Tune in to Episode 17 of State of Play: VFL/W Podcast, featuring Carlton VFLW star Christina Bernardi and Footscray Bulldogs captain Lachie Sullivan.

Hosts Joe Pignataro and Lucy Watkin take you inside the Smithy's VFL and rebel VFLW competitions, recapping the action from the round and looking ahead to what’s in store this weekend.

As part of this week's edition of State of Play: VFL/W Podcast

1:00 - Weekend review from Week One of the rebel VFLW Finals Series and Round 16 of the Smithy's VFL.

10:15 - Carlton VFLW captain Christina Bernardi discusses her side's come-from-behind win over Williamstown in the first elimination final. The Blues star also talks about her return from a nasty arm injury and balancing her football commitments with her role as a school teacher.

18:10 - In-form Footscray skipper Lachie Sullivan chats about the Bulldogs' red-hot form which has seen them win their past five matches to rocket back into finals contention. Sullivan also discusses the challenges his side has had to endure this year without a permanent home base due to redevelopment work at Whitten Oval.

29:00 - Joe and Lucey give their weekend predictions ahead of a massive weekend across both competitions, which includes the rebel VFLW semi finals and six matches in Round 17 of the Smithy's VFL.

Listen to the full episode below and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.