IT is a big round of VFLW action with the only team not in the thick of it this round, Collingwood, sitting in top spot on the ladder with percentage to boot.

CARLTON v. GEELONG

Round 8- 29/6/19
11:00
Ikon Park

This Saturday be prepared for a tight tussle between the ninth place Geelong Cats and tenth place Carlton Blues, with the Cats last week getting their second win for the season and the Blues coming off the Round 7 bye but having the win in Round 6. The two teams are coming into finer form with the sides bringing back two guns in Madison Prespakis for the Blues, averaging 28.5 disposals after her two 28 and 29 disposal games, and Danielle Orr for the Cats after kicking three of their eight goals after their win over the Casey last week. Carlton this week is looking to get their second win on the board with a home ground advantage while the Cats will be looking for their third win of the season.

WILLIAMSTOWN v. NT THUNDER

Round 8- 29/6/19
11:30
Downer Oval

The NT Thunder are coming off a dominant win against Essendon in Round 7 and with Williamstown still winless at the bottom the ladder they will be looking to inflict some more pain. Thunder’s slick ball movement and accuracy in front of goal makes them hard to stop when they are on song with the likes of Jasmyn Hewett and Jade De Melo hitting the scoreboard with ease. Nikki Gore will be hoping to back up her stellar performance and impose herself around the contest with her bone crunching tackles and intent to win the ball at the stoppages while expect excitement machine Danielle Ponter to bring her bag of tricks against Williamstown. But the Seagulls should not be underestimated with the likes of Moana Hope up forward and Sharnie Whiting who can hold her own. Williamstown will have a real fire in the belly after coming off a narrow loss to the Falcons last round.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v. HAWTHORN

Round 8- 29/6/19
12:00
Whitten Oval

With only game separating the two sides expect a close contest with both wanting to prove their dominance and claim ascendancy over the competition. Hawthorn went down to the Southern Saints in a tight battle while the Bulldogs will be hoping to bounce back after getting smashed by Collingwood. In recent weeks the Dogs and Hawks have struggled to transition down the field and get ball into their forward 50 but will want to turn the tables in this match-up. Hawthorn will look to the likes of Phoebe McWilliams who has plenty of class and good goal sense to get the ball rolling in their forward 50 while Sarah Perkins is renowned for her star power. Youngster Serena Gibbs also has plenty to offer along with Rebecca Beeson making them a real force to be reckoned with when on song. The Bulldogs will be hoping that Bonnie Hunt brings her hot form into the match-up along with Emma Mackay.

SOUTHERN SAINTS v. DAREBIN

Round 8- 29/6/19
12:00
Trevor Barker Beach Oval

The Falcons will be riding high after a good win against the Seagulls last round, their first of the season after a rough start to the year. On the other hand, the Southern Saints will be hoping to build on their momentum and keep pushing for a finals spot, currently sitting second on the ladder. The Saints have been emphatic, running hard and using the ball well across the field to hit targets and convert in front of goal making them a hard obstacle to overcome. Kate Shierlaw and Tilly Lucas-Rodd have been key players for the Saints, racking up the possessions while Darcy Guttridge has been a handy inclusion. After a hard fought win Darebin will be hoping that Lauren Pearce brings her hot form both in front of goal and across the ground. Meanwhile, expect Annalyse Lister to bring her tackling intensity and physicality into the match in hope to spark the Falcons.

RICHMOND v. CASEY DEMONS

Round 8- 30/6/19
1:00
Queen Elizabeth Oval

Richmond have worked their way up the ladder claiming third spot while the Demons are caught in the mid logjam hoping to cause a big upset and work their way out of the congestion. The Tigers will be hoping to muster up another win and keep their opponents at bay given their recent accuracy in front of goal. Although they are coming off the bye expect the Tigers to be hungry, competing hard for the ball in and around the contest while Katie Brennan provides an imposing threat up forward. Monique Conti also poses an ominous threat across the field while youngsters Madeline Brancatisano, Grace Egan and Kodi Jacques all offer plenty of excitement. Casey should not to be underestimated with the likes of Shelley Heath, Harriet Cordner and Bianca Jakobsson all able to win plenty of ball and dispose of it effectively, while they will be hoping that Maddy Guerin brings her kicking boots again this weekend.

MELBOURNE UNI v. ESSENDON

Round 8- 30/6/19
2:30
Melbourne University Main Oval

Melbourne Uni will be searching for their fourth win of the season while Essendon will be hoping to propel themselves further off the bottom with a second victory of the season. It has been an inconsistent start for the Muggars but coming off the bye expect them to be fresh while the Bombers will be wanting to restore some respectability after a big loss. The Bombers will be looking to Georgia Nanscawen to win plenty of ball once again along with Lauren Aherns to really control the midfield and think their way through traffic if they are to prevail against Melbourne Uni. Hayley Bullas also proved her physicality and will be wanting to maintain that form coming into this match up. For the Muggars, Kate Gillespie-Jones and Jasmine Garner are the go-to girls with their composure and ball winning ability a real feature of their game.