Western Bulldogs v Southern Saints at Victoria University Whitten Oval 

• The Bulldogs bounced back in a big way in round seven and will be looking forward to the opportunity to grab back-to-back wins to keep their finals hopes alive against the Southern Saints. The Dogs join Williamstown and North Melbourne on two wins, with the Saints sitting in sixth with three wins. The Saints will want to bolster their finals chances with a win to stay inside the top six.
• Alice Burke had a day out for the Saints last week, tallying the most disposals of the round with her 35, also grabbing seven marks and six rebound 50s. If she can continue to find the footy it’ll help her side get over the line.

Port Melbourne v Casey Demons at ETU Stadium 

• Port Melbourne kept its unbeaten run alive in a come-from-behind win against the Blues at home, while Casey Demons notched their fourth win of the season. Round seven showed the Borough aren’t invincible and the Demons may see this as an opportunity to hand them their first loss of the season.
• Imogen Milford was the difference for Casey last round with her six goals from 16 disposals, applying plenty of pressure in the forward half with nine tackles as well. She’ll be key inside forward 50 for the Demons this weekend.

 Darebin v Geelong at Bill Lawry Oval

• Darebin will be looking to take itself off the bottom of the ladder with a win against Geelong. The Cats are currently sitting in fourth with five wins and two losses, just behind Essendon on percentage. Darebin has shown it can win after upsetting North Melbourne in round six and the added experience to the Falcons list in the last few weeks could be a factor against a young Cats side.
• Five of Geelong’s top six disposal getters in the win over North were 20 or younger. Laura Gardiner has been the pick of the bunch recently, showing her ability at the contest winning 27 disposals (12 contested) and laying 11 tackles against the Roos.

 Hawthorn v Williamstown at Box Hill City Oval

• Both Hawthorn and Williamstown desperately need a win to keep their small chances of a finals berth alive. Hawthorn hasn’t won a game since round two and the Seagulls’ last win came against the Western Bulldogs four weeks ago. The Hawks’ recent strong recruiting should give them the edge over Williamstown.
• Kristy Stratton is one such recruit for Hawthorn. One of the original Hawks in 2017, Stratton returns after not being offered a contract with Collingwood for 2022. In her first game back in brown-and-gold Stratton impressed with 16 disposals, five tackles, five clearances and a goal.

Essendon v Collingwood at The Hangar

• Second meets third in this top-of-the-table clash at The Hangar. Like Port Melbourne, Collingwood is undefeated this season and sits just under the Borough on percentage. Essendon has strung together some impressive form the last few matches, only losing to ladder-leaders Port in the last five weeks. The Bombers will be confident they can hand the Pies their first loss and stay in the top four.
• Mia-Rae Clifford’s experience has been on show the last few weeks for the Bombers. She has kicked at least one goal in five of her seven games this season, appearing in the best for her efforts last week against Williamstown.

North Melbourne v Carlton at Arden Street 

• This shapes as a must-win game for both North Melbourne and Carlton to keep their finals hopes alive beyond this round. North only has two wins, but with a win and other results falling their way, could leapfrog a few teams into seventh. The Blues sit just outside the top six with three wins for the season and will be feeling extra confident after almost knocking off ladder leaders Port Melbourne last round and having already accounted for the Roos in round four.
• Carlton’s prospective father/daughter pick Olivia Madden, whose father is dual premiership ruckman Justin Madden, has been a key part of the Blues this VFLW season. She has been building all season and played one of her best games to date in the close loss to Port Melbourne.