WITH just two weeks remaining in the home and away season, the Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s ladder is really beginning to take shape. Following its huge win over Collingwood last week, the NT Thunder now sits in top spot (44 points) with just one game remaining on their schedule. Collingwood (42 points) and Hawthorn (40 points) sit right behind the Thunder and will be hoping that their game in hand can catapult them into top spot once all is said and done. Geelong sits comfortably in fourth position for now but a slight slip-up could see Darebin seize the opportunity and move to within half a game of the coveted spot.

Collingwood vs Southern Saints

Saturday August 18, Ted Summerton Recreational Reserve, 2PM

The Magpies look to bounce back from their first loss of the season this past week as they host the Saints in an important contest. Collingwood has made several changes, with the most important being the return of superstar, Chloe Molloy, who returns to the line-up after two weeks on the sidelines. AFLW captain, Steph Chiocci will miss the game after having played herself into some nice form following a return from injury. Despite the loss last week, Sophie Alexander was particularly impressive with 23 disposals as she continues to be a key part of the Magpies’ premiership quest. The Saints put together a very strong game against the Falcons last week, battling right to the end against an in-form Darebin side before losing by just four points. The duo of Eleanor Brown and Alison Drennan were superb and did everything they could to drag their side over the line. Finals are now officially out of the question for the Saints, however there is plenty to play for in order to build moving forward as well as individual success, with Tara Bohanna currently in the top five goal scorers of the competition.

Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne University

Saturday August 18, VU Whitten Oval, 2PM

After an incredible two month stretch where the Bulldogs won six games in a row, they have now dropped two consecutive games and as a result find themselves officially out of finals contention. Another poor performance last week saw them suffer one of the biggest losses of the season in a lifeless 55-point loss against the Hawks. The Bulldogs were simply dominated in every category with the Hawks having almost 100 more possessions and well over twice the amount of inside 50s. A rebound performance across the board is certainly needed in order for the Bulldogs to finish the season on a high. Melbourne University comes into the game in some good form of its own, following a 53-point smashing of Casey. The win continues what has been a good month of footy, having won two matches over that stretch after a poor start to the season. It was stars aplenty last week as Madison Prespakis put together another huge game with 28 possessions in a best on ground performance. The forwards also dominated with Sophie Abbatangelo and Caitlin Greiser each kicking two goals.

Essendon vs Williamstown

Saturday August 18, Windy Hill, 3PM

The Bombers host Williamstown in their first of two home games at Windy Hill to close out the season. Currently sitting in last place with just one win to date, the Bombers have two winnable games in the next two weeks to close their inaugural season on a high and move up the ladder. Hayley Bullas continues to be a shining light for the side, with an astounding 17 tackles last week to go along with 20 possessions in one of the best individual performances of the season. Jessica Trend has also put together a nice stretch of form and will be key for the Dons in the final two games of the season. The Seagulls come off an unbelievable comeback win against Richmond which saw them register just their second victory of the season. Down by as many as 20 points midway through the third quarter, Williamstown battled all the way back to steal a one-point victory. The second half performance should instill confidence into the side as it has a big opportunity to close the season out well. After weeks of reliance on Jess Duffin and Jenna Bruton, the role players for the Seagulls really stepped it up last week, particularly Jasmine Garner who was damaging with two goals and 21 possessions.

NT Thunder vs Hawthorn

Saturday August 18, TIO Stadium, 4PM

The Thunder recorded their sixth consecutive victory last week with a massive win over the previously undefeated Collingwood, which saw them move into first place with just two rounds remaining. The Thunder have the bye this week so this will be their home and away season finale and can also lock up a top two finish with a win. Angela Foley took the game away from Collingwood last week with 29 possessions and two goals and was complemented by Ebony Marinoff (28 possessions) and Jenna McCormick (31 possessions) also putting together strong games. For the Hawks, this game is critical in order for their top two push and a home final. A win pushes them into a tie with the Thunder, with an opportunity to surpass them in the final round into either first or second. A loss on the other hand could be very damaging, as they face Geelong in the final round and become in danger of falling to fourth come the end of the season. Sarah Perkins has been in terrific form recently, including her three-goal haul against the Bulldogs last week. She will be key in going toe-to-toe against the prolific offence of the Thunder down the other end. Another marquee game late in the season, which will shape the entire season once again.

Darebin vs Carlton

Sunday August 19, Bill Lawry Oval, 12PM

Darebin looks to keep its slim finals hopes alive when it takes on Carlton at home. Having won their last three games, the Falcons have put themselves in a position to contend for the final spot in the top four. Hannah Mouncey put together her best performance in some time, kicking two goals to go along with 16 possessions, however she will miss the game in what could be a costly out. Elise O’Dea does return to the line-up and should boost their midfield. Lauren Pearce also continues to be dominant in the ruck, winning plenty of centre clearances for the Falcons midfielders as well as getting plenty of the ball herself, tallying 21 possessions last week. Carlton come in fresh off the bye and is looking to continue its strong end to the season. The Blues sit in ninth position with just four wins thus far. However, the Blues have played some good footy over the past month, although results may not show it. Darcy Vescio has the opportunity to win the goal kicking title this week, currently sitting on 16 goals, needing three to surpass leader, Mouncey.

Casey vs Geelong

Sunday August 19, Casey Fields, 1PM

Round 15 comes to an end when Casey hosts Geelong. The Demons will not take part in September action, however a win over Geelong could be potentially damaging to the Cats’ hopes of playing finals. The home side will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance against Melbourne Uni, losing by 53 points in a game they were favoured to win. Maddie Shevlin was a shining light for the Demons with 22 possessions and the team’s only goal. AFLW star, Bianca Jakobsson was also impressive. The Cats can secure their spot in the top four with a victory and potentially move up towards a top two finish if they win their final two games, given the tough competition the teams above them face. Geelong has made a habit of beating up on lower teams and Sunday should present them with another opportunity to do so. Danielle Orr and Mia-Rae Clifford were great last week with two goals each. Richelle Cranston was her usual self with 24 possessions as she continues to build on what has been an impressive season.