SOME potentially intriguing clashes are on the menu today in the AFL Women’s as Round 8 comes to a close.

1:05pm
Victoria Park

Recent Form

These two sides sit in very similar positions on the ladder, so will both be desperate to bag the four points on offer today. Both of these teams have four wins to their name and are both coming off important victories last week.

History

These two sides have played four times previously in their history. Although Geelong won the inaugural encounter, Collingwood has won the most recent trio of matches.

Key Stat Areas

Collingwood tends to kick the ball more than they handball it, while the Cats are more prolific handballers than kickers. Geelong has also had more inside 50s than Collingwood this season, but Collingwood’s inside 50 efficiency has been slightly better.

Key Match Up/s

Ruby Schleicher vs Aishling Moloney

Collingwood will be excited to get Schleicher back this week, who provides a huge boost to Collingwood’s defence today. She is likely to have to contend with the dangerous Moloney today, so will need to always play in front to counter Moloney’s marking ability and provide that run off half back.

Brittany Bonnici vs Amy McDonald

Two prolific clearance winners and two of the best midfielders in the competition, these two are both crucial to the success of their sides today. They are also the first link in the clearance chain for their respective sides, so play an important role in the ever important clearance battle.

Jordyn Allen vs Julia Crockett-Grills

Two reliable and solid runners, these two will provide plenty of attacking play for their sides today. These two should match each other well both physically and pace wise, and provide an entertaining battle.

3:05pm
Fremantle Oval

Recent Form

It is getting close to do-or-die territory for the Dockers. Lose today and they can just about kiss their finals aspirations goodbye. St Kilda on the other hand is on a nice run of form at the moment, and is a game ahead of the Dockers at the moment so do not quite have to worry about that just yet.

History

These two have only met once before in their history. It was back in Round 4 of 2020, and it was the Dockers who held on in a nail-biter to win by the smallest of margins.

Key Stat Areas

Both of these sides are more kickers than they are handballers, so how this clashes and counteracts will be interesting to see.

One area that particularly Walyalup will need to be mindful of today is inside 50 efficiency. The Dockers are already likely to get less inside 50s than St Kilda, but with a season inside 50 efficiency significantly poorer than St Kilda’s, they are going to have to make the most of every opportunity they get.

Key Match Up/s

Kiara Bowers vs Jaimee Lambert

Two absolute midfield bulls, these two competitive beasts will stop at nothing to achieve success for their team. Lambert has been particularly influential for the Saints this season, so Bowers’ return could not have come at a more crucial time.

Aine Tighe vs Bianca Jakobsson

It is much talked about how crucial Tighe is for the success of the Dockers’ forward line. Jakobsson will certainly have a busy afternoon, with plenty of running on the cards and having to ensure she is always playing in front.

Serena Gibbs vs Jesse Wardlaw

Up the other end, and Wardlaw plays a role just as important to St Kilda as Tighe does for the Dockers. Playing her club debut today, Gibbs is going to have a tough first-up assignment having to keep someone like Wardlaw quiet.

5:05pm
Windy Hill

Recent Form

After a bit of a hiccup a few weeks ago, Essendon is back on track and humming along nicely at the moment. The Eagles on the other hand are not, coming off the back of a 70-point loss last week.

History

These two sides did meet in Essendon’s inaugural season last year, and it was a happy day for the Bombers who came away with a 52-point win.

Key Stat Areas

One are that particularly West Coast will need to be mindful of today is inside 50 efficiency. The Eagles are already likely to get less inside 50s than Essendon, but with a season inside 50 efficiency significantly poorer than Essendon’s, they are going to have to make the most of every opportunity they get.

Essendon is also doing significantly better in the uncontested possessions and clearances than West Coast, which combined could spell disaster for the Eagles today if they are not comfortable.

Key Match Up/s

Bonnie Toogood vs Belinda Smith

Toogood is the focal point for Essendon in attack, but the Bombers have proven they do not totally rely on her for success, which is not a bad thing.

Smith is certainly going to have a busy afternoon, but has proven she can match it with players like Toogood.

Amelia Radford vs Ella Roberts

Up the other end, and Roberts is arguably West Coast’s most important player. Keeping her quiet will be crucial for Essendon today, but luckily for them they have Radford, who can match it with Roberts for pace and physicality.

Georgia Nanscawen vs Aisling McCarthy

Two tough nuts who are very competitive, they are the start of the chain for their respective teams. Expect to find them both under plenty of packs today.