THERE are plenty of massive matches in Round 9 of the AFL Women’s as the penultimate round takes place. With teams fighting for both top four and top eight spots, there is much on the line across the majority of the nine matches.

FORM

Adelaide enters the Friday night blockbuster coming off a rare loss – just its second of the season – having gone down to ladder leaders Brisbane up in Queensland. With the Crows returning home, they take on a red-hot Geelong who has strung together four consecutive wins, but face its biggest challenge since going down to Collingwood and North Melbourne in Rounds 3-4.

WHERE IT’S WON

It will be a fiercely contested game, that is for sure. Both sides have strong midfields that win plenty of the ball, and crack in for contested ball. They pride themselves on clearances and controlling the game, with the Cats’ defensive pressure incredible. If the Crows can lower their eyes going inside 50 and pick the right targets, then they should come out on top, having never lost to the Cats in three outings. In saying that, they have not played them since Round 3, 2020, and Geelong is a much-improved side.

TEAM NEWS

It might be the luck of the Irish, but Geelong’s Rachel Kearns makes a surprise return from a shoulder injury – after not being expected to play again this season – with youngster Brooke Plummer the unlucky one to be dropped. The Crows have made a massive four changes, with captain Chelsea Randall a huge out due to her ankle, while a trio of players have been omitted in Hannah Button, Marijana Rajcic and Jasmine Simmons. Sturt defender Kiera Mueller will make debut in the tri-colours, joined in the side by Amber Ward, Brooke Tonon and Lisa Whiteley.

KEY PLAYERS

Geelong’s midfield of Georgie Prespakis and Amy McDonald is like the heir apparent to Anne Hatchard and Ebony Marinoff as natural ball-winners. That will be a fascinating battle, as will how the Crows deal with Meghan McDonald who is too clever in defence. Chloe Scheer takes on her former side for the first time coming off a strong, but inaccurate display, while Caitlin Gould and Olivia Fuller will have a huge battle on their hands.

PREDICTION

Adelaide is the prediction at home, though nothing is certain. Geelong is in great form and needs to win to keep in top four contention. If the Cats do get up, expect them to secure that double chance, while for the Crows, a win is as good as the same, with so much on the line in this classic Friday night contest.

FORM

Gold Coast would be seething after the loss to Melbourne not only knocked the Suns out of the top eight, but severely wounded their percentage. Yet to find consistency this season, the Suns must win against the Blues given the Bulldogs take on the struggling Eagles and would book their spot in the top eight with that win. Carlton is too far back to make a realistic crack at finals, but facing both the Suns and Bulldogs, if they could belt both and those sides lose their other matches, then it becomes critical the Blues win both.

WHERE IT’S WON

It has been a season of “What Ifs?” for Carlton, with two draws that had they been converted into wins, might have been in with a shot of making top eight. The Blues have never lost to the Suns, winning by a combined 90 points from their two outings in the last two seasons, but now the Suns have a superb, hardened midfield that could take control and overwhelm the Blues in the contest. Carlton has to try and win the stoppages then get it forward, not giving the Suns any easy scores.

TEAM NEWS

Gold Coast has made minimal changes for the match, with Ellie Hampson returning from injury, replacing Tori Groves-Little in the side. For the Blues, Gabriella Pound has been managed and Natalie Plane omitted, replaced by Elise O’Dea and Poppy Schaap.

KEY PLAYERS

Both these sides have a couple of star onballers, with Charlie Rowbottom and Alison Drennan in remarkable form, as are Abbie McKay and Mimi Hill. The ruck battle between potential All-Australian ruck Breann Moody, and the much-improved Lauren Bella will also be one to watch.

PREDICTION

At home, Gold Coast is the pick in this one, with finals still in calculations. A loss and that is season done, while the Blues need to win by tons in both matches to secure anything. Effectively it has been that season of ‘What Ifs?’ and the Suns up at Metricon will be keen to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointment.

FORM

A massive contest takes place at Victoria Park, in the first clash between the Magpies and Kangaroos that will not feature Scott Gowans. Now a top four spot is on the line, with the Roos are an outside chance as it is, but a loss officially puts a line through them. If the Pies lose, then they must beat Brisbane next round otherwise they drop down to the elimination finals spots.

WHERE IT’S WON

Forward half possession will be critical, with both teams able to move the ball quickly, and then lock it inside their forward half, the team that can do it more effectively will go a long way to winning the game. The sides both want to take control of the contested ball and around the stoppages, with the Magpies midfield keen to take a big scalp against one of the deepest midfields in the competition.

TEAM NEWS

Collingwood has a remarkable injury-free playing list, with not one Season 7 active player unavailable for the clash. North Melbourne will likely miss Ellie Gavalas until the final round with her hamstring complaint, while Hannah Bowey could be available for selection, coming out of concussion protocols.

KEY PLAYERS

There are huge contests all over the park, starting in the midfield where the Roos reliable trio of Jasmine Garner, Ash Riddell and Jenna Bruton go head-to-head with a patched up Pies midfield. Mikala Cann, Ruby Schleicher and Chloe Molloy have all stepped up in Season 7, while Emma Kearney and Stacey Livingstone have provided plenty of rebound up respective ends.

PREDICTION

It is a lineball call with who wins, and being at Victoria Park, the Magpies would be favoured. In saying that, the Roos have more of their best 21 available, and are in premiership mode having pushed the sides they have lost to, who are all premiership contenders. This will be another massive clash and the Roos will be keen to get one up on their rivals.

FORM

Not many people would have predicted this to be the bottom two clash at the start of the season, but that is more indicative of the Dockers’ poor run with injuries. Fremantle has not had any luck this season and coach Trent Cooper will be pleased once he can regroup in the off-season, but this simply has to be a win. The Swans are yet to get one on the board, but have been competitive at times, and if there was a chance to beat the Dockers at some stage, this is it. They are down to their injury replacement players and still being competitive, but not able to get close to a win. A real confidence booster heading into next season for both sides.

WHERE IT’S WON

Ultimately the team that is able to get their hands on the ball and get it forward more will win the game. It might sounds like simple football, but both sides have struggled to consistently win the ball, and then get enough inside 50s to kick a winning score. Both forward lines have potency about them – even if the Fremantle one is a little patched up – and all the Swans have to worry about is making sure they put it clearly through the middle of the goals because anything within a metre of the post is no guarantee anymore.

TEAM NEWS

Fremantle’s injury list is a third of its entire team, having to bring in injury replacement players just to fill spots. The big question mark will be Ebony Antonio who was anticipated to return last week, but with the extra week, she could be back in the frame after damaging her posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in preseason. Pressure forward Makaela Tuhakaraina could also be available. For the Swans, both Ella Heads and Aliesha Newman will complete tests on their knee and ankle respectively.

KEY PLAYERS

The on-ball duo of Kiara Bowers and Hayley Miller are in red-hot form and will arguably take home the lions share of the Fremantle W Medal votes at year’s end. Unfortunately the Dockers have not been able to get enough wins to be a threat this season, but Emma O’Driscoll, Mim Strom and Megan Kauffman have been great. Montana Ham, Sofia Hurley and Cynthia Hamilton are three young guns who will lead the club to better times and are excitement machines on the field through the midfield and up forward.

PREDICTION

Fremantle should win, but there is no guarantees given the hefty injury list at the Dockers. It has been a disastrous season on that front, but to the Dockers credit, they have kept battling away, and this is their best chance for a second win. By contrast it is the Swans’ best chance for a victory, but Bowers and Miller might be the difference.

FORM

West Coast’s final home game of the year could see the Eagles play party pooper to the Bulldogs who have an eye on finals. Gold Coast’s heavy loss against Melbourne did the Dogs a favour – after the Dogs copped a similar treatment the week before – and now the Dogs are in prime position. In saying that, they have to win at least one game, and would rather do that early than rely on toppling the unpredictable Carlton at Ikon Park.

WHERE IT’S WON

Western Bulldogs won this corresponding fixture last season – in Round 9 no less – by 10 goals in an absolute spanking. The Dogs could have done that to the Saints last week, but could not hit the side of a barn door. If they get their kicking boots on this weekend, then watch out, but the Eagles will want to run out the season strongly, claim a win at home and potentially knock the Dogs out of finals. The midfield battle will be great, but the outside run key, as both teams look to use their speedsters to move the ball.

TEAM NEWS

Western Bulldogs are expected to welcome back some experience in Kirsten McLeod from concussion in what could be an important inclusion, while Ella Smith is one who could put her hand up after overcoming an ankle injury. It could end up a straight swap for pressure player Mikayla Western who suffered a season-ending arm injury late in last week’s loss to the Cats.

KEY PLAYERS

Two hardened onballers and respective captains Emma Swanson and Ellie Blackburn could go head-to-head, with their deputies in Isabella Lewis and Kirsty Lamb also a potential matchup. Dana Hooker has been deployed both forward and midfield in recent weeks, while Rising Star contenders, Ella Roberts and Rylie Wilcox are as exciting as any others.

PREDICTION

The Western Bulldogs come in with the better form and should get the job done, but the Eagles could make it very tricky given its a home fixture, and they will want to grab the four points to cap off the year and spoil the party for the Dogs.

FORM

A battle of two teams at different “developmental stages”, but arguably with the two best coaches in the league at the helm, this could be a tactical masterpiece. In saying that, Brisbane just has the far better and more experienced lineup at the moment, and the determination since the shock loss to Richmond has reinvigorated the Lions’ season. Hawthorn dropped the game to GWS by a point last week, missing out on four consecutive wins, while Brisbane has only dropped the one game from eight matches.

WHERE IT’S WON

Brisbane is premiership favourites for a reason, with the Lions full steam ahead towards a second flag in three seasons. The Lions have more experience in every areas of the ground, and the Hawks have to bring the heat to be able to compete. Brisbane’s big risk – as alluded to by coach Craig Starcevich post-game last week – is letting the guard slip like the Lions did against the Tigers, but they are much more focused now.

TEAM NEWS

Hawthorn has a few players on the verge of forcing their way back into the side, and it will be fascinating to see if coach Bec Goddard pulls the trigger on them to gain extra experience against Brisbane. Both Tegan Cunningham (foot) and Louise Stephenson (ankle) will undergo tests, as will youngster Zoe Barbakos. Unfortunately the Hawks will need at least one change, with another youngster in Mackenzie Eardley injuring her hand and will miss the final two weeks of the season. Brisbane has virtually a clean bill of health which is scary for its rivals, as Zimmorlei Farquharson is the only unknown after fracturing her finger.

KEY PLAYERS

Defender turned forward Jess Duffin announced her retirement during the week – having played at three clubs – with the Hawks having their last home game this round in Frankston. She will want to go out with a bang, while Hawks captain Tilly Lucas-Rodd, young gun Jasmine Fleming and speedster Aileen Gilroy are all in fantastic form. Brisbane onballers Emily Bates, Ally Anderson and Isabel Dawes are consistent every week, while Jesse Wardlaw is favourite for the leading goalkicker.

PREDICTION

Pretty simple one here, Brisbane should win and win well. Hawthorn has impressed beyond many expectations of such a young side, and Goddard would be proud of their development. If they won this game, it might just tip her over the edge as her greatest ever win, which is saying something as an AFLW premiership coach. She knows how to beat Starcevich on the big stage, but on this occasion the Lions mentor has the superior team on paper, and are marching towards another flag themselves.

FORM

Another game between bottom five sides, both teams would be circling this game as a huge chance to come away with the four points. Port Adelaide was gallant against North Melbourne for a half, before fading to the more experienced side. St Kilda was favoured by Western Bulldogs’ inaccuracy last weekend, but for the most part has largely been disappointing in Season 7. If Port Adelaide wins, it will leap frog the Saints, and providing Fremantle knock off Sydney, St Kilda would fall to 16th on the ladder. A win for the Saints would see them jump as high as 11th on the table.

WHERE IT’S WON

Last round both these sides started well but faded, with Port struggling to kick straight the week before, while the Saints have struggled with confidence and inconsistency. St Kilda try and propel from the back half, but have shown to make mistakes under pressure as a young side, and Port Adelaide will absolutely bring that pressure. The key will be whether Port can take its chances, or whether the Saints can get enough run forward of centre to kick a winning score.

TEAM NEWS

There are still many unknowns on the availability of key Saint recruits Erin McKinnon (concussion) and Grace Kelly (Achilles), with the latter yet to play a game for the red, white and black since crossing from West Coast. Port Adelaide will still be minus a couple of its talents in Yasmin Duursma and Elizabeth McGrath as they race to be back for the final round of the season.

KEY PLAYERS

The key forwards for the respective teams in Port Adelaide’s Gemma Houghton and St Kilda’s Kate Shierlaw are crucial to the structure of the side, while Bianca Jakobsson and Angela Foley both have big jobs up their respective ends. Georgia Patrikios and Hannah Ewings are two huge threats to the opposition team in midfield.

PREDICTION

Port Adelaide is arguably in the better form, but the Power just have to make the most of their chances. If they kick like they did against the Hawks, the Saints can punish them, especially given St Kilda are not too bad at that area, it is just getting the shots on goal. Port is the tip, but it could go either way, especially at the Moorabbin.

FORM

Richmond is edging close towards a top four spot, with a simple must-win game in Round 9. The Tigers face a GIANTS outfit that has been inconsistent all year, but got the job done by a point against Hawthorn. Richmond keeps kicking goals and is on a six-game winning streak, including a huge scalp over Brisbane. The Tigers do not thrash teams, but they just keep getting the job done.

WHERE IT’S WON

These teams played last season with Richmond getting up in a thriller by eight points, and they also become the first teams to enjoy the upgraded Mildura Sporting Complex. The midfield is key in the game with strong on-ball brigades, but the Tigers have such a well-balanced list across all thirds of the ground, while the GIANTS have some star players up both ends, but not quite enough depth. The visitors must take their chances or Richmond will punish them.

TEAM NEWS

The Tigers could be well stocked this week if both Sarah D’Arcy (calf) and Rebecca Miller (hamstring) return to sure up the defence, while skipper Katie Brennan will continue to be closely managed in relation to her foot injury. The GIANTS still have a hefty season-ending injury list, with only Chloe Dalton a chance to return in the final fortnight.

KEY PLAYERS

Many will hope for a head-to-head between Alyce Parker and Monique Conti, two of the best young stars in the game. While they will take the headlines, both these teams have plenty of great young talents including Ellie McKenzie and Tarni Evans. Georgia Garnett is also in great form and could cross paths with the equally in-form Maddie Shevlin.

PREDICTION

There is much more on the line for Richmond, and the Tigers have been far more consistent, so expect Richmond to come away with the four points. The GIANTS can make it difficult for them, and Richmond do not win big, but the Tigers will grind out another victory here.

FORM

Closing out the round, a Melbourne side keen to sew up a top two position hosts an Essendon team that could mathematically make the eight, with plenty on the line. The Dons need the Bulldogs to lose both games in the final fortnight, and only allow the Suns to win one, but theoretically could get up. The Demons win, and a top two spot is effectively assured, with Brisbane and Collingwood facing off in the final round. Lose though, and the Demons could drop to third, and potentially slip out of the top four next week if they drop both games.

WHERE IT’S WON

Melbourne’s Achilles has been its stoppage work this year, but the Demons managed to get it done against the Suns, who were red-hot in that area in Season 7. Essendon has a similarly strong midfield, and will be a good test for the Demons. In saying that, the Bombers have struggled when faced against a high-powered forward line, and that is exactly what the Demons have. It will be a huge test for the young Bombers, but they simply have to win the midfield.

TEAM NEWS

Melbourne is edging closer to the return of Maddison Gay who is a possibility this week, while Lauren Pearce is expected to come back into the side having missed last match with concussion. Casey Sherriff may also state her case, overcoming a wrist injury. Essendon’s Mia Van Dyke may be called upon in the final round having injured her shoulder earlier in the season, with fellow defender Ellyse Gamble likely at least another week off.

KEY PLAYERS

The Melbourne midfield of Olivia Purcell, Eliza West, Tyla Hanks and Lily Mithen is outstanding, while the Bombers have largely relied on the super two of Madison Prespakis and co-captain Stephanie Cain. Bonnie Toogood has been steadfast as the other co-captain up forward, but the Demons have plenty of options to try and double-team her if required. She could face off against former premiership teammate Libby Birch.

PREDICTION

It is hard to imagine Melbourne not winning this game, and winning it well. Essendon has potential, but does not have the depth that the Demons do, and these teams faced off in the preseason. In that match, Melbourne won by around 40 points, doubling the Bombers’ score, with this encounter expected to be something similar.