AFTER a whirlwind 10 rounds of home-and-away fixtures, the 2022 AFL Women’s finals series has finally arrived. Two qualifying finals – which in actual fact are elimination bouts – kick off the post-season, with the first seeing North Melbourne (4th, 7-3) take on Fremantle (5th, 7-3). We preview the Saturday afternoon clash, which will decide who goes through to face minor premier, Adelaide in next week’s preliminary final.

Note, the other qualifying final – between Brisbane and Collingwood – has been postponed due to COVID-related health and safety protocols.

A preliminary final spot is on the line when North Melbourne hosts Fremantle at Arden Street Oval on Saturday afternoon, with minor premier Adelaide waiting in the wings. The first of two qualifying finals sees the fourth-placed Roos battle the fifth-placed Dockers, who both notched up 7-3 records during the regular season.

These two sides have already faced off in 2022, all the way back in Round 5 when North won a low-scoring struggle in Tasmania. On that day, the Dockers were playing their fourth game in 16 days, and had their previously unbeaten record shattered by the inaccurate Roos – 3.8 (26) to 2.4 (16).

As was displayed in that early-February bout, North Melbourne sets up beautifully behind the ball and loves to control possession. The Dockers are most effective when they can inflict fast and deep forward 50 entries, with their slingshot speed and dynamic forward line allowing for free flowing scoring action, no matter the run of play.

The Kangaroos will again have home ground advantage here, though it may be less of an edge than face value suggests. Usually strong at home, Fremantle flipped the script this season with a 4-0 record in Victoria. Nonetheless, having the crowd backing and no travel to contend will serve as handy bonuses for the higher-ranked Roos.

Speaking of ranks, both of these teams have struggled to beat those above them this year. Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane have set themselves apart in that sense, and have delivered defeat to both North Melbourne and Fremantle in 2022. Having already met, this will be another great test of their mettle against quality opposition. You have to beat the best, to be the best.

There are plenty of difference makers set to do exactly that for their respective sides. The Dockers look set to be buoyed by the return of defender Janelle Cuthbertson, after a fractured cheekbone saw her miss most of the regular season. Up the other end, watch for the electric combination of Gemma Houghton and Ebony Antonio to set the game alight in a flash.

For the Roos, it is no secret their midfield bats deep and it is headed by the league’s most prolific ball winner. Ash Riddell has made a habit of racking up over 30 disposals this season, and comes in on the back of a record-breaking 42 touches against West Coast. Her attritional value will be complimented by the damaging Jasmine Garner, and young gun Mia King has been a terrific centre bounce addition all year.

With everything to play for, and a taster already under their belts, these two terrific teams should turn in a cracking contest on Saturday. There is class on every line and even match-ups everywhere, making for must-watch AFL Women’s action. Our tip? Fremantle by 5.