Western Bulldogs v Carlton
7.05pm (AEDT), Friday, February 23
VU Whitten Oval

THE WESTERN Bulldogs and Carlton will be without captain Katie Brennan and forward Tayla Harris respectively on Friday night.

Both teams are looking to bounce back after registering their first losses of the season last weekend.

The Dogs could not beat a resurgent Adelaide in a thriller at Norwood Oval, with star midfielder Emma Kearney believing the team needs to focus on itself and back in its attacking style.

"We just try to focus on what we can do," she said.

"We're not too focused on what Carlton are going to be doing. Obviously, they're going to be playing a high-pressure game. We've seen what their defence can do.

"We'll play attacking footy and see how that goes.” 

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Former Dees Jess Anderson and Deanna Berry (both omitted) will miss the clash along with Brennan. Forward Kristen McLeod, defender Laura Bailey and key position rookie Kimberley Rennie come into the team.

The Blues, already missing captain Bri Davey (knee), will need to adjust their team again with Harris' absence.

Stand-in skipper Sarah Hosking predicted the team would improve after a disappointing performance against Brisbane last Saturday.

"Although we ended up getting beaten by a fair amount, there were definitely some positives and things that we can work on as a group," she told carltonfc.com.au.

"We've done that this week and out on the track, and hopefully we can bring that for the Doggies game."

Midfielders Lauren Brazzale (shoulder), Georgia Gee (rested) and Katie-Jayne Grieve (omitted) join Harris on the sidelines.

Defender Natalie Plane, midfielder Madeline Keryk, recently promoted rookie Courtney Webb and former captain Lauren Arnell have been included to face the Dogs.

The clubs are playing in a 'Pride' game recognising LGBTQI communities, with both to wear specially-designed jumpers.

Sarah Hosking will captain Carlton in Bri Davey's absence. Picture: AFL Photos

Brisbane Lions v Fremantle
3.35pm (AEST), Saturday, February 24
South Pine Sports Complex

Brisbane faces Fremantle in search of its first win at home this season.

The Lions' only loss of the year came against the Western Bulldogs at South Pine in round two.

Coach Craig Starcevich believes the condensed nature of the season makes every remaining game a must-win scenario, with the Lions and the Dockers sitting equal first with three other clubs on two wins.

"The nature of the competition has been so even; no games are a given," Starcevich told 3AW’s Sportsday.

"The seven-game season makes every week feel like a final.

"We’ve got five teams at the top (on 2-1). Now it gets down to the nitty-gritty part of the year where you start knocking down challengers."

Brisbane will be without its round three NAB AFLW Rising Star nominee Sophie Casey as she misses with injury, with rookie Gabby Collingwood recalled to take her place.

The Dockers, despite a lacklustre performance in round one, have won two on the trot, against the winless Collingwood and premiership fancy Melbourne.

But they are wary of the Lions, who want to make amends after finishing runner-up last season.

"[It’ll be] a pretty open game. They're a running [focused] … side and so are we," midfielder Hayley Miller said.

"It will be a good challenge for us. They were in the Grand Final last year so they have a point to prove to try and get back.

"But we’re [here] to try and stop them."

Fremantle recalled Stacey Barr after she missed last week's game against the Dees through suspension, with key position player Gemma Houghton making way. 

The Dockers also promoted rookie Jade de Melo to its main list, replacing midfielder Brianna Green, who tore her ACL at training two weeks ago.

Stacey Barr's inclusion boosts the Dockers' chances away from home. Picture: AFL Photos

Melbourne v Collingwood
5.40pm (ACST), Saturday, February 24
TIO Traeger Park 

Melbourne takes on Collingwood in the first NAB AFLW match in Alice Springs.

The Dees, fresh from playing Fremantle in Western Australia, are on a mammoth road trip this week, having remained in Perth before heading to the Northern Territory. They won't return home until Sunday.

Despite losing to the Dockers, coach Mick Stinear believes his team is on the right track heading into the second half of the season.

"[We're] looking to keep improving and not to change too much. Our style of play works for us," he said.

"It's [about] working towards that and priding ourselves on the little things that make the big difference.

"[We're] looking forward to the challenge (against the Pies). I know the group will respond."

Melbourne made two unforced changes, dropping midfielder Emma Humphries and tall Lauren Pearce for key forward Alyssa Mifsud and on-baller Harriet Cordner.

The Demons also promoted rookie defender Anna Teague to the main list, replacing injured midfielder Sarah Lampard.

Collingwood is the only team without a win this season, falling late to Greater Western Sydney last Sunday.

With any aspirations for a Grand Final berth all but dashed, the Pies are looking to regroup on their trip to central Australia.

"A couple of undisciplined acts late in the game cost us (against the Giants)," captain Steph Chiocci said.

"I'm looking forward to getting away with the group. I've never been to the Northern Territory and I know some of the girls haven't been there [either].

"It will be a great experience for us to see the culture."

Sarah D'Arcy returns to the lineup after sitting out the last two games through suspension. The Pies also recalled teenager Sarah Dargan and rookie Holly Whitford. Key defender Tara Morgan and runner Bree White (both omitted) and forward Sophie Casey (suspended) will miss. 

Steph Chiocci and the Pies will look to break their season duck in the Top End. Picture: AFL Photos
 

Greater Western Sydney v Adelaide
4.35pm (AEDT), Sunday, February 25
Blacktown International Sportspark

This one looms as an entertaining encounter after both teams collected their first wins last weekend.

The Giants came from behind against Collingwood to win by 13 points, with midfield duo Alicia Eva and Courtney Gum unstoppable.

The Crows are a different challenge, though, after the return of reigning competition MVP Erin Phillips, who kicked four goals against the Western Bulldogs.

"She has this aura," Eva said on the club's podcast A Club Like No Other.

"When the ball gets near her … you got to do everything to try and nullify her.

"They're up and about (the Crows), but we're coming off a win as well. We're not happy with just one win. We want to take this season as far as it goes."

The Giants have made one confirmed change in their Sunday squad, with forward Louise Stephenson dropped. Midfielders Melissa Freckelton and Maddy Collier, and untried key forward Philippa Smyth, are potential inclusions.

Phillips and the Crows will be hoping they can secure back-to-back wins after dropping their opening two games, to Melbourne and Brisbane.

But coach Bec Goddard said the team is taking each game on its merits for the remainder of the season.

"We did so many things right (against the Dogs) and we will be able to exploit those going into this week," she said.

"You can start talking a lot more positively around the football club. Pretty quickly we turn our focus to going to Sydney for the first time.

"The Giants are performing really well at the moment too so I reckon … [it'll] be a pretty hot contest."

All-Australian defender Courtney Cramey will play her first game this season after missing the opening three with a hamstring injury. Midfielder Angela Foley returns after serving a one-week suspension, while defender Anne Hatchard and on-baller Sophie Armistead are also potential inclusions.

Defender Dayna Cox (suspension) and injured midfielder Rheanna Lugg are the only confirmed outs. 

Erin Phillips and the Crows will be hoping to square the ledger at 2-2. Picture: AFL Photos