Round 15 – Hawks’ last chance, Bay vs Bay; The Sequel – Premiering at Dick Burwell Oval, Saints with BIG STEAL and Bulldogs VS Bomber.

Round 15 – Hawks’ last chance,

Bay vs Bay; The Sequel – Premiering at Dick Burwell Oval, Saints with BIG STEAL and Bulldogs VS Bomber.

Written by Oliver Croft

Men’s Cup

The heat is turned up high as Dick Burwell Oval dries out for a massive clash this weekend: our new Battle of the Bays – Nelson Bay vs Bateau Bay. The Round 5 rivals meet again. That first encounter was Nelson Bay’s debut Cup clash, a moment to cherish, photograph, and pin to the sheds. A memory, a memoir, proof that hard work pays off. It was their first test under Cup pressure, and in Sir Doug Nicholls Round, no less. It was tight. The Marlins triumphed away by 37 points. At three-quarter time, the margin was just 14. You had to see it to believe it. Then the Marlins surged, winning by 37. Now they clash again – this time, on the Marlins’ terms.

It’s simple. Killarney Vale are biting at Nelson Bay’s heels. If the Marlins drop one, the Bombers could soar into finals – a fairytale after finishing seventh last year. As for Bateau Bay, they’ve claimed two wins, both over Maitland. Can they pick off just one more opponent before the rounds run out? A cinematic display is about to unfurl at the reef.

But if you thought the footy cinema of the AFL Hunter Central Coast was full, think again. Showing at 2:00pm on Feighan Oval No. 1, the Bulldogs will be part of a blockbuster showdown. They’re elated after claiming first place on the Men’s Cup ladder and now host the Killarney Vale Bombers. The Bulldogs have only dropped two games – to City and Terrigal. Now, they want the Minor Premiership. The Bombers want finals. Only one can get their way. Unfortunately, we can’t skip to the 100th minute when the film ends, but hopefully this little trailer sets things up perfectly.

At Maitland, the tide has turned significantly. In a stunning upset – and the only match to go ahead amid a rain-soaked round – Maitland defied the odds to defeat reigning premiers Newcastle City. Battling through torrential conditions, Maitland’s pressure and composure proved decisive as they claimed one of their most memorable wins of the season. While other fixtures were washed out, all eyes turned to the soggy Maitland ground, where the Saints made their mark in dramatic fashion. The Blues know they need to drop a few before finals – you can’t win every week. But there’s one problem: their Minor Premiership? Gone. They’ll need to wrestle hard to take it back from the Bulldogs.

Maitland now host Terrigal Avoca, who need a big percentage boost to secure a second chance. But will the Saints nab the Panthers when they least expect it? Maitland are in fine form and proving difficult for the Top 4. 2025 is shaping up to be massive for the Saints, and their end-of-season form is encouraging.

It’s the clash everyone’s been waiting for. When the siren sounds this Saturday, it won’t just be the second and final meeting between Cardiff and Newcastle City this season – it’ll be a reckoning. A rematch fuelled by heartbreak, redemption, and unfinished business.

Rewind to their last meeting. Cardiff fell just nine points short of glory, outmuscled on their own turf in a brutal contest that left scars – both physical and emotional. Since then, they’ve rebuilt with purpose. Now, with finals looming and momentum swinging wildly, the Hawks have their sights firmly set on revenge. They know this is their last chance before September. They can’t make finals, but they can certainly play for pride – this is the family club.

For Newcastle City, the pressure is real. The reigning premiers have looked vulnerable in recent weeks, dropping games at crucial moments and showing rare signs of self-doubt. The once-untouchable Blues are rattled. Beatable.

This isn’t just another game – it’s a statement. Cardiff wants more than just the four points. They want to shatter the aura. To prove that the power has shifted. That last year’s heartbreak was just the beginning of a new chapter – one where the Hawks rise, and the Blues fall.

When the final siren sounds, only one will walk away with the edge heading into 2026. Who have you got for the AFLHCC’s biggest rivalry?

 

Women’s Cup

The race to finals is on- -and this weekend’s Women’s Cup fixtures could shape the road to September.

At the top, it’s the blockbuster we’ve all been waiting for: first vs second as Cardiff take on Newcastle City in a rematch loaded with fire. The Hawks claimed bragging rights earlier this season, but the Blues are desperate to even the score and reclaim top spot. With just weeks left until finals, this one has all the ingredients – tension, history, and two teams that simply don’t back down.

Elsewhere, Warners Bay host Killarney Vale in a crucial match-up between the reigning premiers and one of the most promising outfits of 2025. Both sides know the importance of momentum, and with ladder spots tightening, every quarter will count.

Meanwhile, Singleton takes on Bateau Bay in a clash that promises to be one of the most entertaining of the round. Singleton are chasing respect. Bateau are hunting a top four finish. Expect a fierce, physical contest.

Terrigal Avoca take the bye, with their season taking a turn earlier in the year. But don’t count them out – the preliminary finalists of 2024 are a big chance again in 2026.

With pride, positioning, and premiership pressure all on the line, the Women’s Cup just stepped into overdrive.

You’ve just got to love local footy on the AFLHCC. It’s the final three rounds before finals, so get down and support your team while you still can!