After round nine Carlton is still in the 2021 VFLW finals race. Picture: AFL Photos

Hawthorn v Darebin at Box Hill City Oval

  • Hawthorn and Darebin kick off round ten and it’ll be two very different sides to the ones who met way back in round three. Last time Bec Goddard had her first win as Hawthorn coach, but the Hawks have only added one victory since and will be keen to get a third on the board. For the Falcons it’s an opportunity to lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder with a win in the battle of the birds.
  • Alison Drennan returned to VFLW in round nine for the Hawks after finishing up at the Gold Coast Suns for the AFLW season. Drennan had an immediate impact, winning plenty of the footy and applying a lot of pressure. She is an experienced player and a good ‘in’ for the young Hawks list.

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Western Bulldogs v Carlton at Victoria University Whitten Oval

  • Carlton and the Western Bulldogs both sit outside the top six on three wins apiece, only kept out by the Southern Saints who have four. The Bulldogs’ winning streak came to a crashing halt against a rampant Geelong side, while Carlton was also soundly beaten in round nine. With more AFLW experience filtering into both the Dogs and Blues sides expect this to be a more even contest then their round nine match ups.
  • Abbie McKay played her first game of VFLW this year after coming off a personal best AFLW season with the Blues. McKay, who worked hard on her fitness in 2020, led her side for disposals, tackles and clearances against Essendon. They’ll be counting on her to bring that again against the strong Dogs midfield.

Geelong v Essendon at Deakin University Waurn Ponds

  • Third comes up against fourth in what could be the match-up of the round. Geelong is one of the in-form teams of the competition with a five-match winning streak and they are also coming off a record-breaking win against the Bulldogs. Essendon also had a convincing win over Carlton in round nine, but will need to be at its best to beat the Cats who sit above the Bombers in third.
  • Essendon captain Georgia Nanscawen returned after missing two games due to a calf injury and picked up where she left off. Her work at the stoppages was particularly impressive, winning seven clearances and often breaking away at centre bounces to send the ball straight inside 50. Her tackle pressure will be particularly important against a young but talented Geelong midfield.

North Melbourne v Collingwood at Arden Street

  • North Melbourne faces one of their toughest tests of the season, coming up against ladder leaders Collingwood. The Roos are one of three teams just outside the six on three wins, so to get their fourth against the undefeated Magpies would send a statement to the competition. The Pies however have been bolstered by some strong inclusions up forward that could trouble the North defence.
  • Collingwood AFLW listed players Abbi Moloney and Sophie Alexander got plaudits for their performances against Williamstown in round nine, but equally as good was Matilda Zander. The South Australian’s form has been building each week and culminated in a three-goal performance against the Seagulls.
Teammates get around Abbi Moloney after Collingwood's VFLW win in round six, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

Port Melbourne v Southern Saints at ETU Stadium

  • It didn’t take long for Port Melbourne to return to the winners list after its first loss of the season in round eight. The Southern Saints fought hard to take down Hawthorn in round nine, and in doing so went a game clear in sixth spot. It will be tough, but if the Saints can defeat the Borough they will be able to continue to hold off the teams still fighting for a finals spot.
  • Claudia Whitfort returned for the Saints against the Hawks and was pivotal in the win. She had 19 disposals, a goal, six clearances and five tackles in a hard-fought game.

Williamstown v Casey Demons at Downer Oval

  • Casey Demons are finishing the season strongly, having knocked off Port Melbourne and North Melbourne convincingly the last two weeks. Williamstown hasn’t faired as well, losing its last five games and slipping to eleventh on the ladder. The Demons are now the highest-scoring side in the competition with Alyssa Bannan and Imogen Milford becoming a formidable duo inside 50 that will be a handful for the Williamstown defence.
  • This week Williamstown announced a partnership with the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFLW team that will have GWS players coming into the Seagulls’ lineup over the coming weeks. With the reinforcements on their way, Williamstown will be looking to turn its season around.