THE final weekend of the 2021/22 Women’s Premier 1sts season is coming up, and although two teams are already eliminated from the finals race, it is still shaping up to be an exciting round as the remaining six teams are all still in the hunt for the top four. We preview each matchup.

Plenty Valley vs Prahran
Yarrambat War Memorial Park

It’s the battle of the cellar dwellers, the battle of those eliminated from the finals race.

Whatever you want to call it, no matter what happens out at Yarrambat both the Bats and True Blues will end their seasons this weekend.

Prahran has found some form in the last few weeks, and will be looking to build that momentum into 2022/23.

As for Plenty Valley, the Bats showed some signs last week but overall have had a lacklustre season.

History says that it’s Prahran who go into the match as favourites, and recent form would suggest the same.

Melbourne vs Dandenong
Albert Ground

This one has more riding on it for the Panthers then it does the Dees.

Melbourne is on a two-match losing streak, but its place in the finals was secured weeks ago. The Dees will just be looking to snap said losing run and gain some form back before their finals run.

For Dandenong, on the other hand, the Panthers’ season may be on the line in this clash. Although they are in the top four at the moment, lose this one and results do not go their way and it is game over, see you next year.

Essendon Maribyrnong Park vs Box Hill
Aberfeldie Park

This matchup shapes up as the match of the round.

It is do or die for both teams, with the winner going on to play finals next week. It is as straightforward as that.

The Bombers currently sit in fourth a win ahead of the Mustangs, but with a rather lacking net run rate.

The Mustangs, on the other hand, are in fifth and must win to get into the top four. Their superior run rate means that if they win they will overtake the Bombers and jump into the top four.

Both teams have beaten the formidable Melbourne in the past fortnight, but the Bombers came crashing back down to earth against Dandenong last week.

Regardless, this should be an enthralling clash and one fans should definitely keep an eye on come Sunday.

Carlton vs Ringwood
Princes Park

This one certainly has more riding on it for the Rams then it does the Blues.

Carlton secured its place in the finals several weeks ago, so will be hoping to build on some momentum and form heading into the finals next weekend.

For Ringwood, on the other hand, this game will make or break its season. This is a must-win to make finals.

Like the Mustangs, Ringwood currently sits a game outside the top four, so a win is the only way to secure a finals berth.

The one thing that does help Ringwood’s cause is its superior run rate. It is currently significantly better then Dandenong’s, EMP’s and Box Hill’s, so if required, it certainly plays in the visitors’ favour.

But in saying that, it means nothing if they ultimately don’t beat Carlton on Sunday.