THE CHAOS of midweek AFLW action continues tonight with a pair of clashes on opposite sides of Melbourne.

5:15pm @ Kinetic Stadium

Recent form

Hawthorn is flying so far this season, and currently sits in fifth with only one loss to its name.

Unfortunately for Gold Coast, its season could not be going more differently, with one draw its only source of points so far this season.

Last time they met

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

Key stat areas

One area that Gold Coast will need to be mindful of tonight is its inside 50 efficiency, because not only is it poor but it is also significantly lower than Hawthorn’s.

Hawthorn has been doing better than Gold Coast in marks, which is important given the Hawks prefer to kick the ball more than handball it, but Gold Coast has been doing better than Hawthorn in the contested marks.

Interestingly, Hawthorn has recorded considerably more disposals than Gold Coast, but has also averaged many more tackles.

Key match up/s

Success for any team starts in the midfield, and Emily Bates and Charlie Rowbottom are going to be the focal points of that for their respective sides. Having played each other before when Bates was in different colours, this is sure to be an entertaining duel for fans and neutrals alike.

7:15pm @ Whitten Oval

Recent form

Essendon comes into this match off a massive high from last week’s big win, while Sydney will be looking to rectify last week’s loss to the Bulldogs which the Swans will feel is a massive opportunity gone begging.

Last time they met

These two did not actually meet last season, and have not met since Round 8 of Season 7.

That day the Swans got close to their first ever win in the AFL Women’s, but fell four points short despite kicking the last goal of the match, just running out of time to pull off a come from behind win.

Key stat areas

Neither of these teams has been particularly strong in the hitouts, but when it comes to clearances Essendon has the upper hand by a comfortable margin.

Speaking of clearances, although centre clearance numbers between the sides are dead even, Essendon really dominate in the stoppage clearances.

One area that the Swans will need to be mindful of tonight is its inside 50 efficiency, because not only is it poor but it is also significantly lower than Essendon’s. The Bombers’ figure is not strong either, but it is much better than Sydney’s.

Key match up/s

One thing last Friday’s match showed was how much Sydney miss Brenna Tarrant when she does not play. She is back in the side tonight, and will have a big job to do, shutting down the very dangerous Daria Bannister, who really showed last week how much of a threat she can be if given the opportunity to do so.