JUST like that, we are already almost at the halfway mark of the 2023 VFL Women\u2019s season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This season has been far less predictable than recent seasons though, so there is still so much to play out over the next two months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In terms of this weekend\u2019s action, it all starts at Trevor Barker Oval nice and early tomorrow when the Saints host the Bulldogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Saints come into the clash off a big win, while the Bulldogs are coming in off quite the opposite result, so momentum and confidence is definitely with the home side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wind will play a factor in this one, but the Saints are not as strong in the wind as they should be, so the Bulldogs may be able to counter that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both teams have some big outs this week, with the Saints missing Tayla Kearns<\/a> <\/strong>and <\/strong>Kayla Ripari<\/a>, while <\/strong>Dominique Carruthers<\/a> <\/strong>and Kate McCarthy<\/a> are missing for the Bulldogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time across town, Collingwood and Darebin will be doing battle at Victoria Park. Both sides will not be happy with how their games went last week, so will be keen to turn things around tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Collingwood will be boosted by the return of skipper Caitlin Bunker<\/a>, but Nyakoat Dojiok<\/a> will be missing the clash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darebin on the other hand have three debutants but one huge out in Simone Ruedin<\/a>, who got suspended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The third of tomorrow\u2019s clashes is at Arden St Oval with North Melbourne and Geelong doing battle. Both teams had big wins last week and will be keen to maintain that momentum heading into this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n North Melbourne loses Ciara Fitzgerald<\/a> to injury but gain back Cassidy Mailer<\/a> for this clash, while Abbey McDonald<\/a> <\/strong>and <\/strong>Sarah Perrott<\/a> are both out with injury for the Cats but Ingrid Houtsma<\/a> will be making her club debut in their place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunday\u2019s action begins nice and early out at Wonthaggi when Box Hill and Casey travel out to Gippsland to take each other on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Hawks may lead the head to head ledger but that does not count for much when they have never battled at this ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Box Hill has again made a number of changes. Madeleine Boyd<\/a> and club debutant Hannah Fosbrooke<\/a> are among the inclusions, while Kristy Stratton<\/a> and Louise Stephenson<\/a> are among the outs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Casey on the other hand has made three changes, including bringing in club debutants Georgie Fowler<\/a> <\/strong>and <\/strong>Jemma Rigoni<\/a>, who is the daughter of former AFLM Dee Guy Rigoni<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The middle match of Sunday\u2019s action is at Williamstown where the Seagulls will be hosting the Bombers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite winning the last time they played at home the Seagulls will be looking for a much better performance this time around, but they have to do it against an Essendon side just hitting their stride this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bridie Kennedy<\/a> <\/strong>and <\/strong>Alana Sarec<\/a> are both back for Williamstown this week while Aliesha Newman<\/a> is out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile the Bombers have made quite a number of changes, including bringing in a number of AFLW stars, including Dani Marshall<\/a> <\/strong>and <\/strong>Sophie Van De Heuvel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final match of the weekend is out at ETU Stadium on Sunday evening, where Carlton will travel to take on Port Melbourne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Port Melbourne may lead the head to head in this match up, but last time these two sides met Carlton defeated Port for the first time, and with Carlton a much improved side this year, history may not mean much this weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Port Melbourne has brought back five players this week, including Issy Hartog<\/strong> and Chanelle Slater<\/a>, while Carlton has two club debutants among their four inclusions \u2013 Mia Austin<\/a> and Chloe Wrigley<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Southern Saints vs Western Bulldogs \u2013 Saturday at 11am \u2013 Trevor Barker Oval<\/p>\n\n\n\n Collingwood vs Darebin – Saturday at 11am \u2013 Victoria Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n North Melbourne vs Geelong \u2013 Saturday at 1pm \u2013 Arden St Oval<\/p>\n\n\n\n Box Hill vs Casey \u2013 Sunday at 11:30am \u2013 Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williamstown vs Essendon \u2013 Sunday at 2pm \u2013 DSV Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\n Port Melbourne vs Carlton \u2013 Sunday at 4:15pm \u2013 ETU Stadium<\/p>\n\n\n\nVFL Women\u2019s Round 6 Fixture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n