TEMPERS flared, goals were kicked and sides flexed their muscles as AFLW practice matches were played across the weekend.
With all 18 sides set to take to the field in a final tune-up ahead of the 2024 season starting in two weeks' time, fans got to see their club's draftees and recruits compete for the first time.
On Friday night, Richmond matched it with reigning premier Brisbane, while St Kilda made short work of West Coast.
2023 grand finalist North Melbourne smashed Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, while Fremantle and Collingwood battled the elements in their match.
Check out how AFL.com.au's AFLW reporters saw the practice match action.
YOUR AFLW CLUB'S LIST All the ins and outs for season 2024
This article will be updated as practice matches are played across the weekend.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
West Coast v St Kilda at Mineral Resources Park, 1.30pm AWST
WEST COAST 0.3 1.4 1.5 3.5 (23)
ST KILDA 1.0 3.2 5.4 8.7 (55)
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WEST COAST
New faces: Jess Rentsch (draft), Verity Simmons (rookie), Ali Drennan (trade), Jess Hosking (trade), Roxy Roux (trade), Sanne Baker (injury replacement player), Octavia Di Donato (injury replacement player), Jayme Harken (injury replacement player) and Tess Lyons (injury replacement player)
Notable omissions: Georgie Cleaver (netball obligations), Sophie McDonald (concussion)
Injuries: Emily Elkington (head knock)
Major ball-winners: Ella Roberts (23), Charlie Thomas (19), Emma Swanson, Ali Drennan (16)
Goals: Amy Franklin, Kellie Gibson, Ella Roberts
What we learnt: The Eagles struggled forward of centre, and lost the clearance count by nine. It meant that unsurprisingly, Charlie Thomas (19 disposals, six rebounds) and Emma Swanson (16) found plenty of the footy, the skipper playing in defence for the game in the absence of Georgie Cleaver (netball) and Sophie McDonald (concussion). Ella Roberts still managed to record 23 disposals and kicked a goal after the full-time siren. Jaide Britton showed some dash off half-back in the first half, and Beth Schilling took a few nice contested marks, but had her hands full as the game progressed. Recent injury replacement signings Jayme Harken (nine and three clearances) and ruck Tess Lyons were thrown straight into the engine room. Roxy Roux started strongly in attack, but was starved of opportunities as the game progressed, and gave away a cheap 50m penalty in an oddly spiteful practice match. Emily Elkington will likely be monitored for concussion. - Sarah Black
ST KILDA
New faces: Charlotte Simpson (draft), Paige Trudgeon (trade), Rene Caris (trade),
Notable omissions: None
Injuries: Hannah Priest (calf), Georgia Patrikios (foot), Molly McDonald (corked thigh)
Major ball-winners: Liv Vesely (26), Serene Watson (19), Jaimee Lambert (18), Tyanna Smith (17)
Goals: Jesse Wardlaw 4, Grace Kelly 2, Ella Friend, Maddy Boyd
What we learnt: Jesse Wardlaw roared home with four second-half goals, her marking prowess inside 50 catching out the Eagles time and time again, taking 10 in total. Ella Friend (11 disposals, four marks) was a strong linking player across half-forward, while Liv Vesely (26 and three clearances) looks to be reaping the benefits of a rare full pre-season. Tyanna Smith had eight clearances, while Simone Nalder (34 hitouts) and Rene Caris (11) won the ruck battle. Grace Kelly (12 and seven marks) kicked two goals playing on the wing. It'll be an MRO watch for defender Nic Stevens, after Eagle Emily Elkington appeared concussed by a slinging tackle. Skipper Hannah Priest – playing in defence – finished up at half time with a calf injury, as did Georgia Patrikios (foot) and Molly McDonald (corked thigh). - Sarah Black
Brisbane v Richmond at Brighton Homes Arena, 7.15pm AEST
BRISBANE 2.2 2.4 3.5 5.7 (37)
RICHMOND 2.0 4.3 4.4 5.5 (35)
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BRISBANE
New faces: Kate Lutkins (return from pregnancy), Shanae Davison (trade), Eleanor Hartill (trade), Sophie Peters (draft), Indiana Williams (draft), Evie Long (draft), Rania Crozier (draft)
Notable omissions: Ally Anderson (rested), Shannon Campbell (knee), Jade Pregelj (knee), Dee Heslop (calf)
Injuries: Shanae Davison (head knock, TBC)
Major ball-winners: Cathy Svarc (16), Jade Ellenger (13) , Sophie Conway (13), Jennifer Dunne (12), Kate Lutkins (12)
Goals: Courtney Hodder, Dakota Davidson, Sophie Peters, Cathy Svarc, Charlie Mullins
What we learnt: The Lions were behind for much of the game, but still have that match-winning edge in confidence and endurance, over-running the Tigers. Kate Lutkins made a successful return to football after having a baby, taking her customary defensive role. Eleanor Hartill looks to be a handy pick-up, rolling between the ruck and backline and marking well. Cathy Svarc worked hard all night and kicked a stunning snap to give the Lions back the lead, while Jade Ellenger took a crucial intercept mark in the final minute, laying an equally important tackle 30 seconds later. Sophie Conway ran hard all game, draftee Sophie Peters impressed across half-forward and Belle Dawes was as lively as ever. - Sarah Black
RICHMOND
New faces: Ally Dallaway (trade), Jodie Hicks (trade), Isabel Bacon (draft), Mackenzie Ford (draft)
Notable omissions: Sarah Hosking (hamstring)
Injuries: Nil
Major ball-winners: Monique Conti (23), Ellie McKenzie (21), Grace Egan (17), Jodie Hicks (16), Eilish Sheerin (16), Katie Brennan (15)
Goals: Katie Brennan 3, Ally Dallaway, Emelia Yassir
What we learnt: The Tigers were tenacious, only giving up the lead in the final seven minutes, and closing the gap to two points after the Lions had kicked two goals clear. Libby Graham, Bec Miller and Jodie Hicks were excellent in defence, while Ally Dallaway made a sparky Tigers debut through the middle and up forward. Monique Conti hasn't missed a beat, and Richmond's full-ground defence was excellent. Ellie McKenzie wasn't at her absolute best after a long injury lay-off, but showed some nice signs. Poppy Kelly was strong in the ruck and around the ground. - Sarah Black
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Greater Western Sydney v North Melbourne at Blacktown International Sports Park, 11am AEST
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.2 (20)
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.4 7.4 11.6 11.11 (77)
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GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
New faces: Kaityln Srhoj (draft), Mikayla Pauga (trade), Aliesha Newman (trade), Claire Ransom (trade), Indigo Linde (trade), Eilish O'Dowd (rookie), Jemma Ramsdale (injury replacement player)
Notable omissions: Alicia Eva (rested), Isabel Huntington (personal reasons)
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Nicola Barr (23), Alyce Parker (23), Bec Beeson (21), Tarni Evans (15), Katherine Smith (14), Madison Brazendale (14)
Goals: Zarlie Goldsworthy, Jess Doyle, Aliesha Newman
What we learnt: The Giants were up against it early in their battle with last year's grand finalist North Melbourne. New captain Bec Beeson started brightly around the ball, recording eight of her 21 disposals in the first quarter, while Nicola Barr and Alyce Parker each registered 23 disposals for the day. Parker's highlight of the game was a neat, diving mark in the middle of the ground to maintain possession on rebound out of defence. Eilish O'Dowd (nine disposals, seven hitouts) offered some athleticism across the ground as Tarni Evans (15 disposals, four tackles) was used at both ends. Reigning Rising Star Zarlie Goldsworthy, Jess Doyle, and Aleisha Newman hit the scoreboard for the Giants, taking opportunities that were few and far between. Goldsworthy persisted with 12 disposals and five tackles for the game. - Gemma Bastiani
NORTH MELBOURNE
New faces: Ella Slocombe (draft) Lucy Burke (draft)
Notable omissions: Lulu Pullar (calf), Eliza Shannon (ankle)
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Ash Riddell (38), Jasmine Garner (23), Mia King (19), Emma Kearney (18), Tess Craven (18), Alice O'Loughlin (16)
Goals: Tahlia Randall 4, Jasmine Garner 2, Alice O'Loughlin 2, Tess Craven, Emma King, Ruby Tripodi
What we learnt: It was business as usual for the ruthless Kangaroos, whose on ball brigade was at its destructive best to defeat the Giants. Ash Riddell recorded a whopping 38 disposals and seven clearances to maintain control at the contest, while Jasmine Garner finished with 23 disposals, four clearances and two goals. Mia King offered some important defensive coverage for the pair, with 10 tackles and 19 disposals of her own. North Melbourne's 2023 leading goalkicker Tahlia Randall kicked four from nine disposals, and small forward Alice O'Loughlin kicked two. Draftee Ella Slocombe played up forward and returned one behind from her six disposals, but looked lively, and Irishwoman Erika O'Shea's aggressive, attacking run out of defence bore six inside 50s from 10 disposals. - Gemma Bastiani
Fremantle v Collingwood at Fremantle Oval, 10am AWST
FREMANTLE 1.2 1.5 3.8 6.9 (45)
COLLINGWOOD 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.3 (15)
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FREMANTLE
New faces: Gabby Newton (trade), Ash Brazill (trade), Tunisha Kikoak (injury replacement player), Gabby Biedenweg-Webster (injury replacement player)
Notable omissions: Ange Stannett (knee)
Injuries: Madi Scanlon (concussion)
Major ball-winners: Aisling McCarthy (22), Dana East (22), Megan Kauffman (18), Hayley Miller (15), Gabby O'Sullivan (15), Mim Strom (15)
Goals: Hayley Miller 2, Aisling McCarthy, Amy Mulholland, Airlie Runnalls, Aine Tighe
What we learnt: Not for the first time, a pre-season match at Fremantle Oval was paused due to lightning. But the break in play was exactly what the Dockers needed, who were trailing the Pies 9-14 when the game was halted, before running out 30-point victors. Three of the club's five Irish players hit the scoreboard in Aisling McCarthy, Amy Mulholland, and Aine Tighe. McCarthy was exceptional in her new colours, winning an equal-game high 22 disposals and laid 15 tackles to go with her goal. Through the midfield Dana East (22 disposals, four clearances) showed her strength, as did Megan Kauffman (18 disposals, four clearances). Hayley Miller, acting captain for the day, kicked two goals, and Gabby O'Sullivan (14 disposals, four rebound 50s) offered some dash out of defence. New recruit Ash Brazill brought a semblance of calm down back, and Gabby Newton was a strong presence ahead of the play. - Gemma Bastiani
COLLINGWOOD
New faces: Georgia Clark (draft), Amber Schutte (draft), Muireann Atkinson (rookie), Annie Lee (trade), Carly Remmos (injury replacement player), Imogen Evans (injury replacement player)
Notable omissions: Bri Davey (ankle), Lauren Butler (lower leg), Charlotte Taylor (foot), Lucy Cronin (lower leg), Mikayla Hyde (foot), Kalinda Howarth (knee)
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Jordy Allen (18), Mikala Cann (18), Brit Bonnici (14), Sarah Rowe (12), Imogen Evans (12), Carly Remmos (11)
Goals: Grace Campbell, Erica Fowler
What we learnt: Early on when Collingwood was in control, and adapting well to the wet conditions, Grace Campbell showed off her wheels inside 50, slotting an impressive goal out of stoppage, while also laying 15 tackles. Through the middle Brittany Bonnici and Mikala Cann combined for 32 disposals, 26 tackles, and 11 clearances in the absence of Brianna Davey, and Sabrina Frederick and Imogen Barnett competed well in the air. Adding to the midfield mix was the returning Imogen Evans (12 disposals, 10 contested possessions), who is back in the squad after initially being delisted. Her strength around the ball and ability to adapt to the contested nature of the game was impressive, with a similar impact being felt from Carly Remmos (11 disposals, six tackles). Irish recruit Muireann Atkinson shook off a leg injury in last week's match simulation to take up her post as a key defender, fighting it out with Aine Tighe for much of the game. - Gemma Bastiani
Essendon v Geelong at Windy Hill, 1pm AEST
ESSENDON 1.4 2.7 2.8 4.9 (33)
GEELONG 0.0 1.0 2.3 3.5 (23)
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ESSENDON
New faces: Maddi Gay (trade), Bess Keaney (trade), Amy Gaylor (draft), Emily Gough (draft), Daria Bannister (return from injury)
Notable omissions: Brooke Brown, Sophie Van De Heuvel, Paige Scott, Jacqui Vogt (illness)
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Maddy Prespakis (25), Bess Keaney (20), Steph Wales (19), Georgia Nanscawen (17), Bonnie Toogood (14), Steph Cain (14)
Goals: Bonnie Toogood, Amber Clarke, Daria Bannister, Sophie Alexander
What we learnt: The Bombers got off to a strong start, winning at stoppage and maintaining possession in the front half. They just let themselves down with their conversion, recording four goals from 13 scores. Co-captain Bonnie Toogood (14 disposals, one goal) got off to some strong leads in the first quarter, parting the seas inside 50, while Amber Clarke's move to a pure small forward role is a promising one, recording 10 disposals and a goal for the game. That shift has been made possible by the inclusion of Bess Keaney (20 disposals, five inside 50s) on the wing. Maddy Prespakis (25 disposals, seven tackles) was at her physical best through the midfield, working well at the feet of ruck Steph Wales (19 disposals, seven clearances). Matilda Dyke and Emily Gough also spent some minutes through the ruck, with the latter also featuring at both ends of the ground. Meanwhile, Daria Bannister is fit and firing after an ACL injury last season. Paige Scott (injury) and Jacqui Vogt (illness) were late outs on the day. - Gemma Bastiani
GEELONG
New faces: Bryde O'Rourke (draft), Chantal Mason (draft)
Notable omissions: Georgie Prespakis (quad), Chloe Scheer (toe), Darcy Moloney (foot)
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Amy McDonald (24), Nina Morrison (19), Meg McDonald (16), Rachel Kearns (16), Becky Webster (15), Chantel Emonson (12)
Goals: Amy McDonald, Aishling Moloney, Kate Kenny
What we learnt: Living in its back half for much of the opening quarter, Geelong's defence stood up under the pressure. Amy McDonald (24 disposals, seven clearances) was her usual prolific self around the contest as was Nina Morrison (19 disposals, seven tackles), with the pair battling the physicality of Essendon's midfield. Aishling Moloney (nine disposals, one goal) kicked a belter of a goal from tight up on the boundary line, before copping a cramp and spending the final quarter on the bench. Captain Meghan McDonald (16 disposals) was also the victim of a severe quad cramp, ending her day early. Rachel Kearns was impressive at half-back, battling it out with Daria Bannister and using her body like a wrecking ball. It was the run of Chantel Emonson and Becky Webster that helped the Cats find some control in the game through the middle quarters, and Irish recruit Kate Kenny showed some promising signs close to goal, reeling in an impressive contested mark and kicking a goal. Coach Dan Lowther confirmed that important midfielders Georgie Prespakis and Darcy Moloney will both be available for round one, after missing both preseason hitouts. - Gemma Bastiani
Sydney v Hawthorn at the SCG, 2pm AEST
SYDNEY 1.2 2.3 3.4 4.4 (28)
HAWTHORN 1.1 6.4 9.8 11.11 (77)
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SYDNEY
New faces: Lara Hausegger (draft), Kiara Hillier (trade), Giselle Davies (trade), Sarah Grunden (draft), Maddy Collier (return from injury)
Notable omissions: Paige Sheppard, Ally Morphett, Alana Woodward, Paris McCarthy, Lisa Steane, Alexia Hamilton
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Laura Gardiner (22), Ella Heads (17), Sofia Hurley (17), Hayley Bullas (16), Tanya Kennedy (15)
Goals: Bec Privitelli 2, Lochland, Grunden
What we learnt: The Swans made the first quarter a real arm wrestle off the back of nine disposals and three tackles from Sofia Hurley for the term, before Hawthorn really took control. Hurley finished the game as arguably Sydney's best, registering 17 disposals and eight tackles. Bec Privitelli has bounced back from a foot injury that ended her 2023 season, kicking two goals and looking like the key cog inside 50, while draftee Sarah Grunden (six disposals, one goal) was the best of Sydney's new faces, applying plenty of forward pressure. All-Australian midfielder Laura Gardiner was the leading disposal winner with 22, as well as six clearances, but the side struggled to break through the Hawks' staunch defensive line. More positively, both Maddy Collier and Hayley Bullas made successful returns from their respective ACL injuries.
HAWTHORN
New faces: Casey Sherriff (trade), Eliza West (trade), Mikayla Williamson (draft), Sophie Butterworth (draft)
Notable omissions: Lousie Stephenson, Sophie Locke, Kristy Stratton
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Emily Bates (19), Mattea Breed (18), Lucy Wales (18), Greta Bodey (12), Eliza West (16)
Goals: Aine McDonagh 2, Bridie Hipwell 2, Emily Bates, Jas Fleming, Kaitlyn Ashmore, Casey Sherriff, Charlotte Baskaran, Hayley McLaughlin, Jess Vukic
What we learnt: Under new coach Daniel Webster, the Hawks seem to have harnessed the skill on their list. They used the expanses of the SCG well, utilising their contingent of running players. Greta Bodey (16 disposals, three inside 50s) covered the ground well as a high half forward, as did Jasmine Fleming (14 disposals, four clearances) who spent the bulk of the game in attack. The injection of Mattea Breed into the midfield was a positive move, with the second-year player recording 12 clearances from 18 disposals, and new captain Emily Bates led the way with 19 disposals and a goal. In the absence of Ally Morphett for Sydney, Lucy Wales (43 hitouts, eight clearances) was simply dominant in the ruck. Meanwhile, of all the new players at the club, young gun Hayley McLaughlin was the standout, moving beautifully in attack and hitting the scoreboard, although she may come under some MRO scrutiny for a third quarter tackle on Brenna Tarrant.
Gold Coast v Western Bulldogs at People First Stadium, 5pm AEST
GOLD COAST 5.2 7.4 9.6 10.8 (68)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.0 1.0 2.1 3.2 (20)
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GOLD COAST
New faces: Katie Lynch (trade), Charlotte Wilson (trade), Keely Fullerton (draft), Kiara Bischa (draft), Annabel Kievit (draft), Ella Smith (trade)
Notable omissions: Maddy Brancatisano, Alana Gee, Meara Girvan, Viv Saad
Injuries: Cara McCrossan (leg)
Major ball-winners: Charlie Rowbottom (29), Claudia Whitfort (28), Lucy Single (21), Daisy D'Arcy (18), Georgia Clayden (16), Clara Fitzpatrick (16)
Goals: Jamie Stanton 5, Jacqui Dupuy 2, Georgia Clayden, Tara Bohanna, Ella Maurer
What we learnt: The Suns utilised an aggressive run and carry game to great effect, enjoying supporting runners in place for the handball receive. Charlie Rowbottom was immense through the middle, recording 29 disposals, 10 tackles, and eight clearances over the first three quarters before being put on ice. Claudia Whitfort (28 disposals, eight inside 50s) and Lucy Single (21 disposals, four tackles) were also impressive, effortlessly breaking tackle attempts from the opposition and powering away from congestion. In her second year playing as a pure small forward, Jamie Stanton's craft bore five goals, three of which came in the opening quarter, while Jac Dupuy's aerial presence was a problem for the Dogs' defence. Georgia Clayden and Clara Fitzpatrick looked comfortable on opposing wings, and the new key defensive pair of Katie Lynch and Charlotte Wilson combined for 22 disposals and seven rebound 50s. Cara McCrossan seemed to cop a leg injury late in the game, limping off the field on the outer side of the ground and attended to by club doctors. - Gemma Bastiani
WESTERN BULLDOGS
New faces: Lauren Ahrens (trade), Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner (draft), Jasmyn Smith (trade), Ellie Gavalas (trade), Cleo Buttifant (draft), Analea McKee (trade), Brooke Barwick (draft), Jorga Borg (draft), Elaine Grigg (draft)
Notable omissions: Elizabeth Snell, Eleanor Brown, Naomi Ferres, Zimmorlei Farquharson
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Ellie Blackburn (20), Jess Fitzgerald (18), Isabelle Pritchard (17), Maggie Gorham (16), Isabella Grant (14), Lauren Ahrens (14), Elisabeth Georgostathis (14)
Goals: Ellie Blackburn, Maggie Gorham, Heidi Woodley
What we learnt: Despite the loss, what the Dogs are hoping to become under new coach Tam Hyett was evident against the Suns. Outside ball movement and chains of uncontested possession were a feature for the side, and – despite the moments being limited – there were some impressive end-to-end transitions. Jess Fitzgerald (18 disposals, four tackles) looked at home in defence, and had a big second quarter, while former captain Ellie Blackburn (20 disposals, four clearances, one goal) was tough at the contest. Continuing to emerge in the midfield is Isabelle Pritchard who won 17 disposals and a team-high seven clearances, and Maggie Gorham spent some time in the thick of it, before sneaking forward to hit the scoreboard. Draftees Cleo Buttifant showed off some nice wheels coming out of defence, and Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner spent the afternoon in attack, but was starved of opportunity to really impact the contest. - Gemma Bastiani
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
Port Adelaide v Melbourne at Alberton Oval, 11am ACST
PORT ADELAIDE 2.0 6.3 8.6 9.8 (62)
MELBOURNE 4.0 5.0 6.1 8.4 (52)
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PORT ADELAIDE
New faces: Shineah Goody, Molly Brooksby (priority), Kirsty Lamb (trade), Caitlin Wendland, Teagan Germech (replacements), Piper Window, Alissa Brook (draft)
Notable omissions: Abbey Dowrick, Janelle Cuthbertson, Ange Foley (all finger injuries), Hannah Ewings
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Shineah Goody (25), Gemma Houghton (19), Kirsty Lamb (16), Ella Boag (15), Sachi Syme (15)
Goals: Ash Saint 2, Gemma Houghton, Ella Boag, Sachi Syme, Jasmin Stewart, Caitlin Wendland, Justine Mules-Robinson, Olivia Levicki
What we learnt: Early in the game Port Adelaide's backline was scrambling a little, struggling to contain Melbourne's attacking options and, in particular, Kate Hore. But one it settled, the Power was able to maintain a front-half game and generate some real scoring power both from its forward line and midfield. Priority signing Shineah Goody (25 disposals, four clearances) shone, while Gemma Houghton (19 disposals, nine inside 50s) proved to be a genuine play maker in attack. Without Abbey Dowrick in the side, Sachi Syme (15 disposals, seven tackles) spent plenty of minutes through the midfield to great effect, and new recruit Kirsty Lamb (16 disposals, four clearances) added some power at stoppage. - Gemma Bastiani
MELBOURNE
New faces: Ryleigh Wotherspoon, Alyssia Pisano (draft), Grace Beasley (rookie), Grace Hill, Denby Taylor (replacements)
Notable omissions: Tayla Harris (quad), Blaithin Mackin
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Kate Hore (24), Sinead Goldrick (21), Sarah Lampard (18), Lily Mithen (17), Maeve Chaplin (16), Megan Fitzsimon (16), Olivia Purcell (16)
Goals: Ryleigh Wotherspoon 3, Kate Hore 2, Megan Fitzsimon, Olivia Purcell, Alyssia Pisano
What we learnt: Captain Kate Hore continues to be the most important Demon, having a massive influence in attack, while also proving a reliable ball winner higher up the field, but the addition of draft bolter Ryleigh Wotherspoon (11 disposals, three goals) into attack appears to be a game changer. Irish veteran Sinead Goldrick (21 disposals, six tackles) is spending more time higher up the field, offering some speed on the deck as well as a trusted contested marking option, while quiet achiever Megan Fitzsimon's (16 disposals, four tackles) influence continues to grow. Alongside Tyla Hanks (15 disposals) and Liv Purcell (16 disposals, one goal), Grace Beasley (10 disposals, two clearances) appears to be a strong addition into the midfield, with her combination of strength and power hard to stop. - Gemma Bastiani
Adelaide v Carlton at Thomas Farms Oval, Unley, 1pm ACST
ADELAIDE 3.2 5.4 6.4 7.8 (50)
CARLTON 1.1 1.1 4.2 5.2 (32)
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ADELAIDE
New faces: Brooke Boileau (draft), Lily Tarlinton (draft), Amy Boyle-Carr (rookie)
Notable omissions: Najwa Allen, Teah Charlton, Caitlin Gould
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Ebony Marinoff (31), Anne Hatchard (23), Taylah Levy (19), Maddy Newman (18), Zoe Prowse (16), Brooke Tonon (16)
Goals: Chelsea Biddell 2, Maddy Newman, Brooke Tonon, Stevie-Lee Thompson, Danielle Ponter, Jess Waterhouse
What we learnt: Adelaide has levers to pull. Coach Matthew Clarke opted to run multiple key defenders through roles higher up the ground for patches of the game, including Chelsea Biddel (10 disposals, two goals) in attack, kicking the first two goals of the game within the first three minutes, Zoe Prowse (16 disposals, four inside 50s) through the ruck and forward, and Sarah Allan (11 disposals, three tackles) spent time in the midfield. Anne Hatchard (23 disposals, five inside 50s), had increased minutes up forward, and draftee Brooke Boileau was trialled inside 50. The Crows played their brand – trap the ball in attack, put pressure on the opposition defence, and keeping their own backline well setup for the intercept. - Gemma Bastiani
CARLTON
New faces: Yasmin Duursma (trade), Lila Keck (draft), Meg Robertson (draft)
Notable omissions: Kerryn Peterson, Tarni Brown, Celine Moody, Brooke Vickers
Injuries: TBC
Major ball-winners: Mimi Hill (24), Abbie McKay (23), Dayna Finn (19), Lulu Beatty (18), Harriet Cordner (18), Darcy Vescio (18)
Goals: Dayna Finn, Keeley Skepper, Breann Moody, Keeley Sherar
What we learnt: Although the Blues didn't come away with the win, they did learn that they have the temerity to fight back when they are down. After conceding five first half goals, Carlton had a strong third quarter to narrow the margin, before making the final quarter an arm wrestle. Dayna Finn's move to the wing appears a solid choice, as she reliably supported the defence, while also sliding forward to hit the scoreboard. Meanwhile, as the most experienced player down back in the absence of Kerryn Peterson, Harriet Cordner (18 disposals, four rebound 50s) was simply relentless in the face of an onslaught of inside 50s. Yasmin Duursma (16 disposals, three marks) offered some dash out of defence, and Mia Austin fought well up forward when opportunities presented. Breann Moody split her time between the ruck and key forward, while twin sister Celine seemed to undergo some testing on the sidelines but ultimately didn't get onto the ground despite being named in the initial team. - Gemma Bastiani
