THE top six of the AFL Women’s were decided yesterday with Collingwood securing is place in the finals, Melbourne locked up a top two spot, and a North Melbourne midfield gun smashed an all-time disposal record in the Roos’ win over West Coast. The Magpies and Dees officially put a close on their opponents – Richmond and Carlton respectively – seasons.

Collingwood ensured the story of its season had more chapters left to write, as the Magpies overcame an undermanned Richmond to book their place in the top six. Despite it being a close affair at times, Collingwood really kicked away in the end to take the win 6.11 (47) to 1.3 (9).

TALKING POINTS

Free flowing game early

Particularly early on, the match was very free flowing, with very few stoppages. In fact, there were only seven hitouts for the entire opening term, which is just an indicator of how free flowing that opening term really was.

Neither side making the most of their opportunities

Both sides had so many opportunities to put score on the board, but neither really capitalised on those opportunities. For the entire match, Collingwood had 40 inside 50s, but could only manage to put 6.11 on the board.

Meanwhile, Richmond had plenty of opportunities of its own. The Tigers had 21 inside 50s in the match for a return of only 1.3 (9).

Richmond really missing their big stars

Richmond was missing many of their big stars for the clash, which ultimately did hurt them and you could tell the Tigers were really missing them. Neither of the Hosking sisters played, as well as Katie Brennan and the much improved Tessa Lavey.

Jaimee Lambert is a warrior

Despite feeling the effects of a rib injury sustained last weekend in Adelaide, Jaimee Lambert just kept on playing with the pain and was determined to play her role for her side. She was an absolute machine out there against Richmond, finishing with 31 touches and being a real thorn in Richmond’s side all afternoon.

Collingwood will play finals

Although it took until Round 10, Collingwood still secured their place in the finals, and will play an elimination final next week. The Magpies do have a few injury concerns at the moment, but the main thing as things stand is that they are in the finals.

North Melbourne got one last win in this home and away season, and at this stage will be hosting an elimination final next week.

After two successive losses, the Roos got some momentum back ahead of finals, and defeated West Coast 9.5 (59) to 3.2 (20).

TALKING POINTS

Ash Riddell the record breaking machine

Ash Riddell‘s footballing ability is well known, but yesterday she took her game to another level. She racked up 42 disposals in her side’s win, which is a new competition record. Adelaide pair Ebony Marinoff and Anne Hatchard held the previous record of 35.

Come the finals time, she will certainly be one that opposition sides need to keep an eye on because although there are bigger names in that North midfield, she is arguably just as dangerous or even more so.

The stats tell a story of North’s dominance. Mostly

If you look at the stats, some of them do not paint the same picture of the match that the scoreboard does. North comfortably won the disposal count 308 to 197, but did not win all the stats.

North did comfortably win the inside 50 count and the marks inside 50 count, which shows how much time the ball spent in North’s forward half.

The Eagles did comfortably win the hitout count though 29 to 13, but the clearance count was pretty even at 23 to 20 in favour of North. This shows that the Eagles rucks were getting first tap, but just not connecting with their midfielders.

Emma King back up and firing

After suffering an ankle injury against Melbourne that also kept her out of last week’s match, Emma King was back up and firing this week. Despite not getting many touches, her impact was certainly felt on the scoreboard as she kicked two goals and worked with her fellow talls to set up the win.

North will host an Elimination Final next week – maybe

At this stage North Melbourne are in fourth position, which means they will host a final next weekend. Unfortunately for Roos fans this is not set in stone yet as they have to wait on the result of the Fremantle vs Gold Coast clash.

If Fremantle wins, it will come down to percentage as to who jumps into fourth spot and hosts that final next week.

A tough campaign comes to an end for the Eagles

This loss saw the end of what was a very tough campaign for the Eagles. They started the season on the road due to border closures, and a lot of uncertainty due to border rules meant this season was never going to be easy for the Eagles. They did have their moments this season but reset and try again for next season, whenever that may be.

In a nail-biting Saturday night clash out at Casey Fields, Melbourne prevailed over Carlton and booked its place in the top two and a right to a week off next week.

The Blues certainly made it hard for the Dees all night and they were made to work for the win right up until the final siren, but the Dees ultimately won 5.4 (34) to 5.3 (33).

TALKING POINTS

Tahlia Gillard is the Jill of all trades?

Originally a forward, Tahlia Gillard got retrained as a defender and up until this match had played all her AFLW games in defence. Against the Blues however, she played the second ruck role, proving herself an able assistant to Lauren Pearce in the ruck for the Dees.

Carlton played like they had nothing to lose – because they really did have nothing to lose

Carlton came out of the blocks and despite taking their time to put any the score on the board, the Blues were playing like a side that had nothing to lose, well because they really did have nothing to lose.

After having their faint finals hopes dashed hours earlier, Carlton came out with an intensity of a side that was not overawed by the opposition and was intent on leaving it all on the park.

Shelley Heath played out of her skin and proved that height is just a number

After getting the big job on Emma Kearney a few weeks ago, Shelley Heath again had a stellar night and really matched it against forwards much taller than her 160cm.

Some people are starting to raise the idea of her making the All-Australian team, and after her efforts in the last few weeks the selectors may just have to give her a look in.

Melbourne have booked a prelim spot – but still have plenty to work on

This win saw Melbourne book a top two spot for the first time in their history and so are in to a Preliminary Final and have a week off. But despite all these positives, last night showed they still have plenty to work on.

Carlton’s intensity around the ball made Melbourne’s hand and foot skills less than impressive, and some of their decision making was questionable. Luckily for Melbourne fans they have got a few weeks to improve how they perform under finals like pressure.

Carlton gave a performance to be proud of and something to build on for next season

Despite it being their last game of the season, Carlton fans should be proud of how their team performed and took it up to one of the best sides in the competition.

That was certainly a performance that Carlton can look to build on into next season, and after a frustrating season six of AFLW they can start season seven on the right foot.