WEEK 2 of the 2024 AFLW competition concludes today with a monster offering of five games across three states. Today’s action should also give fans both aligned and neutral alike a good picture of how the season ahead may unpack.

1:05pm
Swinburne Centre

Recent form

These two could not have come into today’s clash off more different Round 1 results. Richmond was poor last week against West Coast, while GWS was impressive in its win over the Western Bulldogs.

Last time they met

Last time these two met was back early last season, and that day it was Richmond who emerged with a 19-point win. After a slow start from both sides, Richmond ultimately kicked away in the last term to take the win.

Key stat areas

One of GWS’ biggest strengths last week was their inside 50 efficiency, which was vastly better than Richmond’s despite both sides being plus-nine inside 50s.

However, one of Richmond’s strengths compared to GWS’ figures from last week is around the clearances, so that is certainly an area to watch too.

Key match up/s

Zarlie Goldsworthy is an absolute weapon for GWS, and will need to be contained if the Tigers have any hope of getting the win. The question is, do the Tigers put a midfielder like Ellie McKenzie on her, or more of a half-back like her former teammate Jodie Hicks?

1:05pm
Great Barrier Reef Arena

Recent form

Both of these sides are coming off week one losses, well accounted for by St Kilda and Hawthorn respectively, so will be keen to not make it two losses in a row today.

Last time they met

The last time these two sides met was Round 1 last season, and that particular match saw the Blues prevail in an absolute nail biter.

The Blues were leading comfortably at three quarter time but the Suns fought back hard in the last term but it was not enough as the Blues held on for a two point win.

Key stat areas

Gold Coast did better than Carlton did last week in centre clearances, but it was the other way around when it came to stoppage clearances, and by a significant margin too.

One area Gold Coast will need to watch is its inside 50 efficiency, which was much poorer than Carlton’s last week despite significantly more inside 50s.

Key match up/s

For a long time now, the key to Carlton’s forwardline success has been Darcy Vescio, and they are still a player you just cannot afford to let have any kind of space.

It may end up being a big day for Charlotte Wilson, who may be the one who has to step up and try and keep Vescio quiet.

3:05pm
Arden St

Recent form

These two come into today’s clash off totally different Round 1 results. The Kangaroos sent an ominoous message the competition with their win over Brisbane, while Geelong suffered a heartbreaking two-point loss to Melbourne.

Last time they met

The last time these sides met was last season, and that day it was the Roos who ultimately prevailed to the tune of nine points. Geelong was the better side early, before they just stopped scoring in the second half as the Roos ultimately ran over the top of them.

Key stat areas

One area that Geelong really needs to watch today is its inside 50 efficiency, which was significantly poorer than what North Melbourne produced last week.

Amazingly enough, despite North Melbourne’s dominance last week they were well beaten in the clearances, so that will be an area of focus for them today.

Key match up/s

Jenna Bruton’s return to the North Melbourne midfield alongside the likes of Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner just adds to Geelong’s headache, so Amy McDonald, Georgie Prespakis and Nina Morrison are going to have a big afternoon trying to keep them quiet.

3:05pm
RSEA Park

Recent form

Both of these sides are coming into today’s clash off the back of first up Round 1 wins, so will be wanting to keep that undefeated record intact this afternoon.

Last time they met

These two sides have only met once prior, back in Season 7. That day, St Kilda won by almost five goals after a particularly strong second term.

Key stat areas

St Kilda was roughly doubly as efficient inside 50 last week than Sydney was, so the Swans will be looking to improve that this week.

Interestingly, the Swans did better than St Kilda in the hit outs last week but St Kilda were better in the clearance, but both clubs will be wanting to do better in both categories today.

Key match up/s

Jesse Wardlaw is a massive weapon for St Kilda, and will have to be watched closely by Sydney’s defence. The question is though, what kind of defender goes to her? A Brenna Tarrant spoiler type or someone taller like Alice Mitchell?

5:05pm
Fremantle Oval

Recent form

Both of these sides are coming into today’s clash  off the back of first up Round 1 wins, so will be wanting to keep that undefeated record in tact this afternoon.

Last time they met

As two original sides of the competition there is certainly plenty of history between these sides, but surprisingly enough they have not played each other since Season 7. That particularly afternoon, Adelaide emerged victorious by three goals after coming from behind to kick away in the last term.

Key stat areas

Both these teams have an area that they will want to lift today to match what their opponent is capable of producing.

For Fremantle it is clearances (despite doing better than the Crows last week in hitouts), while for the Crows it is inside 50 efficiency.

Key match up/s

The midfield battle between these sides is going to be particularly entertaining.

Hayley Miller and last week’s club debutant sensation Aisling McCarthy up against Anne Hatchard and Ebony Marinoff is sure to produce a hard fought battle with very little let up.