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2022 NAB AFLW Season 7
Waalitj Marawar v Western Bulldogs
Round 9 •
23 3.5
Full Time
55 8.7
Bulldogs Won By 32
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    Full R9 preview: The hottest rivalry in AFLW heats up, now or never for the Swans

    The AFLW's biggest rivalry enters another chapter with the Pies and Roos facing off with a top four spot on the line, while the stage is set for Sydney to snag its first AFLW win

    A BATTLE between rivals Collingwood and North Melbourne headlines the penultimate home and away round of season seven. Meanwhile the top two sides in Brisbane and Melbourne will be on the hunt to solidify their double chance with the home ground advantage.

    Sydney will no doubt be looking at its match against a depleted Fremantle as winnable, and Gold Coast and Carlton will play off to keep their slim finals chances alive. 

    FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

    Adelaide v Geelong at Unley Oval, 5.10pm ACDT

    Geelong has never beaten Adelaide in three starts, but it has never been better placed to snatch its first win. In those three meetings, Geelong has won just two quarters, each by less than a goal, illustrating just how dominant the Crows have been in this pairing. If the Cats are to take the win, they will need to force Adelaide to defend deep and not let the Crows settle into their own forward half. Putting that defence under pressure will be key in claiming victory. 

    The midfield battle will be an intriguing one, with the home side without captain Chelsea Randall and therefore needing to rely on rotating the likes of Teah Charlton, Danielle Ponter, Eloise Jones, and Abbie Ballard through the midfield to support star pair Ebony Marinoff and Anne Hatchard. Any weaknesses through that midfield will be exploited by the impressive Geelong contingent of Georgie Prespakis, Amy McDonald, and Becky Webster. 

    Tip: Adelaide still has stars across the park, even without Randall, but there has never been a better time for the Cats to take the win. Geelong by two points. 

    Gold Coast v Carlton at Metricon Stadium, 6.40pm AEST

    Both Gold Coast and Carlton need a win to remain in finals contention - which will also be reliant on the Western Bulldogs' results - so this game will be crucial. The Suns have never beaten Carlton, averaging just 21.5 points in their two matches to date, while conceding an average of 66.5, but this season they have started to really find the balance between winning the ball and applying defensive pressure. In doing so, they have been conceding fewer disposals than ever before and preventing opposition teams from taking easy shots on goal once inside 50. 

    Carlton, meanwhile, is averaging its second-lowest score since joining the AFLW, and its lowest disposal efficiency since 2018. When pressure is applied around the ball, the Blues really struggle to move the ball with any meaningful intent. Gold Coast's pressure players like Alison Drennan, Daisy D’Arcy, and Charlie Rowbottom loom as key to shutting down the Blues and driving the last dagger in Carlton's finals hopes. 

    Tip: The Suns will get their first win over Carlton. Gold Coast by 10 points. 

    AFLW INJURY LIST How healthy is your team?

    Ali Drennan handballs under pressure during round eight, season seven, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

    Collingwood v North Melbourne at Victoria Park, 1.10pm AEDT 

    Arch rivals Collingwood and North Melbourne are set to play off in a crucial game in the context of the top eight and its final form. Collingwood, currently sitting in third, has played just one top eight side to date, so this is the perfect opportunity for it to test itself against the best sides. A win against the Kangaroos, who despite sitting in seventh place with three losses are one of the best teams in the competition this season, would be a huge boost. 

    Both sides are being thwarted by a similar concern - an inability to make the most of their forward entries. Collingwood is kicking a goal from just 14 per cent of its inside 50s, and North Melbourne is only marginally better, goaling from 15.6 per cent. The Pies are taking regular shots, but an accuracy of 29.5 per cent is letting them down, the Kangaroos are firing off fewer shots but have been marginally more accurate. 

    Collingwood's defence looks like it may be the great equaliser, but the projected wet weather may just play into North Melbourne's hands. In the wet, the aerial game becomes less of a factor so once the ball hits the ground, players can really set themselves apart. Stacey Livingstone's intercept marking has been crucial to the Pies this season, but at ground level players like Lauren Butler and Alana Porter have the opportunity to come to the fore, and conversely, the Roos need to be clever about how they enter 50 and take advantage of the pressure Vikki Wall and Sophie Abbatangelo offer. 

    Tip: It will go down to the wire, again. North Melbourne by five points. 

    28:13

    Sydney v Fremantle at Henson Park, 3.10pm, AEDT

    For two sides occupying 17th and 18th on the ladder, this game looks like an exciting one. Fremantle's never-ending injury interruptions continue to be a factor, with seven players ruled out for the remainder of the season, and another three still with question marks over their availability. Kiara Bowers and Hayley Miller loom as the most important players on the ground for the Dockers, however, with their strength at the contest likely to dictate how much territory they control.

    The Swans will be out for their first ever win, after going down by four points in what was a controversial result last week. Maintaining structure ahead of the ball and using short kicks to retain possession and work down the field worked well last week and will likely be the plan of action on Saturday. Where they do look vulnerable, however, is the aerial game in defence, after conceding 17 marks inside 50 against the Bombers. Tall Freo pair Aine Tighe and Amy Franklin may just take control in the air, and if they do, Fremantle's chances look good. 

    Tip: For the Swans it's now or never. Sydney by three points. 

    03:50

    West Coast v Western Bulldogs at Mineral Resources Park, 2.10pm AWST

    In two matches between the Eagles and Bulldogs, each side has taken a win. West Coast's was the club's first ever AFLW win, the Western Bulldogs' is the second-largest win in club history. Last week the Dogs started to get back to their damaging early season form and will need to continue that if they are to lock in their finals berth, just their second since the AFLW began.

    At times this season Eagle Aisling McCarthy has run with damaging opposition midfielders and may get the job on Bulldogs captain Ellie Blackburn to curb the latter's burst away from stoppages and attacking play. Meanwhile, the ruck battle will be a fun one to watch, with two of the competition's biggest improvers, Sarah Lakay and Alice Edmonds, going head-to-head. Lakay, in just her second season, has proved her strength around the ground, laying tackles, getting physical and challenging in the air. Meanwhile Edmonds' neat tap work has been providing silver service to their midfield group. Whoever wins the ruck battle will play a big part in the eventual winner. 

    Tip: The Bulldogs will know how much rides on this game and make it count on the scoreboard. Western Bulldogs by 15 points. 

    Alice Edmonds flies for a mark during the Western Bulldogs' clash against St Kilda in round eight, S7, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

    Hawthorn v Brisbane at Skybus Stadium, 7.10pm AEDT 

    This one is Hawthorn's biggest challenge since it joined the AFLW, facing the ladder-leading Lions who are in a rich vein of form. To date the Hawks' run has been their weapon, intercepting, rebounding quickly and getting runners out the back to hit the scoreboard. The problem being that Brisbane is one of the best running sides in the competition, with speed and work ethic to boot. It is unlikely the Hawks will be able to find that slingshot against such a well-drilled Lions outfit. 

    Jenna Richardson will certainly be a factor, however, after the 21-year-old held Erin Phillips and Cora Staunton - who combined have kicked 104 goals - goalless in consecutive weeks. Whoever coach Bec Goddard chooses to send Richardson to will no doubt have a tough evening, but the bonus for Brisbane is the sheer array of players who can reliably kick goals and Hawthorn simply won't be able to contain all those options. 

    Tip: Hawthorn will fight hard, but ultimately the Lions will win big. Brisbane by 45 points.

    AFLW FIXTURE Who does your team play in season seven?

    Mikayla Pauga and her Lions teammates sing the team song after a win during round eight, season seven, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

    St Kilda v Port Adelaide at RSEA Park, 1.10pm AEDT

    In what is likely to be another wet, slippery game, both St Kilda and Port Adelaide will be determined to notch up another win as the season heads toward a close. In attack, St Kilda hasn't quite been making best use of its assets. Despite having both Caitlin Greiser and Kate Shierlaw in attack, the Saints are averaging just 3.9 marks inside 50 this season, indicating the lack of controlled attack they have been able to achieve. Against the Port Adelaide trio of Indy Tahau, Alex Ballard, and Amelie Borg, who have become adept at intercepting forward entries, the Saints need to be more considered with how they choose to go forward.  

    Port Adelaide, in a similar vein, has done well to execute neat ball movement around the ground, hitting up options and utilising strong marking players like Kate Surman and Brittany Perry, but when they go to enter 50 things become a little messier. Having Gemma Houghton back certainly helps in this respect, providing an option and spreading defences away from Erin Phillips, as last week's match against North Melbourne showed. The Saints, who will still be without crucial defensive post Clara Fitzpatrick, may just open the door for Port Adelaide to snag its second ever win. 

    Tip: The Power will be looking toward this match as a real opportunity to experience that winning feeling once more. Port Adelaide by eight points. 

    Georgia Patrikios looks dejected after a St Kilda loss in round three, season seven, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

    Richmond v Greater Western Sydney at Mildura Sporting Precinct, 3.10pm AEDT

    In the first AFLW game in Mildura, Richmond will be on a mission to continue its six-game winning streak, while Greater Western Sydney will be focused on ending it. Courtney Wakefield looks likely to be the most dangerous player on the ground after a four-goal performance last week and a Giants' defence that is without its go-to lock down defender in Pepa Randall. If GWS allows Richmond quick entries with its defenders isolated in one-on-ones, it may just be a long afternoon for Giants fans.

    Both sides are averaging their second-lowest score since joining the AFLW, Richmond with 29.5 points per game, and GWS with 25.8. Where they vary, however, is that Richmond's stingy defence has effectively won it games this season, as it is conceding just 21.9 points each week - half of what the side was conceding last season. GWS is still allowing its opposition to kick nearly seven goals per game, leading to its poor percentage of just 62.4. 

    Tip: The Tigers will make it seven in seven weeks. Richmond by 20 points. 

    03:41

    Melbourne v Essendon at Casey Fields, 5.10pm AEDT

    To close the round, Melbourne will be looking to flex its muscles and gain percentage, but Essendon's midfield group will have something to say about that. Melbourne's forward line will likely dominate in the air, averaging a record 9.6 marks inside 50 so far this season from 34.8 inside 50s per game, which will inundate a depleted Essendon defence that is still without Ellyse Gamble. The Bombers midfielders need to be really proactive in applying pressure higher up the field so as to somewhat protect its backline, otherwise it could get ugly very quickly. 

    The Demons' game style has not only been based on their own ability to win the ball and effectively play keepings off, but when they do give up possession, they force unusually poor disposal from opponents. Just once this season has a side registered a higher disposal efficiency against Melbourne than against its other seven opponents, and that was Fremantle in round six by just 0.9 per cent. Every other opponent of the Demons has recorded a lower disposal efficiency in the matchup because of Melbourne's positioning, willingness to pressure, and ability to close down space. 

    Tip: Essendon will do what they can to shut down the Demons' neat possession game, but it won't be enough. Melbourne by 25 points. 

    Alyssa Bannan celebrates a goal during round eight, season seven, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

    Ferocious Dogs power past Eagles to move one game clear in top eight

    The Bulldogs' win was soured by an ankle injury to Kirsten McLeod, who was playing her first game since March last year

    THE WESTERN Bulldogs have one foot in the door as they push for their second ever finals berth after an assured 32-point win against West Coast at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday.

    EAGLES v BULLDOGS Full match coverage and stats

    The 8.7 (55) to 3.5 (23) win was soured, however, by a potentially serious ankle injury to forward Kirsten McLeod just four minutes into her long-awaited return after more than a year out of the game with concussion issues.

    Kirsten McLeod is helped off the field during the Western Bulldogs' round nine, S7 clash with West Coast at Mineral Resources Park. Picture: AFL Photos

    The Bulldogs were desperate to win on Saturday, needing to maintain a buffer between them and ninth-placed Gold Coast, who had drawn level on five wins before Saturday's game but now needs a lot to go its way to steal eighth place.

    A win against Carlton next Friday night will seal the Bulldogs' finals place, but a decent percentage gap should prove handy if the Blues orchestrate a final-round upset.

    05:34

    The Bulldogs were in control from the outset on Saturday, mostly due to their straight kicking as the Eagles fumbled the ball and their opportunities in front of goal.

    They were also committed to bringing a strong pressure game, out-tackling the Eagles 24-9 in the opening quarter to set the tone, and 61-37 for the match.

    They made their move early in an entertaining third quarter, kicking three goals on the run as Sarah Hartwig continued as a weapon in attack and Kirsty Lamb controlled the midfield with nine touches for the term.

    00:45

    Through Lamb (21 disposals and five clearances) and Isabelle Pritchard (18 and three), they got the better of the midfield battles and were able to chain clean possession chains together, playing on at every opportunity.

    West Coast captain Emma Swanson was outstanding again in a losing cause, finishing with 28 disposals, eight clearances and four inside 50s to do everything she could to drag her team into the game.

    The Eagles got their first goal 13 minutes into the third quarter, thanks to a 100m penalty against ruck Celine Moody for dissent, with Bella Lewis gifted an opportunity from the top of the goalsquare.

    Debutant Ashleigh Gomes then converted her set shot to ignite her teammates and the crowd, giving the Eagles momentum as they faced a four-goal margin to chase down at the final break.

    00:34

    The highlight of the game came in the opening minutes of the final quarter when Eleanor Hartill tapped the ball to herself and then kicked her first AFLW goal with a brilliant effort along the ground from the pocket.

    00:56

    The Bulldogs' four-goal margin was restored shortly after by Eleanor Brown, who converted on her left to all but seal the important four points and a finals place for her team.

    McLeod horror run continues
    After waiting more than 570 days between games, Kirsten McLeod's return was over in just four minutes. The Bulldogs' forward was tackled by Jessica Sedunary and rolled her left ankle, requiring the help of two trainers to leave the ground, unable to put any weight on her injured ankle. The 28-year-old, who has played 30 games since making her debut during the inaugural AFLW season, was placed on the inactive list last season because of concussion issues and was finally cleared to return this week. She understandably appeared shattered after her anticipated return ended so suddenly.  

    00:46

    Roberts' aerial highlight
    Young West Coast star Ella Roberts was five-deep when she flew for a mark on the wing deep in the second quarter, but her ability to elevate, use her height and get first hands on the ball saw her emerge with the footy. Roberts is one of the Eagles' shining lights in what will be a fourth consecutive season without finals footy, and a good reason to head to the footy in the west while her team builds. The young forward finished with 11 disposals, three tackles and four marks.

    Up next
    The Bulldogs kick off round 10 at Ikon Park on Friday night against Carlton as they push to secure a top eight finish. The Eagles are well out of contention and will be long shots against Melbourne when the teams clash at Casey Fields.

    WEST COAST                           0.3   0.3   2.4   3.5 (23)
    WESTERN BULLDOGS             3.0   3.2   6.4   8.7 (55)

    GOALS
    West Coast:
    Gomes, Hartill, Lewis
    Western Bulldogs: Berry 2, Hartwig 2, Bateman, Brown, Cranston, Newton

    BEST
    West Coast:
    Swanson, Lewis, Lakay, Smith
    Western Bulldogs: Lamb, Hartwig, Berry, Pritchard, Moody

    INJURIES
    West Coast:
    Nil  
    Western Bulldogs: McLeod (ankle)  

    Reports: Nil

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