WEEK 9 of the AFLW season concludes today with three more matches, as one side puts their entire season on the line.

1:05pm AEDT
Mars Stadium

Recent form

After two losses in a row, the Bulldogs returned to the winners list last week and will be looking to make it two in a row today. The Saints meanwhile have had a rough month, and their season is really on the line.

Last time they met

The last time these two sides met was last season. That particular evening, the Bulldogs were leading midway through the second term but only kicked one more goal after that as the Saints took control of the game to go on and win by three goals.

Key stat areas

Although the Bulldogs have been doing better in the number of inside 50s recorded than the Saints have, the Saints have been significantly more efficient once inside 50 than the Bulldogs have.

Interestingly both of these sides have been doing much better in the contested possessions than in uncontested possessions, but both categories have not been a strength for either side this season.

Key match up/s

Jaimee Lambert is arguably the most crucial component to Euro-Yroke’s success, so to keep her quiet should be one of the Bulldog’s top priorities. The question is, will it be someone like Jessica Fitzgerald that goes to her, someone more like Deanna Berry or someone totally different?

3:05pm AEDT
Victoria Park

Recent form

It is safe to say 2024 has gone far from to plan for both of these sides. They have only won four matches between them for the season, with two of those wins coming in the last month of matches.

Last time they met

As two original clubs of the competition with a long-standing history, this matchup is a favourite of the fixturers. When these two met back in Round 7 last season, an early lack of scoring really hampered the Blues as Collingwood went on to win by just under three goals.

Key stat areas

Both inside 50s and inside 50 efficiency have been weaknesses for both of these sides this season, so today’s clash may not be a high scoring one.

Looking at clearances, Collingwood is the stronger side in the centre clearances, but when it comes to stoppage clearances, Carlton is very much the better team.

Key match up/s

Sarah Rowe showed last week how dangerous she can be if she is given enough space, and it will not be a surprise if she is heavily used in the transition from defence to attack. The question is, can Mia Austin or Keeley Skepper nullify her impact?

4:05pm local time (5:05pm AEDT)
Brighton Homes Arena

Recent form

The recent form of these two sides could not be more different. Brisbane suffered only its second loss of 2024 last week against Geelong, while Sydney has only picked up the two wins for the entire season.

Last time they met

These two have only met once prior. A four goals to none first quarter in favour of the Lions really set the tone for the rest of the match, and the Lions went on to win by 55 points.

Key stat areas

Brisbane prefers to handball the ball more than kick it, whereas the Swans are more kickers than handballers.

One area that the Swans really need to be mindful of today is inside 50s and inside 50 efficiency, because not only are their own figures in both areas poor, but they are significantly lower than Brisbane’s.

Key match up/s

It is going to be the battle of the key forwards today. Taylor Smith and Rebecca Privitelli are both massively important in the success of how successful their side is, so Shannon Campbell and Alice Mitchell are going to have to really play well to try and stop them.