A host of TAC Cup Girls stars may be out of Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s action this week but the sides are still littered with young talent from the competition. Many sides also welcome back AFLW stars and key players, as they look to get a round eight win.

Kicking off round eight, Essendon and the Casey Demons will go head to head at RAMS arena. Still in search of victory, Essendon will be bringing back Danielle Ponter and Jessica Anwyl, in place of Molly Warburton and Carla Rendelmann. Former St Kilda player, Carlee Portlock has also been promoted to the starting 22 after spending weeks as one of the emergencies. Liz Flack has been named as the 23rd player. The Casey Demons will be hungry for a win this week after their narrow loss to the Western Bulldogs last weekend. They have made four changes for their round eight line up, bringing in Frankston’s Amy Marshall, who will pull the red and blue jumper on for the first time this year. They have also welcomed back AFLW duo Cat Phillips and Kate Hore as well as Taylor Mesiti.

B: 15. L. Caruso, 16. L. Morecroft, 7. K. Hicks

HB: 27. A. Morcom, 17. T. Hetherington, 25. R. Neaves

C: 44. M. Collier, 8. H. Bullas, 46. C. Ugle

HF: 22. N. MacDonald, 18. K. Heil, 35. V. Moreau

F: 4. N. Hardy, 43. D. Ponter, 28. C. Portlock

R: 30. S. Nalder, 9. L. Williams, 32. T. Mackrill

Int: 20. J. Anwyl, 3. M. DeMatteo, 12. B. Kearney, 1. J. Trend

Emg: 14. J. Barker, 37. I. Malliaras, 6. A. Quigley, 47. A. Ward 23P: 45. E. Flack

In: J. Anwyl, J. Barker, E. Flack, D. Ponter, C. Portlock, A. Quigley Out: M. Warburton, C. Rendelmann

B: 37. L. Lowerson, 27. A. Harrison, 30. A. Marshall

HB: 48. S. Fyfield, 12. G. McLean, 2. A. Newman

C: 7. B. Jakobsson, 21. H. Cordner, 35. C. Phillips

HF: 18. K. Bentvelzen , 29. E. Zanker , 41. T. Mesiti

F: 34. D. Guttridge, 22. K. Guttridge, 15. S. Phillips

R: 14. T. Orgill, 13. K. Smith, 10. K. Hore

Int: 9. A. Johnson, 6. A. McDonough, 5. S. Poke, 25. M. Shevlin

Emg: 3. R. Clayton, 46. M. Hogg, 49. B. Struylaart, 39. M. Wright 23P: 26. S. Sloane

In: M. Hogg, M. Wright, A. Marshall, C. Phillips, K. Hore, T. Mesiti, R. Clayton Out: J. Allen, M. Tatham, C. Sheriff

Carlton will be bringing in plenty of fresh legs this week to take on Melbourne Uni. Of seven changes, the Blues will rotate in two AFLW players in defender, Kerryn Harrington and midfielder, Sophie Li. Star AFLW ruck, Alison Downie will also come in this week for the first time in the 2018 Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s season. Olivia Veseley, Genevieve Green and Isabella Gietzmann have all also been named in for the round eight clash. The seventh inclusion, coming in as the 23rd player, is Northern Knights player, Mika Suzuki, who will be debuting on Saturday. Melbourne Uni have also made a plethora of changes this week. Headlining the changes is the exclusion of Emma Kearney from the round eight line up leaving big shoes to fill, alongside Madison Prespakis, AFLW star, Jasmine Grierson, Kathryn Klatt, Kira Price, Lauren Belza and Jessica Anderson. Melbourne Uni have named North Melbourne recruits, Jamie Stanton and Danielle Hardiman back in for the round eight match up alongside Sophie Abbatangelo, Elyce Hay, Clara Fitzpatrick, Mietta McDonald, Taylah Watson and Western Jets forward, Caitlin Greiser.

B: 24. R. Hicks, 8. K. Harrington, 56. C. Williams

HB: 50. J. Borg, 5. D. Pedersen, 34. A. Chuot

C: 55. C. Dalton, 35. S. Li, 90. B. Walker

HF: 33. G. Green, 42. C. Hardeman, 32. N. Plane

F: 15. I. Gietzmann, 36. C. Moody, 45.

R. King R: 16. B. Moody, 40. K. Harvey, 27. K. Cox

Int: 82. N. Burns, 30. A. Downie, 7. S. Last, 66. O. Vesely

Emg: 26. S. Audley, 23. B. Kennedy, 38. L. McCarthy, 63. T. Plowman 23P: 13. M. Suzuki

In: A. Downie, T. Plowman, R. King, S. Li, I. Gietzmann, O. Vesely, G. Green, M. Suzuki, K. Harrington Out: T. Hanks, T. Lucas-Rodd, M. Brancatisano, B. Schultz, K. Cunico

B: 4. A. Saundry, 41. K. Gillespie-Jones, 50. J. Stanton

HB: 10. K. Ashmore, 8. C. Fitzpatrick, 31. D. Hardiman

C: 2. H. Ibrahim, 7. A. Riddell, 45. M. McDonald

HF: 11. P. Cordes, 34. A. Price, 22. D. Edward

F: 38. K. Angelis, 17. E. Hay, 24. S. Wilson

R: 33. C. Adams, 18. A. Tupper, 47. E. Humphries

Int: 19. L. Ahrens, 6. E. Keaney, 44. A. Runnalls, 35. M. Shone

Emg: 1. S. Abbatangelo, 13. R. Green, 43. L. Munday, 16. T. Watson 23P: 26. C. Greiser

In: R. Green, S. Abbatangelo, J. Stanton, E. Hay, C. Fitzpatrick, C. Greiser, D. Hardiman, M. McDonald, E. Humphries, T. Watson

Out: J. Anderson, K. Price, K. Klatt, L. Belza, E. Kearney, M. Prespakis, J. Grierson

Coming off last week’s bye, Richmond has made six changes to its round eight side. A few big name outs will strike a blow in the tigers outfit, including power forward, Christina Bernardi and fellow AFLW players, Amelia Barden and Lauren Tesoriero. North Melbourne AFLW recruit, Emma King, strong ruck, Jenna Colwell and Emily Findlay will also miss the round eight game. This leaves room for others to step up, with the likes of AFLW star, Sophie Conway, Grace Bibby, Trish Muller, Emma Gunn, Jacinta Louttit and Ellie Georgie being named in. After resting from concussion last week, Hawks fans will be excited to see Sarah Perkins back on the field for Hawthorn this weekend. They have also named Tahni Nestor, Rosie Dillon  and Clare O’Donnell to take to the field. Meanwhile Eastern Ranges pair, Mikala Cann and Emerson Woods have been named out.

B: 84. L. Bieniara, 63. J. Graham, 69. E. Burry

HB: 88. P. Monahan, 73. L. Davie, 71. L. Stephenson

C: 60. K. Dempsey, 81. E. George, 75. B. Lynch

HF: 80. J. Louttit, 54. S. Conway, 55. C. Wakefield

F: 82. G. Bibby, 62. T. Muller, 83. J. Gardner

R: 68. A. Edmonds, 59. A. Woodward, 52. J. Kennedy

Int: 53. K. Dixon, 64. E. Gunn, 77. J. Hocking, 76. E. Ross

Emg: 86. N. Clarke, 85. N. Clarke, 61. J. Colwell, 79. L. Tesoriero 23P: 89. G. Egan

B: 21. P. Randall, 32. K. Ebb, 31. J. Sibley

HB: 9. M. Kuys, 36. J. Van Dyk, 13. E. Nixon

C: 4. S. Carroll, 8. R. Beeson, 35. C. O’Donnell

HF: 24. R. Dillon, 25. M. Hutchins, 33. E. Gilder

F: 22. T. Luke, 14. O. Flanagan, 28. S. Perkins

R: 19. L. Wotton, 1. E. Mackie, 6. J. Crockett-Grills

Int: 37. J. Barnden, 12. T. Nestor, 16. C. Papadopoulos, 5. C. Perera

Emg: 17. S. David, 11. D. Haines, 40. E. Macdonald, 39. S. McNamara 23P: 48. Y. Price

In: D. Haines, C. O’Donnell, R. Dillon, T. Nestor, S. Perkins, Y. Price Out: M. Cann, E. Woods

After suffering their first loss of the season, the Thunder will be looking for a win on the home turf this weekend when it takes on the undefeated Collingwood. The Thunder has made numerous changes to its list, bringing in three debutants. Lateesha Jeffrey will follow in her father’s footsteps, who also represented Thunder, when she takes to the field for the first time this weekend. The former Southern Districts captain and best and fairest winner in the NTFL Women’s Premier League is sure to bring some class to her new team. NTFL Premiership player for Waratah, Gemma Cusack will also debut this week, alongside seventeen-year-old Nikki Gore who has been part of the South Australian Academy and has been named as the 23rd player. Others named in for this week include co-vice-captain, Sally Riley, Sophie Armitstead, Georgia Bevan, Jenna McCormick, Eloise Jones, Courtney Cramey and Rhiannon Metcalfe. Collingwood will be bringing back proven talent and also showcasing new talent in round eight. AFLW players Cecilia McIntosh, Holly Whitford, Ruby Schleicher and Illish Ross will be welcome additions to the side, all adding experience and drive to Collingwood’s line up. Gippsland Power junior, Jasmine Ferguson will pull on the black and white jumper for the first time this weekend and will be starting as 23rd player. Similarly, Fitzroy junior, Sarah King will also debut in round eight.

B: 16. S. Armitstead, 7. L. O’Shea, 13. L. Roberts

HB: 9. L. Jeffrey, 10. S. Barnett, 22. J. McCormick

C: 12. J. Anderson, 14. C. Cramey, 2. E. Jones

HF: 24. G. Bevan, 42. G. Cusack, 17. E. Swanson

F: 6. L. Motlop, 30. R. Metcalfe, 8. S. Riley

R: 20. J. Hewett, 28. R. Forth, 19. J. Iacono

Int: 43. K. Duggan, 11. J. Hickey, 18. T. Holtze, 44. M. Johnston

Emg: 41. A. Chittick, 47. T. May, 35. T. Thorn 23P: 48. N. Gore

In: G. Cusack, C. Cramey, S. Riley, G. Bevan, S. Armitstead, N. Gore, T. Thorn, R. Metcalfe, E. Jones, L. Jeffrey, J. McCormick

Out: R. Wallace, K. Streader, J. Sedunary, S. Allan, J. Allan, A. Foley, L. Adam, M. Roberts

B: 52. N. Hales, 61. A. Malander, 72. K. Lee

HB: 47. J. Edwards, 18. R. Schleicher, 21. I. Ross

C: 50. G. Buchan, 41. K. Stratton, 99. S. Marsh

HF: 55. L. French, 77. C. Leighton, 54. H. Grubb

F: 5. E. Grant, 49. S. Alexander, 2. C. Molloy

R: 75. E. Fowler, 13. J. Lambert, 4. S. D’Arcy

Int: 92. S. King, 20. C. McIntosh, 63. P. Nash, 28. H. Whitford

Emg: 53. R. Grant, 81. B. Jones, 51. G. Ploegsma, 68. S. Yoannidis 23P: 70. J. Ferguson

In: S. King, H. Whitford, S. Yoannidis, J. Ferguson, I. Ross, R. Grant, G. Ploegsma, C. McIntosh, R. Schleicher

Out: E. Browning, D. Bateman, E. Hynes, S. Casey, E. Korteman

Williamstown will take on a formidable Darebin outfit this weekend and has made three changes to its line-up. Jorja Rowe has been named back in the squad for her second game of the season. The Seagulls have also named Sharni Dixon and Ashlea Melnikas to take to the field. Darebin has named six changes to their round eight line-up, including a range of AFLW stars. Brooke Patterson, Nat Exon and Elise O’Dea will bring leadership and experience back to Darebin’s side this week. Esther Honybun will also rejoin the Falcons this week as well as talented young Knights junior, Alex Pronesti who has been named as the 23rd player.

B: 1. R. Dardengo, 10. B. Hateley, 8. C. Portelli

HB: 19. E. Meade, 20. S. Seabrook, 34. J. Reid

C: 2. J. Duffin, 17. S. Chapman, 22. M. Lowe

HF: 4. E. Paterno, 12. G. Harris, 28. J. Rowe

F: 16. A. Cameron, 6. S. Cross, 44. I. Porter

R: 9. R. Achampong, 25. J. Garner, 35. J. Bruton

Int: 21. S. Dixon, 26. J. Heard, 30. A. Melnikas, 32. B. Stevens

Emg: 3. S. Murphy-Burke, 24. A. Saxton, 27. L. Suleiman, 13. N. Wallace 23P: 36. M. Williamson

B: 31. E. Gardner, 27. S. Hogan, 21. K. Roe

HB: 32. G. Colvin, 14. M. McDonald, 49. R. Hibbert

C: 2. N. Callinan, 20. M. Guerin, 1. E. Honybun

HF: 40. L. Pearce, 22. G. Hammond, 17. S. Simpson

F: 36. C. Byrne, 43. H. Mouncey, 29. S. Normington – Dickens

R: 41. A. O’Connor, 30. E. O’Dea, 8. N. Exon

Int: 44. S. Fairchild, 48. L. Jacobs, 24. B. Patterson, 11. K. Tyndall

Emg: 37. J. Bertoni, 45. N. Deiter, 9. M. Eastman, 26. T. Olcorn 23P: 52. A. Pronesti

In: L. Pearce, N. Deiter, E. O’Dea, N. Exon, T. Olcorn, B. Patterson, A. Pronesti, J. Bertoni, E. Honybun

Out: L. Szigeti, K. Shierlaw, J. Dal pos, A. Lister, M. Wilson

After a triumphant win over the Casey Demons last weekend, the Dogs will be looking to build momentum against ladder leaders, Geelong, in round eight. For the clash they have welcomed back seven players, including AFLW players, Naomi Ferres, Angelica Gogos, Ashleigh Guest and Tiarna Ernst. Ellyce Gamble and Mikayla Ward have also been named in. Returning from their round seven bye, the Geelong Cats will be looking to continue their undefeated streak. For the round eight match they have included the young former Geelong Falcon, Tiahna Andree-Jansz who will join the side for her first game of the season. Also named in are power forward, Kate Darby, Maddie Boyd, Hayley Trevean and Krista Woodroffe. Rebecca Pearce, Emma Oliver, Richelle Cranston, Lily Brancatisano and Georgia Watson will miss this week’s clash.

B: 5. R. Martinuzzo, 14. E. Gamble, 42. N. Paul

HB: 9. T. Dinuccio, 18. E. Birch, 19. T. Ernst

C: 13. L. Bailey, 16. N. Ferres, 10. S. Jolly

HF: 2. E. Blackburn, 6. K. McLeod, 51. K. Rebuffo

F: 1. B. Lochland, 44. M. Ward, 41. A. Scott

R: 24. K. Rennie, 17. H. Wildes, 36. A. Gogos

Int: 20. A. Guest, 47. N. McMahon, 27. E. Muller, 38. C. O’Brien

Emg: 12. J. Francke, 25. R. Gastin, 21. B. Hunt, 34. E. Mackay 23P: 37. B. Wunhym

In: E. Muller, E. Mackay, E. Gamble, N. Ferres, R. Gastin, A. Guest, A. Gogos , M. Ward, T. Ernst

Out: A. Gunn, T. Hamilton, T. Morgan, D. Berry

B: 25. E. Coventry, 40. A. Teague, 44. R. Goring

HB: 34. A. McDonald, 16. L. Williams, 35. K. Woodroffe

C: 3. H. Burchell, 45. M. Keryk, 18. M. Maguire

HF: 37. T. Andree-Jansz, 4. C. Blakeway, 2. D. Orr

F: 28. M. Fedele, 8. K. Darby, 24. M. McMahon

R: 46. E. Hoare, 7. M. Clifford, 13. M. Fogas

Int: 6. M. Boyd, 17. H. Mangan, 10. L. Taylor, 33. H. Trevean

Emg: 11. M. Klingbeil , 19. E. Ramsay, 31. G. Watson 23P: 27. R. Benham

Out: R Pearce, E Oliver, R Cranston, L Brancatisano, G Watson