THERE is no second chance for the loser of the opening elimination final in the AFL Women’s today when Carlton looks to make it back-to-back wins against West Coast. While the Blues’ victory over the Eagles last week was in enemy territory, the Navy Blues return to their spiritual home to try and inflict further pain on the Eagles who enter their first ever finals series.

IN A NUTSHELL

Date: Saturday, November 8
Venue: Ikon Park
Time: 3:05pm AEDT
Result: Winner goes to away semi-final, loser is eliminated

SEASON DETAILS

LAST TIME THEY MET

2025 | Round 12 | West Coast 3.4 (22) def. by Carlton 6.6 (42)

After West Coast lead throughout the first half and had the game on even terms heading into the final quarter, the Blues put the foot down through the last term to boot four goals to one and run away with the 20-point victory to ensue a home elimination final. Ruck Breann Harrington (16 disposals, 21 hitouts) was huge, while skipper Abbie McKay (24 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances) lead from the front. Ella Roberts (27 disposals, eight tackles and four clearances) was enormous in defeat.

TEAM HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS

CHANGES

West Coast has gone a little quicker against the Blues with Jessica Rentsch making her return after missing last week due to suspension. She replaces ruck Elizabeth McGrath in the team, while the Blues have actually gone taller, recalling Mia Austin and Amelia Velardo for Siofra O’Connell and Lila Keck.

KEY PLAYERS

Carlton will set its sights on locking down Roberts who was sensational last week and can be the difference for the Eagles when she is on fire. The run and carry of Charlotte Thomas and Jaide Britton is so important for the Eagles, while first-year star Lucia Painter has slotted in seamlessly. Last week the Blues got on top in the ruck so the Eagles will look for more in that department with Sarah Lakay set to shoulder that load minus McGrath.

Harrington was enormous in the Round 12 victory, and in order to win, the Blues have to get first hands to it and bring it forward. McKay is the standout there and the Eagles might look to lock down on her around the clearances, while Dayna Finn and Mimi Hill are also crucial in that regard. The season of Erone Fitzpatrick has just been incredibly good, while the clash could see former South Australian teammates Charlotte Riggs and Poppy Scholz go head-to-head.

PREDICTION

Carlton has been really good at winning plenty of the ball on the outside this season and transitioning quickly forward. While the Blues had a mid-season slump, a big win over the Eagles last week will have given them confidence. At home you have to lean towards the Blues, but the Eagles have been very good at bouncing back this season, so you cannot write them off either. Expect a single-digit margin.