23°C | Tuesday October 21, 2025 
28 March 2025
By James Mullan
There’s a buzz around Gore Hill Oval as both the men’s and women’s North Shore Bombers prepare to represent one of AFL Sydney’s most successful clubs in another promising season.
The men enter 2025 as reigning premiers after an undefeated campaign, while the women are eager to bounce back after a strong season that ended in an elimination final loss.
The Bombers are gearing up for a big year across both programs, combining experienced leaders with exciting recruits and a strong emphasis on culture and development.
The Sun caught up with coaches and captains ahead of the season opener to hear their expectations, strategies and what’s driving the club’s ongoing success.
Men’s Premier Division targets speed and scoring power
It’s hard to top an undefeated premiership season—especially after two consecutive grand final losses.
Captain Ned Campbell reflected on the breakthrough. “There was a real sense of relief and satisfaction,” he said, crediting the team’s maturity and “robust game plan.” Campbell enters his 10th season with North Shore, having won two Phelan Medals as AFL Sydney Premier Division’s best and fairest.
Co-coach Ryan Meldrum—known around the club as “Molly”—said the Bombers are building on last year’s simplified game style with an even greater focus on conditioning. “We want to be the fastest team in the competition,” he said, noting the link between running patterns, ball movement and scoring efficiency.
The club has pulled off a major coup with the signing of Jackson Nelson, a former West Coast Eagle with 102 AFL games. A junior at North Shore before heading west, Nelson returns to his roots as both player and assistant coach.
“We’re fortunate to bring that AFL standard of training and preparation through Jackson’s experience,” Meldrum said.
The Bombers have also recruited Nic Pavlou, a standout from the Victorian Amateur Football Association’s Old Brighton side and a player with VFL experience.
“He’s an absolute jet,” said Campbell. “Two mid-forward types in Jackson and Nic who’ll bring huge value.”
Also returning is former junior Felix Rogers, back from a two-season stint in the WAFL with Claremont. Meldrum described him as “a small, crafty, fast and tough midfielder-forward who’s impressed through pre-season.”
Former Team of the Year ruckman Mitchell Crisafulli is back from injury, while midfielder Christian Loone returns after representing the Sydney/Canberra AFL Rep Team.
Women’s program sees expansion, combining youth and experience
Nine years ago, North Shore had no women’s Premier Division side. Now, it boasts one of the league’s strongest programs—and it’s growing fast.
After finishing fourth and exiting in the elimination final last year, the women’s side has welcomed 80 new players and added a fifth team to the club’s ranks.
Co-captain Tilly Eder, part of the Bombers’ inaugural women’s side, said she’s proud of the program’s growth. “It’s amazing to see where we’ve come from and the talent we now have.”
That talent includes AFLW-listed players like GWS’s Georgina Fowler, Melbourne’s Grace Hill and North Melbourne midfielder Sophie Kavanagh, all suiting up for the Bombers this season.
Several 2024 award winners are also returning, including Best & Fairest Emily Bliss, Most Improved Zoe Milligan, Coaches Award winner Emily Cleghorn and 1st Year Player of the Year Charlotte Tidemann.
Eder had special praise for Tidemann: “She’s phenomenal. Craig probably wouldn’t say it because she’s his daughter, but she’s genuinely one of the best footballers I’ve seen—and she’s only 16.”
Rising stars Heidi de Saxe and Lucy Watson are also ones to watch, along with junior talents like Charlotte Pitman.
Coach Craig Tidemann, a driving force behind the program’s success, said the focus remains on development and creating a clear pathway for women and girls in the sport. “We’re building a safe, healthy and inclusive environment with strong cultural values,” he said.
Shared commitment to fitness and values
Both the men’s and women’s programs are aligned in their approach—prioritising conditioning and culture as foundations for success.
“We’ve looked closely at our game style and how that aligns with the conditioning and speed of play required these days,” Meldrum said.
For Tidemann, culture is the cornerstone. “We’ve developed a strong set of values and behaviours. Players respond when they’re in an environment that supports them to pursue both personal and club goals.”
With a strong pre-season behind them and a mix of youth, experience and elite-level talent, the Bombers are poised for another standout year in 2025.
The Bombers will kick off their season on Saturday 29 March at Gore Hill Oval against Pennant Hills. Women’s Premier Division is on at 12:40PM with the men at 2:20PM.
Entry is free to all games and many report confirm the sausage sizzle is elite.