AMONG today’s AFLW matches is a preliminary final rematch and a first time meeting between a pair of sides.
- Team
Geelong
Brisbane
1:05pm AEDT
GMHBA Stadium
Recent form
Not much has gone right for Geelong this season, which was sort of encapsulated in its loss to Richmond last week. Brisbane meanwhile is again flying, and will be looking for an eighth win in a row today.
Last time they met
The last time these two met was actually in the preliminary final last season. That particular evening, Geelong had a late surge and almost snatched the game, but ultimately Brisbane proved too strong and moved on to the Grand Final.
Key stat areas
One area Geelong needs to be really mindful of today is its efficiency inside 50, because not only is it significantly poorer than Brisbane’s, but it is what cost them the game last week. Another key area with a significant disparity is tackles, and with Brisbane’s significant advantage in both the contested and uncontested possessions count, this could spell trouble for Geelong today.
Key match up/s
Taylor Smith is in incredible form this season, and will be an important part of Brisbane’s forward line again today. Geelong skipper Meghan McDonald is going to have a big job today trying to curb her influence.
- Team
Essendon
North Melbourne
3:05pm AEDT
Windy Hill
Recent form
Essendon has found quite a bit of form recently and would love its winning run to continue. North Melbourne however is still flying, and has not lost a game outright all season.
Last time they met
These two sides have never clashed before in the AFL Women’s, so some history will be made tonight no matter what the result is at the final siren.
Key stat areas
Although North has the better overall clearance figures, when you break it down Essendon is the better centre clearance team, while North is better than Essendon when it comes to stoppage clearances.
Although both sides are pretty even when it comes to uncontested possessions, North is far more dominant than Essendon when it comes to contested possessions.
Key match up/s
This clash sees a midfield battle that is sure to delight fans and neutrals alike. Ash Riddell and Madison Prespakis are two of the best in the competition, and are not going to rest until their side is successful, so will provide an entertaining battle.
- Team
Collingwood
Adelaide
5:05pm AEDT
Victoria Park
Recent form
These two sides could not be having more different seasons. Collingwood only has one win to-date and continue to battle injuries, while Adelaide will be looking to stay on the winners list after an unusually up and down month.
Last time they met
As two original teams of the competition, there is certainly plenty of history between these sides. When these two last met, which was interestingly two seasons ago, Adelaide was far too strong in what was atrocious weather conditions.
Key stat areas
Both of these sides prefer to handball the ball more than kick it, so it will be interesting to see how that collides today.
Adelaide has been significantly better than Collingwood this season in a number of key areas, which Collingwood will need to be wary of today. This includes clearances, disposal efficiency and inside 50 efficiency.
Key match up/s
Brianna Davey’s injury could not be worse timed, as Collingwood now needs to find someone to step up and not only help Brittany Bonnici, but contain Adelaide’s star midfield that includes Anne Hatchard and Ebony Marinoff.