ONE last, but potentially very chaotic, month of the 2022 VFLW season to go. A lot could happen, and the top six is nowhere near close to being set at this point in time.

At this point there are technically still 11 teams in finals contention, but realistically only nine, and with the evenness of this year’s competition, anything can happy so fans are able to buckle in.

North Melbourne vs Geelong
Saturday at 9:30am
Arden Street Oval

After its excellent win last week, North Melbourne will be looking to continue that momentum this weekend. The Roos also have to win this one if they want to play finals. The gap between them and finals is now only one game, so although they can potentially afford to drop this game, they will not want to.

They come up against a Geelong side who have had an up and down season but did have a good win last weekend against the Borough. A win here would help sure up their own place in the top six.

The Roos will have to keep an eye on Laura Gardiner who is coming off a 49-disposal game last weekend, while the Cats will have to try and counter the dominance of Elizabeth McGrath in the ruck.

Southern Saints vs Western Bulldogs
Saturday at 9:45am
Trevor Barker Beach Oval

After last week’s stellar win, the Saints all but assured their place in the 2022 finals. Although they may run out of matches to catch the top three, if they keep winning they can guarantee they’re still in contention for a double chance.

Meanwhile for the Bulldogs, it is all about pride at this point. They officially can no longer make finals, so they will be just looking for improvement and to register their first win of the season before the season is up.

Williamstown vs Carlton
Saturday at 10:05am
Williamstown Oval

This could be the most season defining matches of the weekend.

If Williamstown lose, the Seagulls season is officially done. Although it is unrealistic that they will make finals at this point, a lot of weird results have happened this season so they are not officially out of the running yet.

As for Carlton, the Blues are in a similar predicament to the Seagulls, but they are one win ahead of them on the ladder. They cannot afford to lose anymore games if they want to stay in touch with the top six. Their run home also isn’t easy so this really is a must win clash for them.

Darebin vs Essendon
Saturday at 11:00am
Preston City Oval

Darebin is in a dangerous predicament on the ladder, so the last thing the Falcons need right now is to come up against the in-form team of the competition.

Essendon will rightfully come into the match as favourites, but Darebin has to at a bare minimum, even if the Falcons do not get the win, ensure that it’s a low scoring and close affair so that their percentage does not get too badly affected.

Essendon have dangerous handfuls all over the ground for Darebin to try and keep quiet, including the likes of Georgia Nanscawen, Renee Tierney and Federica Frew, while for the Bombers they will need to watch Nicole Callinan, who can be a dangerous running machine for the Falcons.

Casey vs Collingwood
Sunday at 10am
Casey Fields

Both of these sides will have very different motivations coming into this match.

For Casey, the Demons will be keen to bounce back after a poor performance against Hawthorn last week, and a win here will officially guarantee their finals spot beyond doubt and they can work towards a top two spot.

Meanwhile for Collingwood, they are still fighting to make it into the top six, and after beating Darebin last weekend the gap between them and the top six is now only one game.

For Casey, the likes of Tahlia Fellows and Rebecca Grant will be key players to watch for the Pies, while for Collingwood the likes of Sarah King and Nyakoat Dojiok will be ones to keep an eye on for the Dees.

Port Melbourne vs Hawthorn
Sunday at 2pm
ETU Stadium

These two sides could not be in more different situations right now.

The Borough have had a disappointing season by their standards, and although technically still in the finals race, their path to finals is hard and unrealistic at this point.

Hawthorn on the other hand is coming off one of the wins of the season against the previously undefeated Demons and is now looking to lock in its place in the top two.

Port Melbourne’s defenders will certainly have their hands full contending with the Hawthorn forward line, which includes the likes of Tamara Luke and Emma Humphries, who are dangerous and proven goal kickers.