THE chaos of condensed AFL Women’s footy really ramps up today with a trio of matches across as many states.

12:05pm
People First Stadium

Recent form

Both sides will not be happy with how their respective seasons have started, and are both still looking for their first wins of 2024.

Last time they met

It has been a little while since these two sides have met, with the two having not faced off since Season 6. That particular evening, Gold Coast emerged victorious after coming from behind and surviving a fourth quarter Cats comeback.

Key stat areas

Gold Coast has been getting more of the ball this season than Geelong has, but Geelong has been much more prolific with its tackling, so the Cats have to find a way to get first to the ball and flip that script.

Gold Coast has also been doing better in just about every other key stat, so Geelong certainly has plenty to think about heading into today’s clash.

Key match up/s

It is much publicised how dangerous and crucial Jamie Stanton is to Gold Coast’s forward momentum, but she is not going to have it all her own way today, with the spoiling power of Rebecca Webster or Rachel Kearns her likely opponent.

2:05pm
RSEA Park

Recent form

These two have been two of the most in form sides of the competition to start 2024, with St Kilda still undefeated and Hawthorn only recording the one loss so far this season.

Last time they met

Last time these two sides met was actually last season. That particular day, the Saints led almost all day and survived a hard fourth quarter Hawthorn fightback to take the win.

Key stat areas

When looking specifically at St Kilda’s start to the year, it is interesting to note that they are minus-18 inside 50s, but plus-75.8 when it comes to inside 50 efficiency. This compares to Hawthorns figures of plus-19 and plus-27.7 respectively.

Another interesting thing to note between the pair is that Hawthorn has been doing better in the hitouts, but St Kilda has better clearance numbers, although both sides will probably want to lift their clearance numbers.

Key match up/s

Serene Watson is someone who has really improved for St Kilda this season, and has made her spot in defence her own. She will have a big assignment today though, with her likely opponent lively Hawks’ forward Aine McDonagh, who is actually Hawthorn’s leading goal kicker to start 2024.

2:05pm
Fremantle Oval

Recent form

Fremantle has shown more positives than negatives so far this season to have a 2-1 win-loss ledger. Meanwhile the Dees have hit a concerning form slump after a gutsy first up win, so will be looking to play more like themselves today.

Last time they met

Last time these two met was in the penultimate round of last season. That particular afternoon, Melbourne kicked clear in the second and particularly the fourth terms to come away 33-point winners.

Key stat areas

There are a number of key areas Melbourne will be looking to lift in today to try and match it with Fremantle, including inside 50s, disposal efficiency and inside 50 efficiency. However, the Dees have been better markers both inside 50 and contested, so that is an area that Fremantle must keep an eye on.

Key match up/s

If Melbourne has any hope of getting the win today, they need to stop Aine Tighe. Just like Kate Shierlaw last week, if Tighe is given too much freedom it will spell trouble for the Dees.

Based on the set up of Fremantle’s forward line and Melbourne’s defence, the smart move would be to put Tahlia Gillard on Tighe, as she is the only one that can match her for height, so can spoil plenty of marking opportunities.