A MID-TABLE clash between fourth and fifth headlines the day with first and third – albeit both understrength – also going head-to-head. In the other contest, the reigning premiers and wooden spooners will meet for a second time this season, but expect it to be tighter than one would expect.

FORM

Subiaco is yet to taste defeat this season and is running hot en route to the finals, six points clear inside the top two. However next best is Swan Districts who will have to bounce back from a loss to the other unbeaten side in Claremont and starve off an in-form West Perth team hunting down third spot.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Unfortunately Subiaco will lose both of its National Academy members in Olivia Wolmarans and Olivia Crane this weekend, as well as experienced forward Aimee Schmidt. The Lions regain wing Hayley Corlett alongside Lauren Bilaloski and Karry Plummer to replace the trio.

Despite the ladder leaders having big outs, perhaps Swan Districts losses are even bigger for their side, losing their best two midfielders in Carys D’Addario (All Stars) and Jaime Henry (suspension) as well as co-captain Eliza Gelmi. They have named an extended bench at this stage which includes Tyla Fitzgerald, Adi Griffith and Kayla May.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Layla Quinn-Schofield has been contributing strongly for the Lions this season and could go head-to-head with fellow State Academy member Ava Stewart, while Sunni-Quay Peters has been named at half-back for Subiaco and has the potential of locking horns with Sienna Gerardi.

PREDICTION

If Swan Districts had not lost the trio of talents and particularly their two best midfielders, then Subiaco might be under threat of losing its first game given its outs. However the depth and strength of the Lions should really take control in that area and not give the Swans a look in so as to dominate forward half possession.

FORM

In a massive fourth-against-fifth clash, South Fremantle has had to try and overcome the loss of several players during the year and will need to win these mid-table games. A loss to East Fremantle last round stung for the Bulldogs’ finals aspirations, while West Perth made it four consecutive wins to turn a 1-3 season into a 5-3 one thus far. Victory here would place the Falcons two wins inside the top four.

TEAMS

CHANGES

South Fremantle has been forced to make multiple changes for its huge clash with West Perth, losing Renee Morgan to the All Stars match while also being without Tara Stribley. Coming into the side is much needed experience in the form of Lauren Vecchio, as well as Zoe Keley, Kyla Sanchez and debutant Sophie Rodger. For the Falcons, they will be without Jamarah Walley and Rikisha Nannup who broth represent the Girls Indigenous Academy on Monday in Melbourne. Paige Dodunski, Amy Fortescue and Elissa Price all come into the team.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Both sides are missing their best top-age AFLW Draft prospects, but the Bulldogs still have athletic forward Eva Flynn and skilful defender Marie Polimeno, while the Falcons’ ruck-rover combination of Cara Dziegielewski and Lexi Strachan is paying dividends.

PREDICTION

West Perth has been in better form of late and has really hit its straps. Given the winning streak the Falcons are on it is hard to see them slowing down yet. A homeground advantage to the Bulldogs certainly helps, but will need to lift to get the job done against the reigning preliminary finalists.

FORM

Peel Thunder are coming off a bye in Round 9 and will be refreshed to tackle the unbeaten Tigers. It will be quite the challenge given the Tigers proved too good last time these sides played. Peel has been competitive most of the year despite a 2-6 record, while Claremont will try and make up some percentage against the top of the table Lions.

TEAMS

CHANGES

Claremont will be without a quartet of experienced players for the big game with wing Kate Orme on coaching duties in Victoria, and the trio of Jessica Ritchie, Megan Green and Mackenzie Webb also out. To replace them, the Tigers have called upon young forward Hannah Seaborn, Laura Cinanni, Amy Evans and May Nicholson.

Peel Thunder has also wheeled out the changes with a massive five confirmed switches. These include Jade Hall, Jordain Thompson and Cerys Zurek coming in alongside debutants Mia Van Kleef and Lucy Kane. Zoe Bailey, Makinley Minchin and Tess Hall are among the outs.

AFLW DRAFT TALENT

Claremont’s top-age duo of Juliet Kelly and Ella Gilbey provide plenty of run to the Tigers and should impress, while Seaborn adds height and X-factor inside 50. For the Thunder, double bottom-age duo Charlie Fletcher and Tiama Collard are stars of the future.

PREDICTION

Despite the outs, Claremont deserve to be favourites and should still get the job done. Peel Thunder have the potential to make it tight given their competitiveness this season and the missing stars from the Tigers, but the home team should have enough class to take home the four points.