Bulldogs bite back to claim Women's U20 premiership

The UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs have capped off an outstanding 2026 campaign with the AFL Sydney Women's Under 20 premiership, overcoming a difficult finals setback to defeat Sydney University by 12 points in a thrilling Grand Final at Blacktown International Sportspark on Sunday.

The Bulldogs claimed the premiership with a 9.3 (57) to 6.9 (45) victory, producing a remarkable five-goal third quarter that turned a three-point half-time deficit into a commanding 25-point advantage. The triumph completed a season that saw the side finish as minor premiers with 14 wins from 15 regular-season matches, before bouncing back from a heavy semi-final defeat to claim the ultimate prize.

Having established themselves as the competition's benchmark throughout the home-and-away season, the Bulldogs entered September with a strong record but faced a significant challenge in their pursuit of the premiership. A 52-point defeat to Sydney University in the second semi-final on 5 September, in which the Bulldogs managed just 1.10 (16) to their opponents' 11.2 (68), forced the minor premiers to take the longer route to the Grand Final.

The Bulldogs regrouped to progress through the preliminary final against Manly Warringah, setting up another meeting with Sydney University and an opportunity to reverse the result of their previous finals encounter.

The premiership decider began as a closely contested affair, with the Bulldogs taking a narrow three-point advantage into the first change. Sienna Julian opened the scoring with the first goal of the match before Eliza McLeod added another to give the Bulldogs a 2.0 (12) to 1.3 (9) lead at quarter-time.

Sydney University responded in the second term, with two goals to keep it close. Abby Cunningham kicked an important goal for the Bulldogs, but Sydney University entered the main break with a 3.5 (23) to 3.2 (20) advantage, leaving the premiership finely balanced.

What followed was the defining period of the Grand Final.

The Bulldogs emerged from half-time with a stunning attacking display, kicking five unanswered goals in the third quarter to completely transform the contest. Cunningham sparked the surge with her second major before Ashleigh Barlow added another to put the Bulldogs back in front. Scarlett Rodwell then took centre stage, kicking two goals in quick succession to extend the advantage, before captain Amelia Rabbitt capped off the extraordinary quarter with another major. The Bulldogs held Sydney University to just two behinds for the term, turning a three-point deficit into a 25-point lead at the final change, 8.2 (50) to 3.7 (25).

Sydney University mounted a final-quarter response, kicking three quick goals to bring themselves back into the contest. However, Rodwell's third goal of the afternoon provided a crucial contribution for the Bulldogs, who held firm to secure the premiership by 12 points.

Rodwell finished as the Bulldogs' leading goalkicker with three majors, including two during the decisive third-quarter surge. Cunningham was equally influential in front of goal with two, while Rabbitt, Barlow, McLeod and Julian each contributed one.

Cunningham, McLeod, Rabbitt, Barlow, Nina Sexton and Matilda Seinor were named among the Bulldogs' best players, reflecting the contributions across the side in the premiership victory.

The Grand Final result also completed an impressive turnaround against their university rivals. Sydney University had inflicted the Bulldogs' only regular-season defeat in Round 2, winning by 15 points, before the Bulldogs responded with a 16-point victory in their Round 13 meeting. The Students then claimed the second semi-final by 52 points, but it was the Bulldogs who delivered when the premiership was on the line.

For a side that had dominated the regular season, the Grand Final victory was a fitting reward for its consistency, resilience and ability to respond when challenged. From finishing on top of the ladder to overcoming a difficult finals defeat and producing a match-winning third quarter in the decider, the Bulldogs completed their 2026 campaign as deserving Women's Under 20 premiers.

The premiership adds another chapter to the UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs' history and highlights the strength of the club's emerging women's football program, with the next generation of Bulldogs delivering silverware on one of the biggest stages of the AFL Sydney season.