Women’s Premiership Round 14 Preview: Giants carry momentum into Kalamunda Test at Treeby

Joondalup can tighten their grip on second place, while Kalamunda seek a breakthrough against a rival that has controlled the recent series.

Friday 14 August 2026 | 6:40 pm | Treeby Community & Sports Centre

Joondalup Giants enter tonight’s Round 14 clash with Kalamunda Bulldogs carrying their strongest momentum of the 2026 NRLWA Women’s Premiership season. Back-to-back victories have lifted the Giants to second place, while Kalamunda arrive still searching for their first win after a difficult campaign.

The standings make Joondalup clear favourites, but the fixture remains important for both teams. The Giants need to convert favourable matches into competition points before facing Fremantle in Round 15. For the Bulldogs, the task is to turn persistence into measurable progress against one of the competition’s most improved sides.

Giants finding form at the right time
Joondalup’s season has not followed a straight line. They opened with losses to Ellenbrook and Willagee, then edged Fremantle 18-14 and beat Kalamunda 44-8. Another dip followed, including a 38-4 loss to Fremantle in Round 10, but the response has been impressive.

An 18-12 victory over Ellenbrook in Round 12 was followed by a 40-8 win over Willagee. That latest result carried extra weight because Willagee had beaten the Giants 24-16 in May. The 48-point turnaround between those two meetings suggests Joondalup’s combinations and defensive cohesion are improving as the season reaches its decisive stage.

The Round 13 record also shows scoring contributions arriving through several positions. That variety matters because it prevents opponents from loading their defence toward one edge or one dominant ball carrier. Joondalup are most dangerous when their middle creates quick play-the-balls and their supporting runners attack a retreating line.

A one-sided recent history
Joondalup have won all five recorded Women’s Premiership meetings between the clubs from 2018 to 2026. Across those fixtures, the Giants have averaged 55.6 points and Kalamunda 5.6. The three most recent results were 54-4 and 44-8 this season, after a 68-0 Joondalup victory in Round 14 last year.

Those margins create an obvious psychological challenge. Kalamunda must avoid allowing the historical pattern to dictate the opening exchanges. A composed first 20 minutes, improved set completion and disciplined exits would give the Bulldogs a chance to make Joondalup solve a different kind of match.

What Kalamunda need to change
Possession quality: The Bulldogs cannot afford to hand over the ball cheaply in their own half. Kicking early from poor field position may be preferable to attempting an extra pass under pressure.
Defensive connection: Joondalup have the width to punish isolated defenders. Kalamunda’s edge defenders must move together and protect the space inside their winger.
Value every attacking visit: Kalamunda are unlikely to receive many repeat opportunities close to the Joondalup line. Points, a repeat set or a controlled handover are all better outcomes than an unforced error.

What Joondalup need to prove
The Giants’ challenge is to treat the match as preparation rather than a formality. Their best football has combined defensive control with patience in possession. Forcing passes in pursuit of a large margin would give Kalamunda the interruptions and field position they need.