FLAG fancy North Melbourne and an in-form Richmond travel to Launceston to kick-off a big Sunday of games to finish week five.
If it's possible, North Melbourne looks far more ominous this year than it did in 2023, and it is building momentum. The club's midfield guns have been well-documented, with Ruby Tripodi adding depth to the line this year, and the tall forward trio of Tahlia Randall, Kate Shierlaw, and Emma King is a tough prospect.
KANGAROOS v TIGERS Full match coverage and stats
But it is the small forwards who have really emerged for the Roos this year, creating a significant challenge for the Tigers' defence.
Making the most of its own forward entries is important for Richmond, which certainly has the firepower available. So far this season, teams have managed to maintain territory control against the Roos for extended periods of time, but simply couldn't breakthrough to score.
Richmond can't get sucked into a similar situation.
The likes of Emelia Yassir and Mackenzie Ford bring ground level pressure in attack, and Caitlin Greiser's defensive efforts inside 50 have greatly improved this year, but they must turn that pressure into scoring opportunities if they're any chance of challenging last year's grand finalist.
North Melbourne has received a boost with tall forward Kate Shierlaw and gutsy midfielder Jenna Bruton returning after being managed last match, while Lulu Pullar has been managed this week. Speedy winger Taylah Gatt will also miss through illness.
The Tigers have opted to play two rucks, with Tam Luke keeping her spot in the Tigers' line-up despite first-choice ruck Poppy Kelly returning from a wrist injury. Veteran spearhead Katie Brennan will sit out the clash with an ankle issue.
Greater Western Sydney hosts Daisy Pearce's West Coast in an important clash.
The Giants have been consistently strong in third quarters this year, but often it is the result of poor early showings, and a need to surge back into contention.
This is something Pearce and her Eagles will no doubt be conscious of coming into the second half, but just as important will be getting some scoreboard momentum across the opening two quarters of the game.
GIANTS v EAGLES Full match coverage and stats
Last week GWS looked reinvigorated after the main break thanks to increased defensive efforts, off the back of which they were then able to score consistently.
But this was also only possible due to extra options ahead of the ball, with Tarni Evans thrown forward late in the game.
For the Eagles, maintaining a disciplined wing structure to complement their contested strength is important, so without Jaide Britton last week they were found wanting. Re-establishing that structure around the contest is the first major step toward finding their attacking transition once more.
West Coast recruit Roxy Roux will play her first match in the blue and gold after overcoming a hand injury, but Sophie McDonald will miss the match through concussion.
Meanwhile, the Giants have named Fleur Davies and handed a club debut to Annise Bradfield.
In the game of the week, premiership contenders Brisbane and Adelaide renew their rivalry at Brighton Homes Arena.
The Lions and Crows have a storied history, as the first true AFLW rivalry built up over 11 matches, spanning two Grand Finals, and four games decided by a goal or less.
LIONS v CROWS Full match coverage and stats
The Lions are the only team across the League that have a winning record against the Crows, with eight wins from those 11 starts. This year, they go into their home and away match sitting first and second on the ladder, separated by just percentage, and premiership contenders once more.
Ellie Hampson has been managed for Brisbane, while the Crows have named Abbie Ballard to play her first match since tearing her ACL in round seven last year.
Keeley Kustermann also returns, while Brooke Smith misses with injury and goalsneak Jess Waterhouse has been omitted.
In the final game of week five, Port Adelaide hosts Carlton at Alberton Oval.
Port's first priority is, and has always been, contested ball, but the balance has swung a little too far toward the hard ball this year, with 61.9 per cent of the Power's possession contested this year, and the transition to the outside hasn't been efficient enough to maintain control in games for long periods of time.
POWER v BLUES Full match coverage and stats
Off the back of such a contested game, the club's disposal efficiency has fallen to 52.9 per cent, and on the large Alberton Oval deck there is opportunity for Carlton to exploit the Power's ball swarming with an open running game.
Unfortunately for the Blues, they are not moving the ball in a way that is predictable to one another, ultimately using the ball poorly and averaging the fewest marks in their history at just 26.6.
This is reflected in the way they go inside 50, where they are taking just 3.4 marks inside 50 each match.
The chemistry between Carlton's talls, specifically Mia Austin and Celine Moody, is not quite there, with the latter at times running into Austin's leading space, and struggling to maintain territory.
Power defenders Amelie Borg and Ange Foley will feast on this disorganisation, and offer a solid base from which the side can repel.
Carlton has omitted first-year player Lila Keck for the clash, while co-vice-captain Abbie McKay will miss through an adductor injury she picked up during Wednesday's match.
The Power's Kirsty Lamb has been ruled out through concussion, with Olivia Levicki coming into the side.
