesses plenty of skills.
Surprise packet: Erin Naden was named as the East Coast rising star last year. She’s had a good pre-season and in all of the practice matches, the half-forward has looked right at home in her role.
Biggest strength: They’re a competitive group. There’s a good balance across the field and their skill level would have to rate as one of the best in the competition. That holds them in very good stead.
Why they will be competitive: Despite winning the competition last year, the Eagles aren’t just content with the one and there is a real hunger to defend their crown. They’ve retained the bulk of their group and have added five or six really strong players into the mix as well. There’s no complacency and they’re well positioned to challenge again.
Last season: Premiers
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Coach: Jon Dyster
Captain: Mac Harley
Players to watch: Mac was a runner up in the Sydney AFL’s best and fairest last year. An on-baller who is tenacious and pure class. Sas Johnson is another who was the runner up for the rising star in Sydney AFL. She’s now turned 18 and the club is excited to see her development this year. Lucy Gilfedder is a forward who is coming off a strong 2022 and an even better pre-season. She looks set to have a big impact this time around.
Surprise packet: Molly Cameron is new to the sport and comes to Sydney Uni after previously playing netball. The way she has adapted to the new sport has coaches thrilled with what she can do, and she’ll start in the ruck.
Biggest strength: Last year what they tried to do was structured game, and they want to continue building knowledge within the group and expand on that. Defensive structure and ball movement will be key.
Why they will be competitive: What Sydney Uni tries to have is a 21-player system where everyone works on their roles and plays a major part. They want to be consistent coming into the finals, and can need up to 40 to get that job done. They believe they can be as good as anyone on their day and what to show that this season.
Last season: Third
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY GOANNAS
Coach: Joel Upfill and Jodie Hicks
Captains: Laura Coleman and Ash Gray
Players to watch: Amanda Farrugia in the midfield comes post retirement from the GWS Giants, ‘Fridge’ is making a return to Sydney footy where she has won three league best and fairest medals. Her leadership and experience has been incredibly valuable, particularly for the younger members of the midfield group. Caitlin Fletcher earned a rising star nomination last season playing as a half forward, but is running through the mids this year. Named as an emerging leader in the leadership group, and under their tutelage in the midfield group she is primed for a big season. Shannon, Jacqui and Cassie Brown are all sisters playing in the same team. Shannon and Jacqui provide a real competitive edge to the backline, and Cassie uses her foot skills either on the wing or off the half-back
Surprise packet: Lili (Dex) Kablau has had a huge preseason coming off a long term injury last season. She’s put a lot of time into her strength and conditioning as well as her footy at the end of last year and in preseason this season. She’ll provide some real strength across the park, but particularly in the mids and on the half forward line
Biggest strengths: First year of a footballing alliance between Mac Uni and Parramatta Goannas. Combining the two programs has been a fun challenge, but it gives them the ability to combine the strengths of a combined playing group at prems level. Strengths are a good balance of players that can win the contested ball and others that provide run on the outside. They’re looking to play a competitive and fun brand of footy this season.
Why they team will be competitive: A solid structure and fun gamestyle, good coaching and a mix of strengths in the playing group.
Last season: Ninth
MANLY WARRINGAH WOLVES
Coach: Peter Robertson
Captain: Ash Carter, Andrea Roditzis (vc)
Players to watch: Andrea Roditzis has silky skills and is fantastic to watch, a running midfielder who can run strongly down the wing. Kaitlin Manning is an aggressive, tough forward who can bust a game open and get Manly on the front foot. Lauren Bourgeois is an outstanding ruck who had an injury interrupted season last year. It’s exciting to have her fit and she’s a promising talent. New recruit Shannon Fraser is a hard-running half-forward/midfielder and from what the club has seen, she’s an exciting addition to the team.
Surprise packet: The development of the younger players like Olivia Cameron has continued and is exciting for the club coming through, and she looks ready to take the next step.
Biggest strength: The women’s program has been successful over the past few years with a premiership and grand final appearance over the past two seasons. A new coach brings a new level of enthusiasm and the culture within the club is strong, with the list really committed to each other and sticking together.
Why they will be competitive: Added some new recruits in addition to making a good fist at retention. Talent takes them a long way and Manly has that in spades. There’s a lot of depth and competition for spots in the starting side. With some experience and emerging new talent coming through, they should be towards that top end of the ladder once again.
Last season: Second
UNSW/ES BULLDOGS
Coach: Tom Williamson
Captains: Shelby Koh and Sandra Janjetovich
Players to watch: Lara Brennan is coming back to the club and is still eligible to play juniors, but she’s been doing very well and looks set to suit up in the firsts again. Willow Smith kicked 30 goals last year and gives the Bulldogs a real pillar up forward to aim towards. Renae Scheffer returns to the club after a couple of years and hasn’t missed a beat in her comeback. Imogen McDonald played pretty much every game last year. She has elite skills coming out of the back half, especially attacking on the rebound.
Surprise packet: Anna Pellen was in and out of the side in the midfield. They’ve lost a few players, but she has really impressed with her pre-season and practice match form. If she brings that, it will hold her in good stead for the year ahead.
Biggest strength: The backline. They have a number of good ball users and decision makers. Sandra is a good leader of the line, which is very experienced and have played a lot of footy together.
Why they will be competitive: Everyone is a year older, although they are a very young side still, with a lot of players who debuted in senior footy last year. There’s another young group of young girls from Maroubra and Easts coming through and a few have come back from a few years away. The Bulldogs have gained some good players and believe they’re in a good position coming into the new season.
Last season: Eighth
SOUTHERN POWER
Coach: Rhys Vance
Captain: TBA
Players to watch: There are six or seven really leading the way as the season draws closer. The young players from the junior ranks are making waves across all lines of the Power.
Surprise packet: Tiana Marie has drastically improved her fitness and footy smarts. The club is looking for a big year from her.
Biggest strength: The youthful enthusiasm from the team has them in a strong position.
Why they will be competitive: This pre-season has been about contested football. Winning that goes a long way to winning the game.
Last season: Tenth
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