HERE'S a quick look at the round four 2020 NAB AFLW matches this weekend.
WATCH IT LIVE How to follow the AFLW this weekend
COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE
5.35pm AEDT, Friday, February 28
Marvel Stadium, Docklands, Vic
- Collingwood won every major statistical category except tackles against Fremantle and still lost by three points. The club was particularly pleased with the backline not allowing Fremantle's strong attack a single mark inside 50.
- Melbourne had nine scoring shots last week and converted just one, kicking eight behinds. While inaccuracy in the first two matches could have been attributed to the weather, it's starting to become a real issue for the Demons.
- Tip: A huge match which will go some way to deciding the makeup of Conference B finalists. Magpies by five points.
RICHMOND v GEELONG
3.10pm AEDT, Saturday, February 29
Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo, Vic
- It's been a tough opening few matches for Richmond, but if there's one positive to be drawn, the Tigers have been hitting the scoreboard. The locations they've taken their shots from haven't helped, but changing those behinds to goals will help enormously.
- The Cats are a much better side than their 0-3 record suggests. They've come close in most games they've played and have had a tough draw against Fremantle, Brisbane and Adelaide.
- Tip: This could be a dour affair between two physical teams, but the Cats' young players will have the edge over their Tiger counterparts. Cats by 15 points.
NORTH MELBOURNE v GOLD COAST
5.10pm AEDT, Saturday, February 29
Arden Street Oval, North Melbourne, Vic
- North Melbourne's accuracy in front of goal has been an important part of its success this year, booting 21.7 over three games with a scoring accuracy of 77.8 per cent. The Roos making a concerted effort to get the ball closer to goal before taking a shot has helped their cause enormously.
- The Suns aren't making up the numbers this year, performing admirably in their first season. Their backline in particular has slipped under the radar, with Lauren Ahrens, Jordann Hickey and Jade Pregelj – all of whom made their AFLW debuts this year – finding plenty of the ball and rebounding well.
- Tip: As impressive as Gold Coast have been, North Melbourne playing its first ever game at training headquarters Arden Street will be a bridge too far. Kangaroos by 26 points.
WEST COAST v WESTERN BULLDOGS
4.10pm WST, Saturday, February 22
Leederville Oval, Leederville, WA
- A lot of West Coast's woes so far this season stem back to the team just not getting its hands on the ball. The Eagles are last for average disposals, kicks, marks and loose-ball gets.
- One Western Bulldog who's slipped under the radar is the No.1 pick from the 2017 NAB AFLW Draft, Izzy Huntington. The forward is now firmly camped at centre-half back and is leading the competition in average contested marks and ninth overall for average effective kicks.
- Tip: The Western Bulldogs have had poor patches this year but should have the experience to overcome West Coast. Dogs by 17 points.
ADELAIDE v CARLTON
12.40pm ACDT, Sunday, March 1
Hisense Stadium, Richmond, SA
- One name: Erin Phillips. The superstar of the competition is back, eleven months after rupturing her ACL in the 2019 Grand Final, coincidentally against Carlton. And in worrying signs for the competition, it comes as Adelaide is on the march, the injury list dropping from nine in round one to five and new players Najwa Allen and Chelsea Biddell growing in confidence. Even if Phillips is restricted to the goalsquare due to lack of match practice, she’ll be a handful. Look out.
- Carlton would have been pleased with the players who led the way last week, with Lucy McEvoy, Mua Laloifi and Grace Egan all named in the best. The trio are in their first seasons of AFLW.
- Tip: It's a Grand Final rematch after Adelaide triumphed by 45 points in 2019. While it won't quite push out that far, expect the Adelaide theme song to be played at the end of the match. Crows by 15 points.
ST KILDA v FREMANTLE
3.10pm AEDT, Sunday, March 1
RSEA Park, Moorabbin, Vic
- St Kilda was slowly building leading up to its breakthrough win last week. Mature-age draftee Tamara Luke was brought in to play on the tallest key forwards, and shut down Tegan Cunningham in her first game.
- Fremantle's efficiency is a serious concern for other clubs. The Dockers average the second-fewest disposal per match in the competition yet average the second-highest number of goals.
- Tip: The first interstate trip of the season will hold no fear for Fremantle, even against a St Kilda team building momentum. Dockers by 28 points.
BRISBANE v GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
4.10pm AEST, Sunday, March 1
Hickey Park, Stafford, Qld
- Brisbane will be stinging after dropping two points to cross-town rival Gold Coast, but its defence was once again the hero, with Kate Lutkins, Bre Koenen, Shannon Campbell and Emma Zielke standing up in the frantic final minutes. It's a tough group to try and score against.
- GWS appear to be a rejuvenated side after the battles of last year. While their average score is down (in part due to the torrential rain of round one), the likes of young players Alyce Parker, Haneen Zreika, Jodie Hicks and Jess Allan have all improved considerably.
- Tip: GWS is yet to beat Brisbane in a home-and-away match, despite winning all three practice games over the Queenslanders. The Lions will once again have too many weapons and will win by 14 points.
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