Title contenders to clash in blockbuster AFLW round
NOW that the Covid catch-up chaos is behind the AFL Women’s, each team has caught up and clubs can get down to the nitty gritty of the back end of the season. There are plenty of enthralling games to look forward to, including two all top four clashes.
Fremantle v Adelaide
Tomorrow at 12:10pm AWST
Fremantle Oval
An absolutely enthralling clash to start the weekend. A battle of the top two, with the winner to stay in the top two and the loser will slide into third or fourth. Both of these sides are littered with stars so you know it i going to be a tight tussle, but a very entertaining one none the less.
The midfield battle in particular is going to be enthralling. There is the likes of Ebony Marinoff and Anne Hatchard up against Hayley Miller and Kara Antonio. Good luck picking who is going to win this one because it is not going to be easy.
Richmond v Geelong
Tomorrow at 5:10pm AEDT
Swinburne Centre
Both these sides are coming off very different performances last weekend. Geelong did not have the greatest showing on Friday night, while Richmond had a great win over the Eagles in Perth.
While the midfield battle will be intriguing, there will be battles more intriguing. With Richmond’s depleted backline and Geelong’s proven less then strong forward line, the most intriguing battle will be down the other end. The big question mark is whether the likes of Meg Macdonald will be able to contain the likes Katie Brennan.
Melbourne v North Melbourne
Tomorrow at 7:10pm AEDT
Casey Fields
The other all top four clash this weekend will see the winner jump into the top two while the loser will stay in the bottom half of the top four. Again both of these sides are littered with stars so it is going to be a tight tussle, but a very entertaining one none the less.
There is the likes of Tyla Hanks and Karen Paxman up against Ash Riddell and Emma Kearney, as well as a battle of Gabby Colvin and Libby Birch up against Emma King and Tahlia Randall, and the list goes on.
It has also always been a tight affair between these two sides. The average winning margin between the sides is a mere three points, so expect much of the same tomorrow night.
St Kilda v Gold Coast
Sunday at 1:10pm AEDT
Trevor Barker Oval
After going so, so close to their first win on Wednesday night, the Saints will be hungrier than ever to finally get that first win on the board. The Suns will be feeling a similar urge to get back on the winners list, after being thrashed by the Lions and then drawing with the Dogs.
The battle in the Suns forward line will be fascinating. Tara Bohanna and Sarah Perkins have been quite the partnership this season, so it will be up to the likes of Bianca Jakobsson and Hannah Priest to keep them quiet.
There is a spot in the top six potentially on the line for the Suns this weekend, so that will give them extra motivation to get over the line.
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs
Sunday at 3:10pm AEDT
Victoria Park
Coming off another loss on the road, Collingwood will be determined to get back on the winners list and lock up sixth spot on the ladder. The Bulldogs are coming off a mixed bag of a weekend, so will be looking to get some consistency and try and keep their push up the ladder going.
There is a spot in the top six potentially on the line for the Bulldogs this weekend, so that will give them extra motivation to get over the line.
Both midfields are filled with stars, so it will definitely be a battle to watch. It has been proven a number of times this season that if you keep Ellie Blackburn quiet, the Bulldogs struggle so Brittany Bonnici, Jaimee Lambert and others will certainly need to keep an eye on her if they want to get the win.
West Coast v Brisbane
Sunday at 2:10pm AWST
Mineral Resources Park
The match up that was due to happen earlier in the season but got reshuffled due to border closures. Both sides are coming off losses, so will be desperate to get back on the winners list.
The Eagles have got a lot on their plate if they want to try and cause a huge upset here. Jesse Tawhaio-Wardlaw and Zimmorlei Farquharson are dangerous forward targets, plus Brisbane should gain back the ever dangerous Dakota Davidson this weekend. This is on top of the stacked midfield Brisbane has, which includes Emily Bates, Ally Anderson and Orla O’Dwyer.
The Eagles have certainly not got it easy this weekend, even if it is at their home ground. One thing that may play into their favour is fatigue, because Brisbane have had a much more packed schedule in recent weeks than the Eagles have, so the Eagles will be the much fresher side.
GWS vs Carlton
Sunday at 7:10pm AEDT
Manuka Oval
The final match of the round consists of two sides who had the kind of wins last weekend you need to reinvigorate your season. However, the question will be which one can continue that momentum and get another win on the board this weekend. Only time will tell
For Carlton, the equation is pretty simple. Keep Cora Staunton quiet, she is such a dangerous forward that provides so many scoring opportunities for her side.
For GWS, if they win it in the midfield and can stop the likes of Elise O’Dea and Jessica Dal Pos, it will go a long way to nabbing them another win.
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