Local Aussie rules wrap: All the latest local footy news from leagues across NSW/ACT

The upsets came in Canberra, with the dominance of the top teams on show in Sydney’s Premier Women’s division. Here are the top local Aussie rules headlines from across NSW/ACT.

The latest round of Aussie rules action across NSW and ACT saw a host of surprise results.

The upsets came in the men and women in Canberra, with the dominance of the top teams on show in Sydney’s Premier Women’s division.

Here are the major headlines from across the state from the weekend:

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Local NSW/ACT Aussie rules top goalscorers of 2025

CANBERRA

Eastlake was relentless in keeping its perfect run to start the AFL Canberra season after smashing Tuggeranong Valley 17.10 (112) to 5.8 (38).

Joshua Bruce took his tally to 11 goals over the past two rounds, booting home six goals in the comprehensive success.

Ainslie had a hot start to thank for its latest win, with a big first half propelling them to a 10.13 (73) to 5.9 (39) win over Queanbeyan.

The Tricolours led by 28 at the main break, holding their advantage throughout the contest, with Luca Drury kicking four goals.

Belconnen took no prisoners in a commanding 25.18 (168) to 4.8 (32) victory over Gungahlin.

The Magpies led by 84 at the main break, with Oliver Withers kicking eight majors and Samuel Simpson booting home four.

STANDINGS: Eastlake 28, Ainslie 20, Belconnen 16, Queanbeyan 16, Tuggeranong Valley 4, Gungahlin 0

Tuggeranong Valley caused a major upset, winning its first game of the season after downing Eastlake 5.6 (36) to 1.2 (8).

Kelly Ghirardello (three) and Hayley Macdonald (two) combined for all five goals to get their account underway.

Ainslie handed Queanbeyan its first loss of the season, coming out on top 8.7 (55) to 4.6 (30).

Despite trailing after one, the Tricolours were never headed from that point on as they powered clear on the back of four goals from Charlotte Canavan.

Belconnen kept its spot in the top three after a thumping 15.19 (109) to 0.0 (0) defeat of Gungahlin.

Hannah Wallett had four goals and Emma Zouch three as the Magpies recorded their biggest win of 2025.

WOMEN’S STANDINGS: Queanbeyan 24, Ainslie 20, Belconnen 20, Eastlake 12, Tuggeranong Valley 4, Gungahlin 0

Young gun Oscar Southwell has come into the Holbrook senior side. Picture: Holbrook Facebook

HUME

CDHBU overcame a late charge from Howlong to prevail 13.15 (93) to 11.13 (79).

Howlong kicked three goals in the fourth quarter, but they were forced to lament a sluggish third where CDHBU booted six goals to take full control of the contest.

Ryan Beveridge continued his scintillating form with six goals.

Henty pushed past a slow start to boot clear of Billabong to the tune of 16.10 (106) to 2.6 (18).

The Crows led at the end of the first term, but were only able to kick one more goal for the rest of the game.

Henty on the other hand found its best, with Heath Ohlin (four) and Ethan Muller (three) proficient in front of goal.

Lockhart remains in the top four after a 17.8 (110) to 8.8 (56) defeat of Rand-Walbundrie-Warra.

The accuracy of Lockhart was on full display early, kicking 7.1 in the first term to power away.

Charlie Schneider was the man with a haul of six.

Osborne improved its record to 9-0 after a hard-fought 18.12 (120) to 12.8 (80) win over Brock/Burrum.

The Tigers put together an impressive third quarter, outscoring the Saints by 20 to open up a matchwinning break, led by George Alexander’s impressive haul of nine goals.

Jindera was at its attacking best in a 24.17 (161) to 6.4 (40) victory over the Murray Magpies.

Trent Castles put together his best outing in front of goal for the season, kicking nine majors in the win.

Holbrook has top spot in its sights after defeating Culcairn 14.14 (98) to 3.6 (24).

The Lions were restricted to just one goal beyond quarter time, with Ben Fulford’s four goals guiding the Brookers home.

STANDINGS: Osborne 36, CDHBU 32, Holbrook 32, Lockhart 28, Howlong 24, Jindera 20, Brock/Burrum 16, Henty 8, Rand-Walbundrie-Walla 8, Billabong 8, Culcairn 4, Murray 0

HUNTER CENTRAL COAST

Newcastle City survived an almighty scare at the hands of Cardiff, escaping with a 11.6 (72) to 9.9 (63) success.

The undefeated Blues led by just one coming into the final term, before finding enough to just get home.

Troy Curtis had four goals in defeat.

Nelson Bay remained undefeated with a tight 13.5 (83) to 10.9 (69) win over Killarney Vale.

The Bombers led narrowly at the half, before the Marlins responded with a six-goal third quarter that gave them enough of a buffer to get home.

Billy Barton and Mitchell Hall both kicked three goals.

Warners Bay was too strong for a Maitland side searching for its first win, prevailing by 70 points at Max McMahon Oval.

Zac Munz had five goals and Zachary Lauritsen four in the win.

Terrigal Avoca was at its explosive best in a 24.10 (154) to 3.6 (24) smashing of The Entrance Bateau Bay.

The visitors were in the contest at halftime, before nine unanswered goals in the third to the Panthers saw them kick right away.

Brandon Thomas had six goals.

Newcastle City Blues remain in second spot. Picture: Newcastle City Blues Facebook

STANDINGS: Newcastle City 28, Nelson Bay 12*, Terrigal Avoca 20, Warners Bay 16, Killarney Vale 8, Cardiff 8, The Entrance Bateau Bay 4, Maitland 0

The Entrance Bateau Bay climbed into a share of fourth after downing Terrigal Avoca 4.7 (31) to 3.2 (20).

The Blues opened up a 24-point buffer at the main break, and despite a late fightback by the Panthers, they had enough of a break to win.

Killarney Vale was on fire with a comprehensive 17.8 (110) to 0.0 (0) win over Singleton.

Taya White had six goals with Sasha Edwards and Mia Wilson both kicking three.

Cardiff handed Newcastle City its first loss of the season, coming out on top 9.5 (59) to 1.4 (10).

The Hawks were always in full control, with eight players kicking majors.

WOMEN’S STANDINGS: Cardiff 20, Newcastle City 16, Killarney Vale 16, Terrigal Avoca 8, The Entrance Bateau Bay 8, Warners Bay 8, Singleton 0

NORTHERN RIVERINA

Ungarie picked up its second win of the season after a thumping 12.17 (89) to 5.8 (38) defeat of Tullibigeal.

A nine-goal first half spared the Magpies, who were never headed, with Harry Roscarel kicking four goals.

Hillston holds top spot on percentage, downing West Wyalong Girral 16.18 (114) to 10.7 (67).

The Bulldogs outscored their opponents in the second half, led by five goals from Joseph Kerin, but a slow start proved costly for the home side.

STANDINGS: Hillston 24, Lake Cargelligo 24, Tullibigeal 8, West Wyalong Girral 8, Ungarie 8

Ethan Bromwich (centre) brought up 150 games for Narooma at the weekend. Picture: Narooma Lions AFL Club Facebook

SAPPHIRE COAST

Pambula and Narooma played out the first draw of the season, with the two sides unable to be split at 8.7 (55).

The Panthers led by 15 at the end of the first quarter, but progressively saw their lead whittled away, with the Lions pulling it back to even.

Jordan Lang and Luke Talty had two for Pambula, with Lee James also kicking a pair for Narooma.

Matthew Parsons and Leigh McColl combined for nine goals as Bermagui proved too strong for Bega-Tathra 11.8 (74) to 6.3 (39).

Parsons had five and McColl four as the Breakers led at every change to keep a share of top spot alongside Merimbula, who had the bye.

STANDINGS: Merimbula 24, Bermagui 24, Pambula 18, Narooma 14, Bega-Tathra 4, Pambula-Eden 0

Bermagui was able to improve to five wins for the season after a narrow 3.5 (23) to 1.3 (9) over fellow contenders Bega-Tathra.

The Roos held a one-point lead at quarter-time, before a goal in each term was enough for the Breakers to get home.

Pambula was proficient in front of goal, recording a solid 8.10 (58) to 4.2 (26) victory over Narooma.

The Panthers saw their lead reduced to just two scores heading into the final term, but they were able to kick away with four goals to seal an impressive win.

Jo Furniss had two majors among a good spread.

WOMEN’S STANDINGS: Eden 16*, Bermagui 20, Bega-Tathra 16, Pambula 8, Narooma 0

SOUTH COAST

Shellharbour City moved into a share of third after downing Bomaderry 8.11 (59) to 6.7 (43).

The Tigers led at the start of every term, but a big finish from the Suns saw them storm over the top of their rivals.

Dan Posch had five goals in their win.

Northern Districts came from behind at halftime to down the Wollongong Bulldogs 8.3 (51) to 6.4 (40).

The winless Bulldogs looked on pace for their first success after leading by five, before Ethan White inspired the Tigers with four majors.

Figtree remains in a share of top spot after 13.9 (87) to 8.5 (53) victory against the Wollongong Lions.

A spread of goals saw Benjamin Bourke, Lachlan Highfield, Daniel Hungerford, Thomas Jeffrey and Brenden Myers all kick two.

STANDINGS: Northern Districts 24, Figtree 24, Wollongong Lions 12, Shellharbour City 12, Kiama 8, Bomaderry 4, Wollongong Bulldogs 0

Figtree proved too powerful in a battle of two contenders, overcoming the Lions 6.3 (39) to 2.2 (14).

The Saints were accurate with the boot, kicking four-straight in the second half to remain undefeated, with Ashlee Maddern booting three.

A third quarter explosion led Bomaderry to its first win of 2025, beating Northern Districts 8.14 (62) to 2.3 (15).

The Tigers piled on 34 points in the quarter, with Maddison Pignolet’s three goals coming in handy.

The Wollongong Bulldogs bounced back from a slow start to overpower Kiama 4.8 (32) to 1.0 (6).

The Power had the only points in the first term, before the Bulldogs progressively kicked clear to maintain their stranglehold on second spot.

WOMEN’S STANDINGS: Figtree 28, Wollongong Bulldogs 24, Wollongong Lions 16, Kiama 12, Bomaderry 4, Northern Districts 0

North Shore is flying high in the AFL Sydney Premier Men. Picture: North Shore Australian Football Club Facebook

SYDNEY

Inner West is still searching for its first win after letting a fourth-quarter lead slip in falling to UTS 11.15 (81) to 10.15 (75).

The Magpies led by 17 coming into the final term, but four goals from the Bats saw them run over the top of their opponents.

Antony Eussen had three goals in the comeback victory.

North Shore flexed its muscles in a big way with a commanding 15.17 (107) to 9.6 (60) win over UNSW-ES.

The Bombers held a buffer throughout the whole contest, giving them breathing room over the Dogs on the ladder.

Max Yeoland starred with four goals.

Pennant Hills moved to the cusp of the finals picture after impressing with a 15.10 (100) to 6.9 (45) win against East Coast.

The Demons were absolutely explosive out of the gates, kicking seven goals to lead by 44 in the first term.

Nicholas Hey had the bulk with five goals.

Manly Warringah remained undefeated with a comprehensive 15.14 (104) to 5.8 (38) defeat of South West Sydney.

The Wolves were always in control with Kale Gabila and Jesse Wadeisha both led the way with three goals.

Sydney University was relentless in trouncing St George 26.14 (170) to 10.5 (65).

The Students were accurate in front of goal, with Alex Witherden kicking 10 goals and Tom Ryan seven in a big showing.

STANDINGS: Manly Warringah 32, North Shore 32, Sydney University 26, UNSW-ES 24, South West Sydney 20, Pennant Hills 18, UTS 12, East Coast 8, St George 4, Inner West 0

North Shore improved its percentage with a thumping 10.5 (65) to 1.5 (11) victory over UNSW-ES.

The lead was 50 by halftime, with Heide de Saxe and Adrienne Keeffe kicking two goals apiece.

Sydney Uni still has a dominant position on top of the standings after smashing St George 10.15 (75) to 1.2 (8).

Three goals to Elizabeth Kennedy and Emma Walsh helped them pile on the points.

Manly Warringah was relentless with a 17.21 (123) to 0.0 (0) shutout of Parramatta, with Isabella Rudolph kicking seven goals.

East Coast forced a similar fate on Pennant Hills, prevailing 16.20 (116) to 0.0 (0) on the back of three goals from Aysha Sanchez.

WOMEN’S STANDINGS: Sydney University 32, North Shore 24, Manly Warringah 24, East Coast 20, UTS 16, UNSW-ES 16, St George 8, Parramatta 0, Pennant Hills 0