WITH the end of the season nearing and ladder positions becoming increasingly important, all clubs will be looking to secure another win. The Magpies have continued their impressive ways, yet to drop a game this season and have a well-earned rest, while the Falcons will be looking to bounce back and redeem their Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s campaign.

Darebin vs. NT Thunder

Saturday July 14, Preston City Oval, 12:00PM

After suffering a big loss in the previous round, Darebin will be hoping to join the winners list. The Falcons struggled to hit the scoreboard, only slotting two goals for the game and will be wanting their stars such as Elise O’Dea, Nat Exon and Meghan McDonald to stand up for them once again. They were influential across the ground, applying plenty of pressure and racking up a number of touches. But Darebin will need more of a team performance to bring down the Thunder, who have been firing on all cylinders. With six wins under their belt, the Thunder will be wanting to secure their spot in the top four with another dominant performance. In round nine’s outing, Jessica Sedunary wreaked havoc up forward with four goals between them and will be aiming to bring that same accuracy and intensity. The likes of Emma Swanson and Jasmyn Hewett were also influential for NT, making for a very hotly contested battle across the ground.

Geelong vs. Southern Saints

Saturday July 14, Deakin University, 1:00PM

Both Geelong and the Southern Saints have had an up and down season so far and will be fighting hard to get some consistency. After a disappointing loss in round nine, the Cats will want to put out an impressive four quarter performance. Geelong will be relying on Richelle Cranston’s ability to go in hard and win the contested footy, while Rebecca Goring has also been in hot form in recent weeks.  The Southern Saints are coming off a loss, but have shown some good signs over the past dew rounds. The likes of young gun Ashleigh Allsopp impressed, while experienced player Lauren Arnell found plenty of the footy.  

Carlton vs. Williamstown

Sunday July 15, Ikon Park, 11:30AM

The Blues have struggled this season, only managing two wins, but a victory over Williamstown could help to keep them off the bottom of the ladder. A shining light for the side has been Darcy Vescio, who is sitting third in the leading goal kickers. Vescio has been running hot since returning, scoring nine goals in four games and will be hoping to continue her impressive form. Her teammates such as Kristi Harvey and Katelyn Cox have also been instrumental and will play a major role in trying to secure Carlton’s third win of the year. On the other hand, the Seagulls will want to prove themselves after coming off four straight losses. Experienced players such as Jess Duffin and Jenna Bruton will need to stand up once again if the Seagulls are any chance to secure their second win.

Western Bulldogs v. Essendon

Sunday July 15, Henry Turner Reserve, 1:00PM

Essendon will be going into this round 10 match up with their tails up after securing their first win of the season. But the Western Bulldogs will be looking to dampen Essendon’s season and increase their chances of playing in the finals. Currently, the Bombers have only managed one win for the season and with the Dogs coming off an impressive win, they could be in for some more hardship. The Bulldogs have plenty of star players such as Ellie Blackburn and Naomi Ferres who can really open the game up and provide some good run and carry, which will make it hard for the Bombers. For the Dons, they will be wanting to wriggle off the bottom of the table and claim another big scalp. Monique Dematteo starred last week bagging two goals while Maddy Collier impressed with her tackling pressure and kicking efficiency, and will be hoping to keep that form going.

Melbourne University v. Hawthorn

Sunday July 15, Melbourne Uni Main Oval, 2:30PM

Hawthorn is in hot form, sitting pretty in second position on the ladder and will be looking to make it five straight wins on Sunday. The Hawks have been in ominous form with the likes of Rebecca Beeson and Jayde Van Dyk firing. Their cleanliness around the contest and ability to hit up a target has been important for the brown and gold and they will be looking to maintain that form. Meanwhile for Melbourne Uni, youngster Caitlin Greiser has stood out, slotting three goals and proving how damaging she can be up forward. Teammates such as Kaitlyn Ashmore and Emma Kearney have also been influential and will be looking to make an impact on the contest against the Hawks. 

Richmond v. Casey

Sunday July 15, Queen Elizabeth Oval, 2:30PM

With neither side officially out of finals contention, it will make for a hotly contested match with the Tigers sitting eighth on the ladder and the Demons ninth. After a disappointing start to the season, the Casey Demons have found some recent form, winning their past two games and will be looking to extend their winning streak against the Tigers. The Demons showed some good grit last week to hang on with the likes of Holly Bailey starring in her first game and Taryn Orgill at her damaging best. On the other hand, Richmond is coming off a narrow loss and will be looking to bounce back. Youngster, Sophie Damon left a lasting impression last week, named amongst the best and scoring a major, while the likes of Lauren Tesoriero also stood tall, winning plenty of the footy. Jessica Kennedy and Evelyn Burry will also be influential in shaping the outcome of Sunday’s game.