THIS weekend’s unique VFLW round structure continues today, with only one match on the cards.

Darebin vs Western Bulldogs

12:05pm

Genis Steel Oval, Preston

HEAD TO HEAD

Today’s clash will be the seventh meeting between the sides.

Unfortunately for Falcons fans, the ledger is firmly in the Bulldogs’ favour, with today’s visitors having won five of those previous clashes.

However, one thing in the Falcons’ favour is that these two sides have never met at Genis Steel Oval before, which could play into the Falcons’ hands as they know how to play the ground well.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Today’s clash will also be the first time these sides have met this season, but with very new looking lineups today compared to back then, perhaps only little can be learnt from that game.

Last time these sides met was Round 9 last season, and that afternoon the Bulldogs emerged victorious by 34 points. The Bulldogs skipped ahead to a 23 point lead at quarter time, and did not look back.

KEY MATCH UP

CAITLIN BUNKER VS DOM CARBONE

This should be one hell of an entertaining match up. Captain against captain, both the heart of their respective midfields, and neither will give up the ball without a big fight.

They are also both inside midfielders who love to get to the bottom of the pack and earn a clearance, so if one can keep the other quiet it could prove very pivotal.

RAMIFICATIONS

Despite being at very different ends of the ladder, this game is still an important one for both sides. If the Bulldogs emerge victorious, they will just about secure a spot in the finals for 2024, and make finals for the first time since 2019, which was also the year they made the Grand Final.  

If Darebin win, that will jump them ahead of a number of teams and although finals is now out of the question, for a side at the spot Darebin is at, every win is super important even without the potential prize of finals.