AFL rep matches at Manuka Oval: Men’s and women’s representative footy, Sydney tackles Canberra

After a seven-year hiatus, the most talented men and women from the Canberra and Sydney AFL competitions are set to face-off. See who is expected to shine, and how to watch.

Sydney’s top men and women AFL stars head south this weekend to tackle Canberra at Manuka Oval. Picture: AFL Sydney

With the Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney Giants among the pacesetters in the current AFL season, the state’s next tier of talent are gearing up for the rebirth of representative footy.

For the first time since 2016, the most talented women and men from Canberra and Sydney will battle for bragging rights in two cracking contests at Canberra’s picturesque Manuka Oval.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s matches, community football regional manager for greater Sydney, Sam Zikman, said interest is through the roof.

“We’ve got the best players from both of our premium leagues coming together to play,” said Zikman.

“We are bringing the rivalry back to life with the best talent across our senior grades from men’s and women’s. Following Covid, the most important aspect was to rebuild the game from the grassroots, but we’ve rebuilt strength in the network and rep football is an incredibly important part of what we offer.

“The buy-in across the two competitions has been exceptional. Both leagues hold themselves up as the main league, and now they get to prove it this weekend.”

Parramatta’s Caitlin Fletcher is one to watch at Manuka. Picture: AFL Sydney

While the immediate goal is victory, for those that stand out, there’s an opportunity to push for higher honours.

“Following the contest, combined Canberra and Sydney teams will be selected to compete against the Tasmanian State League next July in Launceston,” said Zikman.

And with a deep pool of budding stars across both squads, there’s plenty to keep fans and talent scouts on edge.

“In the women’s squad there’s a number who have played VFLW and will be on the radar of AFLW clubs come the end of the year,” Zikman explained.

“Teagan Germech from East Coast Eagles has played in the reserves for the Giants recently, as has Caitlin Fletcher from the Parramatta Goannas and Zoe Hurrell from North Shore Bombers.”

Manly forward Kale Gabila (No.1) hopes to have a major impact in Canberra. Picture: AFL Sydney

The situation is similar in the men’s, where Sydney coach Ben Roberts has a wealth of talent from 10 clubs.

“Quite a few from the men’s squad are on VFL lists for the Giants and Swans, but none are yet to crack the AFL,” said Zikman.

“James Lugsdin (Manly Warringah Wolves) kicked four goals in the VFL for the Swans two weeks ago, and Manly’s Kale Gabila is another forward who is on the Giants’ VFL list.

“Tye Gander is another to watch, he plays on the wing for St George Dragons and last year played in the Allies team that won the national championships.”

For those who can’t make it to Manuka Oval on Saturday, both games will be streamed LIVE starting from 12:00pm