WEEK 3 of the AFL Women’s season concludes today with an intriguing quartet of matches that will perhaps shake up the ladder a bit heading into the midweek footy portion of the season.

1:05pm AEST (12:35pm local)
Thomas Farms Oval 

Recent form

Both of these sides come into today with an undefeated record so will be wanting to keep that record intact.

Last time they met

This is the first time these two sides have ever met, so history will be made no matter who wins this afternoon.

Key stat areas

Adelaide prefers to handball the ball more than kicking, while for Hawthorn it is the other way around.

Interestingly, Adelaide has recorded more inside 50s than Hawthorn, but the Hawks have been significantly more efficient inside 50. Also, Hawthorn has been doing better in the hitouts but Adelaide has been superior in the clearances.

Key match up/s

A lot of Adelaide’s most important players are in their midfield, and the Crows will be looking to the likes of Anne Hatchard and Ebony Marinoff to get them out of the middle quickly.

It is going to be a big day then for the likes of Emily Bates and Eliza West, who will be tasked with stopping the dynamic duo as quickly as possible.

1:05pm
Casey Fields

Recent form

Melbourne fell to a one and one ledger last week after a disappointing performance against Brisbane, while North Melbourne will be disappointed it let one slip away last week against Geelong, although it was a draw.

Last time they met

Last time these two sides met was the qualifying final in last year’s finals series, and the Dees will certainly be hoping history does not repeat itself today.

North Melbourne was far too strong on that day, keeping he Dees goalless for three quarters on the way to a 41 point win.

Key stat areas

Interestingly, Melbourne has recorded more inside 50s than North Melbourne, but the Kangaroos have been significantly more efficient inside 50 than today’s opponents.

Also interestingly enough, North Melbourne has been doing better in the hit outs but Melbourne has been doing better in the clearances.

But if we break down the clearances by type, Melbourne is the better of the pair when it comes to centre clearances, but North Melbourne is better at stoppage clearances so far this season.

Key match up/s

A lot of North Melbourne’s most important players are in their midfield, with the likes of Jasmine Garner and Ash Riddell well known for their clearance prowess.

The interesting thing will be if someone like Shelley Heath is given a tagging role on Garner, which she has successfully done in the past and has been a massive boost to Melbourne’s success when that strategy has been used.

3:05pm
Windy Hill

Recent form

Essendon got its first win of the year on the board last week after a win over West Coast, while St Kilda has been one of the most impressive sides of 2024 so far, and are one of only a few undefeated teams left heading into week three.

Last time they met

Last time these two sides met was almost exactly a year ago, in round two of last season. That particular day, it was Essendon who emerged victorious by two goals after leading all day despite neither side scoring in the final quarter.

Key stat areas

Essendon has collated more disposals than St Kilda, but the Saints have been much more efficient than the Bombers with ball in hand.

The Bombers have also been doing better in the hit outs but St Kilda has been doing better in the clearances.

But if we break down the clearances by type, Essendon is the better of the pair when it comes to centre clearances, but St Kilda is better at stoppage clearances so far this season.

Key match up/s

The battle in midfield between Madison Prespakis and Jaimee Lambert is sure to be a very entertaining one. Both are competitive beats and hardnuts at the ball, who will stop at nothing to achieve success for their respective teams.

5:05pm
Manuka Oval 

Recent form

GWS is one and one to start 2024 after things did not go to plan last week against Richmond, while Gold Coast is still looking for its first win of 2024.

Last time they met

Last time these two sides met was in the final weeks of the 2023 season, and that particular day the Suns were the ones who emerged victorious. Things were pretty even on the scoreboard early, the Suns ultimately kicked away in particularly the second half to take home the win.

Key stat areas

One area that Gold Coast needs to lift today is its inside 50 efficiency, because not only is it poor but it is significantly lower than GWS’.

Interestingly, but perhaps a sign of who they have played in the opening fortnight of the season, the Giants’ uncontested possession game has been significantly stronger than its contested possession game, even though their contested possession game is still stronger than Gold Coast’s has been this season.

Key match up/s

Gold Coast’s forwardline has built a reputation as being very dangerous if given the opportunity, so Tarni Evans, Katherine Smith and the rest of the GWS defence are going to have a busy day curtailing the influence of the likes of Jamie Stanton and Tara Bohanna.