THE penultimate round of AFL Women’s action comes to a close today as a former club favourite takes on her past club, two top four sides clash, and some of the newest clubs go head-to-head.

1:05pm
Henson Park

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The Swans have had a bit of an up and down last month, but it is do-or-die for them today. Lose and they can kiss any hopes of an inaugural finals campaign goodbye. Collingwood on the other hand has had a strong past month, and will be looking to continue that today in the push towards another finals campaign.

History

These two did meet last year during Sydney’s inaugural campaign. It was back in Round 2, with Collingwood coming away comfortable winners.

Key Stat Areas

Sydney’s natural game is to handball the ball more than kick it, while for Collingwood it is the opposite.

One area that both teams will need to focus on today is their inside 50 efficiency. With both teams equally poor at it this season at the roughly -45 per cent mark, they are really going to need to make the most of every chance today.

Key Match Up/s

Chloe Molloy vs Brittany Bonnici

Molloy faces her old side for the first time today, and will likely have to come up in a one on one battle against Bonnici. These two both play similar roles for their teams but also know each other’s game very well, so who can win this battle will be intriguing.

Rebecca Privitelli vs Ruby Schleicher

Privitelli is arguably one of the most dangerous Sydney forwards, so Collingwood are going to need a defender of her caliber to match it. Luckily they have Schleicher now, who can match up on Privitelli well and has plenty of experience against her.

Laura Gardiner vs Aishling Sheridan

The two midfield bulls of their teams, these two are competitive tough nuts. Gardiner is also an effective ball magnet, so Sheridan may have to play a tagging role to keep her a bit quiet.

3:05pm
Norwood Oval

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Both of these teams come into today’s clash off the back off rare losses, to Brisbane and Melbourne respectively, so both will want to turn that around quickly and especially in North’s case maintain their place in the top four.

History

These two teams have played four times since the Roos came into the competition back in Season 4, with the Crows winning three of those four clashes.

Key Stat Areas

Both of these teams are more kickers than handballers, so how that collides will be interesting to see. Although Adelaide has the better hit outs figure for the year, North is the one that has been doing better in the clearances.

Key Match Up/s

Sarah Allan vs Tahlia Randall

Allan’s return to the Crows’ line up could not have come at a better time, as the Adelaide defence has to tackle a very tall North forward line today. Allan may find herself on Randall today, but as the Dees proved last week if she is kept quiet that can go a long way to the opposition getting the win.

Chelsea Randall vs Kate Shierlaw

Shierlaw is another cog in that strong tall North forward line, but as the more mobile of the options she might find herself having to contend with the as dangerous Crows skipper.

Danielle Ponter vs Erika O’Shea

Up the other end, and the danger factor Ponter provides to Adelaide’s forward line is much talked about. Luckily for the Roos they have O’Shea, who can match it with Ponter for both speed and agility.

5:05pm
Kinetic Stadium

Recent Form

The Hawks will certainly have felt frustrated they could not get over the line against Richmond last week and will be looking to bounce back this week. Port Adelaide meanwhile is coming off an equally frustrating draw to the Suns last week so will be looking to build on that.

History

These two did meet during their inaugural campaigns last year, with the Hawks coming away with a 13-point win back in Round 7.

Key Stat Areas

Both of these teams are more kickers of the ball than handballers, so how that collides will be interesting to see. Hawthorn has had more inside 50s than Port this season, but Port’s inside 50 efficiency has been significantly better.

Key Match Up/s

Lucy Wales vs Matilda Scholz

As they say it all starts in the middle, and this ruck clash is sure to be an interesting one. Two of the best young rucks of the competition having pretty solid seasons, but also match up on each other pretty well.

Mackenzie Eardley vs Ashleigh Saint

Saint’s value to the Port forward line is much talked about, so Eardley or whoever else ends up on her is going to have a big job. They are also going to have to make sure they play in front and no where Saint is at all times on-field to make sure she has not sped off to influence the play up the ground.

Emily Bates vs Erin Phillips

Two of the best midfielders of the competition, and two of the most crucial members of their respective teams. Both playing in different colours to the last time they faced each other, they are sure to provide an entertaining battle today.