THE AFL Women’s season is about to pass the halfway point, with a Conference Round occurring in Round 4. Of the five games, four matches involve same-conference teams, while the cross-conference battle sees the reigning grand finalists go head-to-head in the prime time Saturday night match.

GEELONG vs. CARLTON
Saturday, February 23, 4.45pm
GMHBA Stadium

It seems somewhat strange that these two teams are the top two sides in Conference B with Carlton suffering the heavy Round 1 loss and Geelong going down in the past two encounters, but the sole victory for each side was enough to see them slot into first and second. The winner will take outright first depending if Brisbane can upset the Western Bulldogs, and go a long way to securing a finals place in the 2019 AFL Women’s competition. Carlton have been building over the past two weeks, looking more dangerous under new coach, Daniel Harford with dash and dare from defence to half-forward. Key forward Tayla Harris and young gun, Madison Prespakis both booted three goals last week and gave the GIANTS coaching staff some serious headaches. Geelong will look to counter the forward talent of the Blues, with the likes of Meg McDonald and former Blue, Madeline Keryk in great form this season. Mel Hickey and Richelle Cranston returned last week and will be keen to make a statement, while Darcy Vescio is yet to fire consistently this season and could be one in for a big game.

H2H: Geelong 0 | Carlton 0 | Draws 0
Venue: Geelong 1-0-0 | Carlton 0-0-0

Last time they met: N/A

WESTERN BULLDOGS vs. BRISBANE
Saturday, February 23, 7.10pm
Whitten Oval

H2H: Western Bulldogs 1 | Brisbane 2 | Draws 0
Venue: Western Bulldogs 5-3-0 | Brisbane 0-0-0

In the only cross-conference game, we have a Grand Final replay between Western Bulldogs and Brisbane at Whitten Oval. It is the first time these teams have clashed at the venue, while the Bulldogs holding a 5-3 record when at home. Brisbane has the upperhand against the Dogs overall, winning both regular season games, with the Dogs’ only win between the sides coming in last year’s grand final. This game is crucial for both sides, but particularly the Bulldogs who sit in a stronger pool. The Dogs had a heavy loss against North Melbourne on the weekend and are anchored to the bottom but level with third placed Melbourne and fourth placed Adelaide. With those two sides playing the undefeated teams, the Bulldogs can jump to third spot with the right results. For Brisbane, they have a chance to try and catch Carlton and Geelong on percentage, and a win would guarantee them a top two spot after four rounds. The battle between midfield duos, Ellie Blackburn and Monique Conti against Ally Anderson and Emily Bates will be fascinating, and Sabrina Frederick-Traub will be keen for a big game after being well held by Melbourne’s Harriet Cordner last week, although it does not get any easier this week with a stringent Bulldogs defence.

Last time they met: Western Bulldogs 4.3 (27) defeated Brisbane 3.3 (21) at Ikon Park, Grand Final, 2018

It was the most memorable game of last season, as the Western Bulldogs took home the AFL Women’s Premiership Cup at Ikon Park in the 2018 decider. Monique Conti was best afield for her 13 disposals (12 contested), four clearances, three inside 50s and a goal, while Ellie Blackburn had 17 disposals (12 contested), five clearances, three inside 50s and two inside 50s. Emma Kearney racked up 15 disposals, one mark, five clearances and a goal. All-Australian full-back Kate Lutkins had a game-high 21 touches as well as six marks, four tackles and four rebounds, while Jamie Stanton had 20 disposals, two marks, four inside 50s and five rebounds.

ADELAIDE vs. FREMANTLE
Saturday, February 23, 9.35pm
TIO Stadium

Up in Darwin the Crows and Dockers clash in what could well be the game of the round. Adelaide lost to the Western Bulldogs by a point in Round 1 but have not missed a beat since, while Fremantle have opened eyes with their performances both at home and away. Now the teams clash in a game that has enormous ramifications, with the winner putting themselves in a great position for finals in the final few rounds, while the loser drops back to the back. For Fremantle, they have the extra game in hand, and could well be primed for a finals spot if they take down the Crows, while Adelaide cannot afford to lose with both Western Bulldogs and Melbourne battling with the Crows in the mid-table. Erin Phillips and Ebony Marinoff have been unbelievable this season, while Anne Hatchard was terrific last round to add an extra dimension to the midfield. Fremantle’s Dana Hooker and Kara Donnellan have been a ray of consistency, while Kiara Bowers has been a terrific find for the West Australian side. Fremantle’s forward line against Adelaide’s defence will be a battle within a battle.

H2H: Adelaide 2 | Fremantle 0 | Draws 0
Venue: Adelaide 1-1-0 | Fremantle 0-1-0

Last time they met: Adelaide 6.4 (40) defeated Fremantle 5.6 (36) at TIO Stadium, Round 6, 2018

In the only game at TIO Stadium in Round 6 last season, these two teams battled it out in a thriller which resulted in the “home” team getting home by four points. The Crows had lost to Melbourne in the only other game at TIO Stadium the year before, so winning in front of the passionate crowd with Northern Territory players in Crows colours was important. Erin Phillips had a day out up forward with three goals from nine disposals, while NT Thunder star Angela Foley had 15 disposals, four marks, six tackles, three inside 50s and two rebounds. Fremantle ball winner, Dana Hooker had a game-high 20 disposals, three marks, six clearances, three inside 50s, two rebounds and two goals, while Lisa Webb racked up 16 touches, three marks, two clearances, five inside 50s and four rebounds.

COLLINGWOOD vs. GWS GIANTS
Sunday, February 24, 2.05pm
Morwell Recreation Reserve

After playing in Moe last year, Collingwood returns to Gippsland, this time in Morwell for the Magpies to take on the GIANTS. In contrast to many of the other games, this game is the end of the line for one team, with both sides staring down the barrel of 0-4 starts. The premiership dreams of the loser would appear to be all over for season 2019, while the winner could join two other sides in equal second with victory. Being in the weaker conference, both sides are still in contention for a finals spot, but both sets of supporters’ hopes would be soon draining. Collingwood and the GIANTS’ fanbases are keen for a win, and victory in this clash could change the course of their season. Both are quite young with the likes of Jordyn Allen and Alyce Parker both impressing for the teams after coming in as first round draft picks. Mel Kuys returns for the first game of the season post-injury and helps with the Magpies’ experience, but the loss of Ash Brazill will hurt. For the GIANTS, Nicola Barr is a huge inclusion, while Haneen Zreika also returns to add some excitement into the team. While it might not be a top two blockbuster, both teams will not leave anything behind in search of a much-needed win.

H2H: Collingwood 1 | GWS GIANTS 1 | Draws 0
Venue: Collingwood 0-0-0 | GWS GIANTS 0-0-0

Last time they met: GWS GIANTS 7.6 (48) defeated Collingwood 5.5 (35) at Olympic Park Oval, Round 3, 2018

In reversing the result at the same ground the year before, GWS GIANTS took home an important four points to hand Collingwood its third loss of the season. Former Magpie, Alicia Eva was the star with 23 disposals, three marks, four tackles, two clearances and four inside 50s, while Courtney Gum and Phoebe McWilliams both booted two goals from 15 and 12 disposals respectively. Jaimee Lambert was the top Pie with 19 disposals, three marks, five tackles, two inside 50s and three rebounds, while Mo Hope found some form booting two goals and Emma King was dominant in the ruck with 18 hitouts, 11 disposals, three inside 50s and four rebounds.

MELBOURNE vs. NORTH MELBOURNE
Sunday, February 24, 4.05pm
Casey Fields

In the final game of the round, Melbourne hosts North Melbourne in what is a crucial game for the Demons. After a Round 1 loss at Casey Fields, Melbourne will be keen to upset the all-powerful Kangaroos who have emerged as the clear premiership favourites with three high-scoring wins. Harriet Cordner will have a big job on any one of a number of dangerous Kangaroo forwards, while the Melbourne midfield will need to win against the Kangaroos’ onball brigade if they are to be a chance of taking home the four points. Elise O’Dea and Karen Paxman continue to find plenty of the ball, while Aliesha Newman crumbs to Eden Zanker and Tegan Cunningham inside 50. The star power of the Roos might be too much considering the form of Emma Kearney, Jess Duffin, Jasmine Garner and Emma King among others, but a loss for Melbourne could see them slip eight points outside the top two, while for North, a defeat could mean they forfeit top spot. North look certain to play finals, while Melbourne would love to grab the four points against a team that has shown to be the benchmark thus far in season 2019.

H2H: Melbourne 0 | North Melbourne 0 | Draws 0
Venue: Melbourne 5-2-0 | North Melbourne 0-0-0

Last time they met: N/A

DRAFT CENTRAL TIPPING

Leaderboard:

1st : Michael Alvaro [ 11 ]
2nd : Sophie Taylor [ 10 ]
3rd : Taylah Melki [ 9 ]
Eq 4th : Peter Williams, Matthew Cocks [ 8 ]

Peter Williams

Chief Editor

Last week: 3

Round 3 selections:

Carlton
Western Bulldogs
Adelaide
GWS GIANTS
Melbourne

Taylah Melki

Assistant Chief Editor

Last week: 3

Round 2 selections:

Geelong
Western Bulldogs
Fremantle
GWS GIANTS
North Melbourne

Sophie Taylor

Women’s Football Editor

Last week: 3

Round 3 selections:

Geelong
Western Bulldogs
Adelaide
Collingwood
Melbourne

Michael Alvaro

Men’s Football Editor

Last week: 5

Round 4 selections:

Carlton
Western Bulldogs
Fremantle
GWS GIANTS
North Melbourne

Matthew Cocks

Guest Tipster

Last week: 3

Round 4 selections:

Carlton
Western Bulldogs
Adelaide
GWS GIANTS
North Melbourne