IT is now or never for a number of teams who sit on a knifes-edge when it comes to their finals aspirations. While some sides will finish the round undefeated with three wins, other teams will head into Monday doing the maths as to how many wins they need to make finals. With many teams at 1-1, this is the earliest junction in the season where sides can make a getaway from the sides around them, or fall back and have to play catch-up football in the run home.<\/p>\n
St Kilda v. Melbourne at RSEA Park, 7:10pm, AEDT<\/strong><\/p>\n Taylah Melki<\/em><\/p>\n With St Kilda still looking for their first win in AFLW history, Melbourne will be hoping to keep the good times rolling and make it three from three. it has been a tricky initiation for the Saints who have been competitive for large chunks of time but lack that little bit of finesse and experience in the crucial moments as opposed to the Demons. Melbourne have been in hot form downing premiership favourites North Melbourne in Round 1 and dismissing the Dogs by 20 points last round proving just how damaging they can be when on song.<\/p>\n It is hard to deny that Melbourne look like a much better side with Daisy Pearce<\/strong> back in the mix. The skilful footballer can extract the footy out of congestion and use the ball efficiently by hand or foot adding that touch of class to an already strong side. Teammates, Karen Paxman<\/strong> and Elise O\u2019Dea<\/strong> provide an experienced head across the field something they will be hoping to use against a relatively young and inexperienced Saints side. Libby Birch<\/strong> is a ball magnet and will be hoping to once again have a profound impact across the ground with her silky skills. In their second year of AFLW youngsters Tyla Hanks<\/strong> and Shelley Heath<\/strong> have been building into some hot form with their tackling pressure the key aspect of their game play.<\/p>\n Despite taking it to the Crows last round, St Kilda let it slip when it counted and will be hoping for a more rounded four quarter performance against some tough opposition. The Saints have plenty of young talent with Rising Star nominee Georgia Patrikios<\/strong> leading the pack with her cleanliness below her knees, quick hands and spatial awareness. Patrikios has made a seamless transition into AFLW with fellow draftee Tarni White<\/strong> also making a splash with an impressive 18 disposals last round while Molly McDonald<\/strong> and Nicola Xenos<\/strong> will be hoping to leave a lasting imprint this round. Expect the young guns to look to the likes of Tilly Lucas-Rodd<\/strong>, Jessica Sedunary<\/strong> and Rhiannon Watt<\/strong> to lead the way and provide some guidance given their experience and high footy nous.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Melbourne by 22 points.<\/p>\n ST KILDA<\/strong><\/p>\n B:<\/strong>\u00a0T.White 29 T.Luke 22 Emerg:<\/strong>\u00a0S.Johnson 6 P.Kelly 16<\/p>\n In:<\/strong>\u00a0T.Luke, I.Shannon MELBOURNE<\/strong><\/p>\n B:<\/strong>\u00a0L.Birch 9 M.Downie 2 Emerg:<\/strong>\u00a0B.Tarrant 20 K.Petrevski 31<\/p>\n In:<\/strong>\u00a0M.Guerin —<\/p>\n Western Bulldogs v. Carlton at Whitten Oval, 3:10pm, AEDT<\/strong><\/p>\n Taylah Melki<\/em><\/p>\n The Western Bulldogs will be hoping to take advantage of their home ground and inflict pain on the Blues who were well and truly shocked last round by Collingwood. The Dogs have had an up and down start to the 2020 season getting an easy win in the opening round and then well held in Round 2 much like their opposition making for an interesting battle on Saturday. Both sides will be vying for their second win and given it is a short season a win here means everything. But after a seething comment last round expect the Blues to come out firing on all cylinders.<\/p>\n After a relatively disappointing outing the Dogs will be hoping to right their wrongs and get back on the winners list. Once again Bonnie Toogood<\/strong> provided the pressure up forward and will have to keep that going if they are to topple the Blues. The likes of Aisling McCarthy<\/strong> and Naomi Ferres<\/strong> have stepped up to the plate with their ball winning ability on full display while the likes of best and fairest winner Ellie Blackburn is in ripping form. Blackburn is a machine in the midfield able to dig deep and provide a constant threat. Both Elisabeth Georgostathis<\/strong> and Gemma Lagioia<\/strong> still have plenty to develop but have shown promising signs with their physical pressure and ability to hunt the footy.<\/p>\n Carlton have a plethora of stars across the ground, none bigger than ball magnet and bull Maddy Prespakis<\/strong> with the 20-year-old not afraid to burrow in. She struggled at times throughout Round 2 given the heavy tag but has shown that she has the class, strength and smarts to think her way through challenges pairing with the likes of fellow youngster Grace Egan<\/strong>. The two proved to be a dominant force last round and will be seeking to replicate their form again this round. After an early goal Tayla Harris<\/strong> faded out of the game against Collingwood something that she won\u2019t let happen twice with the talented footballer able to pluck balls from the sky and kick truly. Another one in the forward brigade that will be seeking retribution is Darcy Vescio<\/strong> who failed to find the big sticks but has shown that she is a force to be reckoned with her goal sense and forward pressure.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Carlton by 14.<\/p>\n WESTERN BULLDOGS<\/strong><\/p>\n B:<\/strong>\u00a0A.Gogos 36 L.Spark 11 Emerg:<\/strong>\u00a0N.Callinan 10 H.Munyard 20<\/p>\n In:<\/strong>\u00a0I.Huntington, B.Lochland CARLTON<\/strong><\/p>\n B:<\/strong>\u00a0G.Pound 6 C.Wilson 20 Emerg:<\/strong>\u00a0B.Vernon 31 C.Jones 22<\/p>\n In:<\/strong>\u00a0J.Edwards —<\/p>\n Gold Coast v Brisbane, Metricon Stadium, 4.10pm AEST<\/strong><\/p>\n Tom Cheesman<\/em><\/p>\n The first ever AFLW Q Clash will be played on Saturday in the Sunshine State, as expansion side Gold Coast look to topple their undefeated Conference A rival Brisbane. The Lions are sitting pretty on top of the table thanks to a dominant round one victory over Adelaide and a come-from-behind win on the road against Geelong. Meanwhile, the Suns evened their ledger at 1-1 last weekend with an 11-point victory over fellow newcomers Richmond. Both sides have strong percentages to work with and are building momentum heading into round three, so this contest should be a belter.<\/p>\n Ex-North Melbourne and Brisbane midfielder Jamie Stanton<\/strong> has been Gold Coast\u2019s most reliable player through the opening two rounds, rated best for the SUNS by Draft Central<\/em> in both matches. She averages 18 disposals, four tackles and two marks so far this season. Leah Kaslar<\/strong> was great last week with 15 disposals and four tackles, while Kate Surman<\/strong> is proving to be an excitement machine for the Suns up forward. Northern Territory recruit Tayla Thorn<\/strong> will look to make an impact in defence for the hosts in what will be her first match of the season.<\/p>\n Brisbane NAB rising star nominee Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw<\/strong> plans on replicating last week\u2019s entertaining three-goal performance. She trails Fremantle\u2019s Sabreena Duffy<\/strong> by one in the race for the AFLW Leading Goalkicker award and would love to take the lead through a dominant performance against the Suns. Lion midfielders Emily Bates<\/strong> and Ally Anderson<\/strong> led from the front in Geelong with 38 disposals between them, while Lily Postlethwaite<\/strong> is showing plenty of physicality early in her debut season. She has amassed 11 tackles over the first two rounds and with a physical clash set to take place on Saturday, this number should continue to rise.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Brisbane by 9.<\/p>\n GOLD COAST<\/strong><\/p>\n B:<\/strong>\u00a0J.Pregelj 42 J.Hickey 4 Emerg:<\/strong>\u00a0S.Riley 8 A.Hamilton 30<\/p>\n In:<\/strong>\u00a0T.Thorn BRISBANE<\/strong><\/p>\n B:<\/strong>\u00a0C.Svarc 25 S.Webb 4 Emerg:<\/strong>\u00a0J.Ellenger 5 J.Zanchetta 2<\/p>\n In:<\/strong>\u00a0None —<\/p>\n Fremantle v. Collingwood at Fremantle Oval, 7:10pm<\/strong><\/p>\n Taylah Melki<\/em><\/p>\n The top of the table clash will bring plenty of excitement with both sides undefeated and looking to make it three straight wins. It is fair to say that both the Dockers and Collingwood have shocked the competition with just how well they are going with Fremantle romping it home last round against cross-town rivals. Collingwood have found a new lease on life with their running style of play paying dividends and often giving them first purchase on the footy whereas the Dockers have a more attacking style.<\/p>\n Scoring has proven no issue for the Dockers posting some hefty totals already this season with the likes of leading goal kicker Sabreena Duffy<\/strong> doing a wealth of damage on the scoreboard. Both Kara Antonio<\/strong> and Ebony Antonio<\/strong> have proven to be a deadly duo with their tackling pressure and intensity a constant feature of their game. Roxy Roux<\/strong> bounded into Rising Star contention last week with a couple of impressive grabs and two goals to her name an effort she will want to repeat again this week while Mim Strom<\/strong> is continuing to ply her trade. Kiara Bowers<\/strong> had a best on field performance last week getting her hands to ball with ease and disposing of it cleanly with teammates Evangeline Gooch<\/strong> and Katie-Jayne Greive<\/strong> others who can inflict pain on the Pies if left unattended.<\/p>\n The return of Magpies star Chloe Molloy<\/strong> has been everything the club could have asked for with her running ability, hard edge and cleanliness along with her versatility a key aspect to the line-up. Molloy is a real excitement machine while livewire Jaimee Lambert<\/strong> has gone from strength to strength already and it is only entering Round 3. The potential return of the injured Bri Davey<\/strong> could further bolster Collingwood\u2019s midfield stocks making them an ominous threat for the Dockers. Defensively the Pies have stood up to the task with damaging duo Stacey Livingstone<\/strong> and Ash Brazill<\/strong> acting as a wall down back and propelling anything that comes their way while in the ruck Sharni Layton<\/strong> has taken her craft to a whole other level. Brittany Bonnici<\/strong> and Mikayla Cann<\/strong> have been in ripping form for the black and white army and will be hoping to front up once again to get their side over the line.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Fremantle by 10.<\/p>\n FREMANTLE<\/strong><\/p>\n B:<\/strong>\u00a0J.Cuthbertson 29 E.Gooch 8 Emerg:<\/strong>\u00a0E.O’Driscoll 3 M.Clifford 4<\/p>\n In:<\/strong>\u00a0None COLLINGWOOD<\/strong><\/p>\n B:<\/strong>\u00a0A.Porter 9 S.Livingstone 12 Emerg:<\/strong>\u00a0M.Shevlin 35 E.O’Dea 50<\/p>\n In:<\/strong>\u00a0R.Schleicher, B.Davey, K.Stratton —<\/p>\n Greater Western Sydney v West Coast, Blacktown International Stadium, 1.10pm AEDT<\/strong><\/p>\n Peter Williams<\/em><\/p>\n Kicking off proceedings on Sunday, one of the expansion clubs makes its longest trip yet when West Coast crosses the country to face GWS GIANTS at Blacktown. The Eagles have shown signs in their opening two games, but have ultimately been overwhelmed, while the GIANTS survived an almighty scare in Round 1 to just get the points against Gold Coast, before going down to North Melbourne last week. It was lucky the GIANTS did get the win against the SUNS, or they could be all but out of the finals race if they dropped this match as well. As it stands, that is the predicament facing West Coast, with realistically three losses the maximum a team could have and still make finals, though not many would expect West Coast to make the post-season series in its first season. The GIANTS on the otherhand are desperate to get there having not yet tasted finals action in three seasons.<\/p>\n The GIANTS have a consistent list across the board with a lot of underrated stars. Alicia Eva<\/strong> and Alyce Parker<\/strong> are a damaging duo in the competition, with Parker one of the top few talents in her second year. She has worked well winning the hard ball out of the middle and using her skills, while Eva’s evasion and speed make her a damaging prospect out of congestion or in space on a wing. The GIANTS have an experienced defence that just nullifies opposition forwards, with Tanya Hetherington<\/strong> and Pepa Randall<\/strong> back on the last line, and Jess Dal Pos<\/strong> providing the touch of class off half-back. Up forward, Cora Staunton<\/strong> is always a player you have to watch out for as an opposition defender, while Rebecca Privitelli<\/strong> is enjoying career-best form. Also in good form is ex-Crow Jess Allen<\/strong>, who becomes even more crucial in this clash in the absence of All-Australian ruck Erin McKinnon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Parris Laurie<\/strong> will look to continue her great form through the middle as the leading tap ruck, amassing more than 20 hitouts a game so far. She has a very strong midfield at her feet, with Dana Hooker<\/strong> a top five player in the league, and captain Emma Swanson a real talent with ball-in-hand. Imahra Cameron<\/strong> has genuinely lit up moments in games with her breakaway speed and has been a huge inclusion into the side as a mature-age recruit. Mikayla Bowen<\/strong> provides the toughness around the contest, and McKenzie Dowrick<\/strong> adds the class and skill playing off half-back. While the Eagles forward line is still learning to function as a unit, former Dockers, Kellie Gibson<\/strong> and Ashlee Atkins<\/strong> make a damaging duo, and once the midfield and forward lines can link-up regularly, they will be a strong force.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> GWS by 20.<\/p>\n GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY<\/strong><\/p>\n B:<\/strong>\u00a0P.Randall 21 T.Hetherington 9 In:<\/strong>\u00a0J.Barclay, T.Mackrill, S.Halvorsen WEST COAST<\/strong><\/p>\n B:<\/strong>\u00a0C.Perera 27 T.Radan 26
\nHB:<\/strong>\u00a0H.Priest 14 A.Brown 2 T.Lucas-Rodd 18
\nC:<\/strong>\u00a0N.Exon 15 J.Sedunary 10 M.McDonald 1
\nHF:<\/strong>\u00a0C.Munn 13 K.McCarthy 9 C.Greiser 17
\nF:<\/strong>\u00a0K.Shierlaw 12 G.Patrikios 21
\nFoll:<\/strong>\u00a0R.Watt – C 7 O.Vesely 23 C.Phillips 35
\nI\/C:<\/strong>\u00a0D.Guttridge 5 R.Dillon 25 A.Drennan 8 N.Xenos 27 I.Shannon 11<\/p>\n
\nOut:<\/strong>\u00a0C.Fitzpatrick (concussion), C.Whitfort<\/p>\n
\nHB:<\/strong>\u00a0S.Lampard 8 S.Goldrick 23 D.Pearce – C 6
\nC:<\/strong>\u00a0S.Heath 30 T.Hanks 28 C.Emonson 11
\nHF:<\/strong>\u00a0K.Hore 10 E.Zanker 29 S.Scott 12
\nF:<\/strong>\u00a0T.Cunningham 1 A.Newman 16
\nFoll:<\/strong>\u00a0H.Cordner 21 K.Paxman 4 M.Gay 3
\nI\/C:<\/strong>\u00a0G.Colvin 32 C.Sherriff 18 N.McEvoy 17 M.Guerin 22 E.O’Dea 5<\/p>\n
\nOut:<\/strong>\u00a0A.Kemp (knee)<\/p>\nSaturday, February 22<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nHB:<\/strong>\u00a0K.Herron 31 E.Gamble 14 N.Ferres 16
\nC:<\/strong>\u00a0B.Hunt 21 K.Lamb 27 G.Lagioia 12
\nHF:<\/strong>\u00a0G.Newton 5 B.Toogood 8 K.McLeod 6
\nF:<\/strong>\u00a0E.Georgostathis 17 D.Berry 7
\nFoll:<\/strong>\u00a0K.Rennie 24 E.Blackburn – C 2 A.McCarthy 15
\nI\/C:<\/strong>\u00a0E.Brown 9 D.Marshall 26 I.Huntington 4 H.Scott 22 B.Lochland 1<\/p>\n
\nOut:<\/strong>\u00a0N.Callinan, A.Van Oosterwijck<\/p>\n
\nHB:<\/strong>\u00a0K.Harrington – C 9 V.Laloifi 8 N.Stevens 21
\nC:<\/strong>\u00a0C.Dalton 15 K.Loynes 2 S.Hosking 10
\nHF:<\/strong>\u00a0B.Walker 14 T.Harris 7 N.Plane 32
\nF:<\/strong>\u00a0A.Downie 30 D.Vescio 3
\nFoll:<\/strong>\u00a0B.Moody 16 G.Egan 1 M.Prespakis 4
\nI\/C:<\/strong>\u00a0J.Hosking 11 L.McEvoy 13 L.Brazzale 12 G.Gee 19 J.Edwards 25<\/p>\n
\nOut:<\/strong>\u00a0J.Doonan<\/p>\n
\nHB:<\/strong>\u00a0S.Virgo – C 22 L.Ahrens 7 S.Watson 14
\nC:<\/strong>\u00a0T.Ernst 19 H.Dunn 24 C.Hammond 29
\nHF:<\/strong>\u00a0B.Perry 16 L.Kaslar 11 K.Surman 26
\nF:<\/strong>\u00a0E.Hampson 21 K.Howarth 23
\nFoll:<\/strong>\u00a0L.Bella 2 J.Yorston 5 J.Stanton 17
\nI\/C:<\/strong>\u00a0J.Hewett 20 D.Heslop 25 P.Parker 1 M.Ritson 12 T.Thorn 15<\/p>\n
\nOut:<\/strong>\u00a0S.Riley<\/p>\n
\nHB:<\/strong>\u00a0R.Lugg 11 K.Lutkins 13 S.Campbell 20
\nC:<\/strong>\u00a0E.Zielke – C 8 B.Koenen 3 N.Grider 10
\nHF:<\/strong>\u00a0L.Arnell 16 J.Wardlaw 30 G.Bodey 15
\nF:<\/strong>\u00a0D.Davidson 14 S.Conway 12
\nFoll:<\/strong>\u00a0J.Keeffe 27 A.Anderson 18 E.Bates 1
\nI\/C:<\/strong>\u00a0I.Dawes 17 O.O’Dwyer 9 L.Postlethwaite 6 G.Collingwood 7 M.Moloney 28<\/p>\n
\nOut:<\/strong>\u00a0None<\/p>\n
\nHB:<\/strong>\u00a0A.Stannett 24 P.Seth 18 L.Mascall 14
\nC:<\/strong>\u00a0K.Grieve 13 H.Miller 19 B.Webb 26
\nHF:<\/strong>\u00a0E.Antonio 12 R.Roux 17 A.Sharp 1
\nF:<\/strong>\u00a0S.Duffy 6 G.Houghton 27
\nFoll:<\/strong>\u00a0M.Strom 21 K.Bowers 2 K.Antonio – C 15
\nI\/C:<\/strong>\u00a0K.Flood 44 J.Stewart 7 L.Pugh 32 L.Rohde 11 G.O’Sullivan 22<\/p>\n
\nOut:<\/strong>\u00a0None<\/p>\n
\nHB:<\/strong>\u00a0L.Butler 23 A.Brazill 10 C.Molloy 2
\nC:<\/strong>\u00a0S.Rowe 7 S.Casey 22 S.Chiocci – C 17
\nHF:<\/strong>\u00a0A.Sheridan 14 J.Lambert 13 B.Bonnici 8
\nF:<\/strong>\u00a0M.Cann 25 R.Schleicher 18
\nFoll:<\/strong>\u00a0S.Layton 1 E.Fowler 15 S.D’Arcy 4
\nI\/C:<\/strong>\u00a0S.Dargan 46 B.Davey 3 J.Allen 6 J.Membrey 21 K.Stratton 41<\/p>\n
\nOut:<\/strong>\u00a0E.O’Dea, S.Alexander, M.Shevlin<\/p>\nSunday, February 23<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nHB:<\/strong>\u00a0J.Dal Pos 7 E.Bennetts 22 A.Lister 14
\nC:<\/strong>\u00a0Y.Bonner 27 A.Eva – C 2 R.Beeson 6
\nHF:<\/strong>\u00a0A.Schmidt 11 C.Staunton 13 J.Hicks 5
\nF:<\/strong>\u00a0I.Nielsen 25 R.Privitelli 19
\nFoll:<\/strong>\u00a0J.Allan 39 B.Tully 36 A.Parker 3
\nI\/C:<\/strong>\u00a0N.Barr 8 L.Steane 20 J.Barclay 34 L.Stephenson 12 H.Zreika 24 T.Mackrill 32 S.Halvorsen 30<\/p>\n
\nOut:<\/strong>\u00a0E.McKinnon<\/p>\n
\nHB:<\/strong>\u00a0B.Smith 14 S.McDonald 35 M.Dowrick 5
\nC:<\/strong>\u00a0M.Bowen 1 I.Cameron 19 N.Kelly 12
\nHF:<\/strong>\u00a0A.Atkins 9 K.Gibson 2 M.Collier 8
\nF:<\/strong>\u00a0G.Kelly 15 T.Tester 23
\nFoll:<\/strong>\u00a0P.Laurie 25 D.Hooker 17 E.Swanson – C 13
\nI\/C:<\/strong>\u00a0B.Devlyn 7 C.Guard 4 H.Bullas 24 E.Bonser 6 K.Orme 32 C.Davidson 33 D.Pisconeri 11<\/p>\n