SOME crucial matches confront teams battling it out for both the double chance and top eight, with must-win contests afoot in Round 8 of the AFL Women’s. With some teams heading into the matches close to full strength, while others remain missing key individuals, it will be fascinating to see just who takes their chances on the weekend.

By: Alyce Collett

FORM

It has been an up and down year for Carlton, but the Blues are coming off a good win last weekend against St Kilda. Richmond on the other hand is on quite the hot streak, and last weekend’s win over West Coast was Richmond’s fifth in a row.

WHERE IT’S WON

The biggest disparity between the two sides is the one percenters (1st in the league vs 17th in favour of the Tigers). There is also quite a disparity in the tackle count (9th in the league vs 16th in favour of the Blues) and the tackles inside 50 count (5th in the league vs 12th in favour of the Tigers).

TEAM NEWS

Carlton has made two changes this week, with Annie Lee and Imogen Milford coming in for Elise O’Dea and Serena Gibbs. Meanwhile Richmond has also made the two changes, bring in Katie Brennan and Sarah Hosking for Sophie Molan and Maddy Brancatisano.

KEY PLAYERS

Brennan is a huge inclusion for the Tigers this week, and she, Hosking’s sister Jess, and Monique Conti are just some of the names the likes of Vaomua Laloifi and Kerryn Peterson have to contend with for Carlton in order to get the win.

PREDICTION

Although last week’s win would have given Carlton a lot of confidence, the Blues come up against much tougher opposition this week in Richmond. Richmond is on quite the run of form at the moment and fast moving towards a debut finals appearance. They should be too strong in this clash and chalk up win number six in a row.

By: Alyce Collett

FORM

Like many seasons of the past, Brisbane and Adelaide continue to be two of the top sides of the competition. They have only suffered the one loss each thus far this season, and for the most part delivered strong performances all season.

WHERE IT’S WON

Expect tonight’s match to be a high scoring one, with these two sides ranked number one and two respectively in the competition for both goals and behinds. There really is not a whole lot that splits these two sides in many of the key stat areas, so expect tonight’s clash to be a hard fought battle.

TEAM NEWS

Brisbane have only made the one change, bringing in Mikayla Pauga for the injured Zimmorlei Farquharson. Adelaide meanwhile has made the three changes, bringing in Hannah Button, Eloise Jones and Niamh Kelly for Keeley Kustermann, Brooke Tonon and Lisa Whiteley.

KEY PLAYERS

The midfield battle tonight in particular is going to be one of the most entertaining battles on the ground. On the one side you have Emily Bates and Ally Anderson, up against Ebony Marinoff and Anne Hatchard on the other side of the equation.

PREDICTION

As previously mentioned this is going to be a hard fought battle, with the match likely to go either way. However there needs to be a winner tipped, and Brisbane are at home so they should get the win, but the match really could go either way.

By: Peter Williams

FORM

Both North Melbourne and Port Adelaide come off losses in games they should have won based on the circumstances. The Roos going down to the Lions and Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich even describing the result as “unjust”. Port Adelaide on the other hand lost to Hawthorn in a tight one, but kicked themselves out of the game with 1.10 (16), having two more scoring shots than the 4.5 (29) Hawks. Overall North still remain inside the eight and a good chance to grab fourth, but need to win the remainder. Port Adelaide can leapfrog as many as four teams with a win and move up to 12th.

WHERE IT’S WON

North Melbourne is a side that provides its forwards with plenty of inside 50s, ranking third overall in the competition, while their efficiency is ranked sixth. Port Adelaide has not always made the most of similar chances, ranking 13th in both measures. In a weird quirk, North Melbourne is ranked third in centre clearances but 11th in stoppage clearances, while Port Adelaide is last in clearances from the centre, but fourth in around the ground clearances. The teams are evenly balanced in total marks, ranking eighth (Port Adelaide) and ninth (North Melbourne) respectively.

TEAM NEWS

Port Adelaide is weighing up the potential return of key forward Gemma Houghton from her syndemosis injury. Though likely to be another week, the ex-Docker would be a welcome return. Yasmin Duursma is still two weeks away, while Elizabeth McGrath is touch and go whether the ruck makes it back before season’s end. North Melbourne edges closer to bringing back Ellie Gavalas but will likely hold off for now, with Hannah Bowey having entered concussion protocols.

KEY PLAYERS

The North Melbourne midfield is what gets the job done each week, and Jasmine Garner, Ash Riddell and Jenna Bruton will be hard to stop. Port Adelaide may throw Erin Phillips in there to counter that experience, though could also go head-to-head with fellow W Medal winner Emma Kearney in a massive clash. Abbey Dowrick and Hannah Ewings continue to thrive at the top level despite the results going against them.

PREDICTION

Though being at Alberton helps the Power, North Melbourne should be too strong in this one, especially with the carrot of a top four spot on the line in the final three rounds.

By: Alyce Collett

FORM

A battle of two of the expansion sides, it has not been the smoothest of sailings for either of them this season. Essendon has managed to get wins on the board though unlike the Swans, but are coming off a frustrating loss to Geelong last week.

WHERE IT’S WON

Sydney has a lot of areas they need to lift in order to match it with the Bombers and have any hope of taking out its first win. These include disposals (kicks and handballs), inside 50s (where they are down 108 and are 18th in the competition) and inside 50 efficiency (where they are down 166.3 on their opponents this year and are again 18th in the competition).

TEAM NEWS

The only possible changes to either side from an injury point is that Essendon are a chance to get Mia Van Dyke back this week from a shoulder injury.

KEY PLAYERS

Essendon has a number of stars that have had great seasons thus far and will be looking to continue that, including Bonnie Toogood and Madison Prespakis. Meanwhile the Swans cannot afford to let either Rebecca Privitelli or Montana Ham have a quiet game. They have been arguably the two best players for the Swans this season and need to have big games in order for their team to get the win.

PREDICTION

To put it simply, although Essendon has had an up and down season, the Bombers are still a strong side when they put everything together and should be far too strong for the Swans tomorrow afternoon.

By: Peter Williams

FORM

Geelong just keeps ticking boxes, and while they have had a few challenges of late against Western Bulldogs and Essendon, the Cats are surging into November’s finals series. They are locked in there barring any Cat-astrophes, but should be aiming for a top four spot. West Coast on the other hand have lost four of their last five, with only a win over GWS to show for their past month.

WHERE IT’S WON

Geelong is superior across the board in most statistics, ranking inside the top five for the disposal statistics, as well as inside 50s, centre clearances, marks and tackles. In particular, the Cats rank second in uncontested possession differential and third in handball differential, loving to move the ball in fashion. Their defence has been well talked about, which does not bode well for the Eagles who are ranked 16th for inside 50 efficiency.

TEAM NEWS

Geelong will be incredibly excited to welcome back Georgie Prespakis for the game after the teenager served her two-game suspension for a tackle. In equally better news, star midfielder Amy McDonald got off her rough conduct charge at the tribunal, and with both Nina Morrison and Rachel Kearns – who suffered that horrific shoulder injury in preseason – undergoing tests, the Cats could be at full strength. Speaking of full strength, with the exception of Kellie Gibson‘s ACL, West Coast has a plethora of options to choose from for the game.

KEY PLAYERS

Regaining Prespakis to the midfield will be crucial alongside McDonald, and other young guns Rebecca Webster and Nina Morrison. It will be a huge game for Mikayla Bowen coming up against her former side for the first time, with the Eagles midfield a strong point in the side given the form of captain Emma Swanson, and Isabella Lewis. Charlotte Thomas has been outstanding in defence and will be one the Cats look to contain.

PREDICTION

Though not really at home, the Cats are still in Melbourne at Ikon Park, so expect their defence to be too strong, with a midfield that catch match the Eagles onballers and a forwardline that is beginning to put on big scores.

By: Peter Williams

FORM

Though on paper many might think this is a one-sided contest, the Suns come into the match having won three of their last four, equal to that of the Dees. Melbourne’s only blemish came against the Lions, while Gold Coast pushed the in-form Richmond all the way in its defeat during the past month. At home at Metricon, the Suns would back themselves in, and a win would edge them far closer to a top eight spot. Melbourne needs to win to keep pushing for a double chance.

WHERE IT’S WON

Melbourne is unsurprisingly top in a number of differential categories such as disposals, handballs, disposal efficiency and uncontested possessions. However the thorn in the Dees’ side this season has been clearances, ranking 13th overall, 10th in centre clearances and 15th in stoppage clearances. By comparison, Gold Coast ranks fourth, first and fifth, as well as third overall in hitout differential, so that is where the Suns can get on top.

TEAM NEWS

Melbourne will be without its star ruck for the clash in Lauren Pearce, which is not something you want given the strength of Gold Coast’s ruck division. Still missing Jordan Ivey, the Dees have been able to bring in some new faces, but the likes of Sabreena Duffy have settled in well. Gold Coast’s sole casualty out of the team that could return is Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster who is still being assessed for a knee injury.

KEY PLAYERS

Melbourne needs to find a way to contain Charlie Rowbottom who is in some remarkable form this season. She alongside Alison Drennan and Claudia Whitfort are an underated on-ball division, while Kalinda Howarth can do a lot of damage. Minus Pearce, it is a huge game for Lauren Bella who should look to take full advantage over part-time rucks Tayla Harris and Eden Zanker. Melbourne’s midfield is as deep as anyone’s in the competition though, with Olivia Purcell, Karen Paxman, Eliza West, Tyla Hanks and Lily Mithen all averaging 17 or more disposals this year.

PREDICTION

Genuinely a far closer contest than many might give credence to, it is too dangerous to tip against Melbourne with the Dees coming off their best performance of the season against the Western Bulldogs. However if the Suns win, it would not be the shock result that some my make it out to be, with Gold Coast a well-drilled side and a real danger at Metricon.

By: Alyce Collett

FORM

Both teams started the season well, but have fallen away in the last month or so. The Bulldogs are coming off a disastrous performance against the Dees, while St Kilda had a frustrating loss to the Blues last week.

WHERE IT’S WON

The Bulldogs have had a lot more of the ball this year than the Saints have, so they will be looking to maximise ball use in order to get the win. However, the Saints have been far more efficient inside 50 than the Bulldogs have, so that is an area they can really exploit.

TEAM NEWS

For the Bulldogs Elisabeth Georgostathis may miss this week with a hamstring injury, while St Kilda on the other hand may gain Grace Kelly and Erin McKinnon back from injury this week but their return date is yet to be confirmed.

KEY PLAYERS

For the Bulldogs, it all comes down to their midfield. If Ellie Blackburn and Kirsty Lamb are having a good day, then things are going to go well for the Dogs.

Meanwhile for St Kilda, it has been their tall timbers at either end of the ground that have been their stars this season. Up one end they have Kate Shierlaw who has been their main avenue for goals, while up the other end both Bianca Jakobsson and Clara Fitzpatrick have had great seasons.

PREDICTION

Both teams will come out hungry for the win. However, the Bulldogs should prove too strong for the Saints and end up returning to Melbourne with the win.

By: Alyce Collett

FORM

GWS has had an up and down season, but are back home after a tough loss to the Pies last week. Meanwhile for the Hawks, their first win has really opened the floodgates for them, and now sit on three wins in a row.

WHERE IT’S WON

These two teams have very different game styles, so the key will be which one can maximise their game style to their advantage while taking the game off their opposition’s terms. GWS is much more of a handballing team, while the Hawks tend to kick more.

TEAM NEWS

Unfortunately for GWS their long injury list is not set to get any shorter, with much of the remaining members of the list out for the season. For the Hawks, it is unclear how long Tegan Cunningham will miss with a foot complaint, while Zoe Barbakos will miss one to two weeks with concussion.

KEY PLAYERS

For GWS it all starts in the midfield, where Alyce Parker and Alicia Eva really gets things going to players like Cora Staunton. Meanwhile for Hawthorn, Lucy Wales is coming off a Rising Star worthy performance against Port, and with a midfield consisting of the likes of Tilly Lucas-Rodd and Jasmine Fleming will really look to get things going from the middle.

PREDICTION

Although on paper it should be GWS that gets the win in this one, do not be surprised if the Hawks get up in this encounter. It is one of those ones that could really go either way, so time will tell which way it does go.

By: Peter Williams

FORM

On paper the Magpies should have too much for the Dockers, given they sit at 6-1 record and their only blemish being a tight loss to the Crows back in Round 4. But Fremantle has had the wood over the Magpies since the beginning, and is starting to regain its form of past years. Though still not at 100 per cent, the fact it is in Perth makes it a danger game, and Fremantle would duly love to leapfrog a few sides with a victory. Like a few other teams, the Magpies have to win to keep a top four spot chance alive with Brisbane and North Melbourne in the final fortnight.

WHERE IT’S WON

Collingwood unsurprisingly is ahead in just about every stat, with the Dockers just clear in centre clearances (fifth in the league compared to sixth), but far superior in tackles (third against 14th). The thing with the Magpies is that they are not really bad in any one area, and are inside the top 10 in most, with marks (second), tackles inside 50 (second), inside 50s (third) and kicks (third) among the top statistics.

TEAM NEWS

Excluding their inactive players, the Magpies could remarkably be at full strength at the selection table, with Aishling Sheridan a good chance to return. The speedster is undergoing a test on her knee that has seen her miss the last couple of weeks, but has been involved in training. Fremantle on the other hand has been destroyed by injuries, and after looking set to be getting closer to full strength, lost another trio of star talents. Defender Janelle Cuthbertson (ankle), forward-midfielder Gabby O’Sullivan (shoulder) and versatile tall Sarah Wielstra (knee) all set to miss, while Ebony Antonio and Dana East are undergoing tests with the initial hope they may return for the match.

KEY PLAYERS

Fremantle star Kiara Bowers played the best statistical game of all-time last round and is so hard to contain, with both her and captain Hayley Miller trying their hearts out. Mim Strom and Sarah Verrier continue to grow each week, while Emma O’Driscoll is an underrated talent coming out of defence. Mikala Cann has really stepped up in the absence of key teammates, while Ash Brazill up forward adds another element to the black and white mix. Ruby Schleicher, Jordyn Allen and Chloe Molloy are also crucial players.

PREDICTION

Over in the West it is a danger game for the Magpies, especially against a side that has had their measure over many years. Fremantle is not the side of past seasons, and has limped into many games given the horrible run of luck with injuries, but whenever the likes of Bowers and Miller are involved, you can never count the Dockers out. Still, Collingwood has more on the line in the form of a double chance and simply has to win, so should do that.