AN INAUGURAL Dreamtime match in Darwin tonight is the culmination of a big day of AFL Women’s action.

2:05pm AEDT
Henson Park

Recent form

The season has not exactly gone to plan for GWS in 2024, and the Giants currently only have one win to their name. Walyalup meanwhile has had a pretty good year so far, but jumped back onto the winners list last week after a two match losing streak.

Last time they met

Despite both being original sides of the competition, it has been a few years since these two have met on the field. When they did last meet back in Season 6, it was a comfortable win to the Dockers after coming from behind at quarter time to kick away in the last three quarters.

Key stat areas

GWS is very much a handballing side, whereas Walyalup prefers to kick the ball more than handball it. GWS is drastically better in the uncontested possession over contested possessions, while the Dockers have been doing better in the contested possessions count.

The Dockers have recorded significantly more inside 50s than GWS, but GWS has been much more efficient whilst inside 50.

Key match up/s

Aisling McCarthy has been such a huge inclusion to Walyalup’s line up this season, and alongside the likes of Gabrielle Newton will sure give GWS plenty of things to think about. It means Rebecca Beeson and Alyce Parker are going to have a big job today.

3:05pm local time (4:05pm AEDT)
People First Stadium

Recent form

Gold Coast finally got itself on the winners list last week and will be looking to stay there for at least one more week. Yartapuulti meanwhile will be looking for a fifth win in a row today and take one step closer to booking a debut finals berth.

Last time they met

Last time these two sides met was late last season, and it came with a dramatic finish. The Power held the lead part way through the last quarter, but the Suns fought back to grab a draw from the clutches of defeat.

Key stat areas

Both sides have a significantly preferred method for moving the ball. For Gold Coast it is handballing, whilst for the Power it is kicking.

Gold Coast has recorded significantly more hit outs than Yartapuulti, but the Power has been doing much better in the clearances.

Key match up/s

When up and about, Ashleigh Saint and Gemma Houghton combine for a scary partnership in the Power forward line, so Charlotte Wilson, Clara Fitzpatrick and the rest of the Suns defence is going to have a big job today keeping them quiet.

3:05pm local time (6:05pm AEDT)
Mineral Resources Park

Recent form

Waaltij Marawar would love nothing more than to snap a three-match losing streak today, while the Cats would love to make its one match winning streak become two today.

Last time they met

It has been a little while since these two have clashed on the footy field, with Round  8 of season six being that last time. That particular afternoon, West Coast led early before Geelong retook control and the lead and never looked back, going on to win by nine points.

Key stat areas

Waaltij Marawar has recorded more marks than Geelong, but Geelong has been doing better than the Eagles when it comes to marks inside 50. Both of these sides prefer to kick the ball, but also interestingly neither of these sides are particularly strong tacklers.

Key match up/s

Amy McDonald is back in the Geelong line up today after missing a big chunk of the season from injury, and will provide a massive boost to Geelong’s midfield and is back to team up with and cause chaos with Georgie Prespakis.

They face an equally as talented West Coast midfield containing Ella Roberts and Isabella Lewis, who would love nothing more than to ensure those two have a quiet game.

6:45pm local time (8:15pm AEDT)
TIO Stadium

Recent form

Essendon was well outclassed by North Melbourne last week and will want to not make it two losses in a row today. Richmond meanwhile also broke a winning run last week and will want to get back on the winners list to stay in touch with the top four.

Last time they met

As the annual Dreamtime Game, these two sides have played every year since Essendon came into the competition two seasons ago. However, the head to head ledger sits at one all after Richmond narrowly won the first match before Essendon won last year’s clash.

Key stat areas

Both of these sides prefer to handball the ball instead of kick it, but also interestingly neither of these sides are particularly strong tacklers. Richmond has been doing better than Essendon in many key categories this season. This includes inside 50, inside 50 efficiency and clearances.

Key match up/s

It is the battle of the key forward captains today, with Bonnie Toogood and Katie Brennan both set to play crucial roles for their respective sides tonight. However, Brennan is under an injury concern ahead of the match, so Richmond will be hoping she can take the field tonight.