AFLW reveals final three rounds: See the fixture, teams and expert tips for Round 6
Madison Prespakis will return from suspension, but a key Blue has been rested for Carlton’s game against Geelong. AFLW TEAMS
AFLW
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFLW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The AFL has moved a significant step closer to finishing the AFLW season after releasing its final three rounds on Thursday afternoon.
The league has had to chop and change in the run as COVID restrictions closed off state border closures.
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE ROUND 6 SATURDAY TEAMS
But if all runs to plan West Coast and St Kilda will close out the season on Sunday, March 28 when they do battle in Perth.
Watch every match of the 2021 NAB AFLW Competition LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >
Round 7
Friday, March 12
Gold Coast v Richmond (Metricon) 7.40pm
Saturday, March 13
St. Kilda v GWS (RSEA Park) 3.10pm
North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs (North Hobart Oval) 5.10pm
Melbourne v Adelaide Crows (Casey Fields) 7.10pm
Sunday, March 14
Carlton v Fremantle (Ikon Park) 1.10pm
Brisbane v Collingwood (Hickey Park) 3.10pm
West Coast v Geelong Cats (Mineral Resources Park) 5.10pm
Round 8
Friday, March 19
Gold Coast v Carlton (Metricon Stadium) 5.10pm
Saturday, March 20
Geelong Cats v GWS (GMHBA Stadium) 1.10pm
Collingwood v St Kilda (Victoria Park) 3.10pm
Brisbane Lions v North Melbourne (The Gabba) 5.10pm
Sunday, March 21
Richmond v West Coast (Swinburne Centre) 12.40pm
Adelaide v Western Bulldogs (Norwood Oval) 4.10pm
Fremantle v Melbourne (Fremantle Oval) 6.10pm
Round 9
Friday, March 26
Western Bulldogs v Richmond (Whitten Oval) 5.10pm
Saturday, March 27
North Melbourne v Fremantle (Arden Street) 1.10pm
Melbourne v Brisbane Lions (Casey Fields) 3.10pm
Gold Coast v Geelong Cats (Metricon Stadium) 5.10pm
Sunday, March 28
Adelaide Crows v Collingwood (Norwood Oval) 12.40pm
GWS v Carlton (Venue TBC) 4.10pm
West Coast v St. Kilda (Mineral Resources Park) 6.10pm
ROUND 6 TEAMS
SUNDAY, MARCH 7
CARLTON V GEELONG
Ikon Park, 12.40pm AEDT
BLUES
B: V.Laloifi 8 M.Guerin 18
HB: C.Wilson 20 K.Harrington - C 9 G.Pound 6
C: G.Gee 19 M.Prespakis 4 L.Brazzale 12
HF: K.Loynes 2 N.Stevens 21 D.Vescio 3
F: M.Hill 10 S.Gibbs 33
Foll: B.Moody 16 A.McKay 5 L.McEvoy 13
I/C: G.Egan 1 J.Hosking 11 E.O’Dea 46 N.Plane 32 A.Downie 30
Emerg: J.Edwards 25 C.Hammans 17
In: M.Prespakis, K.Loynes
Out: T.Harris (managed), D.Walker (managed)
GEELONG
B: M.Brown 19 M.McMahon 24
HB: J.Ivey 5 M.McDonald - C 11 D.Taylor 28
C: S.Van De Heuvel 27 R.Webster 21 G.Rankin 10
HF: D.Higgins 2 P.McWilliams 23 D.Moloney 4
F: O.Barber 15 R.Cranston 30
Foll: A.O’Connor 14 A.McDonald 3 J.Crockett-Grills 6
I/C: R.Goring 44 M.Keryk 45 R.Garing 12 R.Caris 1 N.Garner 22
Emerg: L.Gardiner 18 M.Boyd 26
In: D.Moloney, O.Barber, R.Caris
Out: M.Boyd (omitted), O.Purcell (knee), S.Williams (omitted)
COLLINGWOOD V WESTERN BULLDOGS
Victoria Park, 2.40pm AEDT
MAGPIES
B: L.Butler 23 S.Casey 22
HB: S.Chiocci 17 S.Livingstone 12 J.Allen 6
C: R.Schleicher 18 J.Lambert 13 M.Cann 25
HF: A.Sheridan 14 S.Alexander 24 J.Lin 20
F: C.Molloy 2 A.Moloney 40
Foll: S.Norder 1 B.Davey - C 3 B.Bonnici 8
I/C: A.Porter 9 A.Newman 16 T.Brown 26 E.O’Dea 50 E.Fowler 15
Emerg: B.Smith 19 M.Shevlin 35
In: A.Moloney
Out: J.Membrey (knee)
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: N.Ferres 16 E.Gamble 14
HB: A.Guest 19 K.Lynch 10 E.Brown 9
C: S.Hartwig 15 E.Blackburn - C 2 B.Hunt 21
HF: E.Georgostathis 17 I.Huntington 4 B.Lochland 1
F: B.Toogood 8 K.McLeod 6
Foll: K.Rennie 24 J.Fitzgerald 23 K.Lamb 27
I/C: D.Marshall 26 C.Moody 13 H.Scott 22 I.Pritchard 20 G.Newton 5
Emerg: B.Gutknecht 18 G.Lagioia 12
In: I.Pritchard
Out: D.Berry (knee)
WEST COAST V FREMANTLE
Optus Stadium, 1.40pm AWST
EAGLES
B: A.Ward 33 C.Perera 27
HB: M.Collier 8 L.Gauci 26 C.Guard 4
C: M.Bowen 1 A.McCarthy 11 I.Lewis 6
HF: A.Atkins 9 I.Cameron 19 M.Caulfield 10
F: K.Gibson 2 G.Kelly 15
Foll: P.Laurie 25 E.Swanson - C 13 H.Bullas 24
I/C: N.Kelly 12 A.Janz 37 K.Orme 32 B.Smith 14 D.Liddle 23
Emerg: K.Pope 29 S.Davison 28
In: C.Guard, A.McCarthy
Out: T.Bresland (injured), K.Pope (omitted)
DOCKERS
B: A.Stannett 4 J.Cuthbertson 29
HB: M.Sergeant 23 E.O’Driscoll 3 L.Pugh 32
C: E.Antonio 12 J.Stewart 7 S.Cain 20
HF: K.Antonio - C 15 R.Roux 17 G.O’Sullivan 22
F: G.Houghton 27 S.Verrier 5
Foll: M.Strom 21 K.Bowers 2 H.Miller 19
I/C: M.Hyde 28 T.Haynes 33 P.Seth 18 S.Duffy 6 K.Grieve 13
Emerg: B.Webb 26 A.Sharp 1
In: M.Hyde, K.Grieve
Out: B.Webb (omitted), A.Sharp (omitted)
SATURDAY, MARCH 6
GWS v BRISBANE
Manuka Oval, 3.10pm AEDT
GIANTS
B: G.Garnett 17 P.Randall 21
HB: A.Lister 14 L.Steane 20 J.Dal Pos 7
C: E.Bennetts 22 B.Tully 36 A.Eva - C 2
HF: H.Zreika 24 C.Staunton 13 K.Smith 4
F: T.Davies 16 A.Schmidt 11
Foll: E.McKinnon 23 A.Parker 3 R.Beeson 6
I/C: L.Graham 37 J.Allan 39 E.Goodsir 1 T.Mackrill 32 N.Barr 8
Emerg: E.Todd 25 J.Hicks 5
In: L.Steane, A.Schmidt, L.Graham
Out: T.Evans (omitted), R.Privitelli (omitted), L.Stephenson (omitted)
LIONS
B: S.Campbell 20 N.Grider 10
HB: E.Zielke - C 8 K.Lutkins 13 B.Koenen 3
C: O.O’Dwyer 9 C.Svarc 25 S.Conway 12
HF: G.Bodey 15 D.Davidson 14 C.Hodder 21
F: J.Wardlaw 30 L.Arnell 16
Foll: T.Hickie 24 I.Dawes 17 E.Bates 1
I/C: J.Ellenger 5 A.Anderson 18 J.Wuetschner 23 I.Tahau 26 T.Smith 31
Emerg: M.Moloney 28 R.Lugg 11
No changes
ADELAIDE V GOLD COAST
Norwood Oval, 5.10pm AEDT
CROWS
B: N.Gore 7 M.Rajcic 32
HB: N.Allen 8 S.Allan 39 S.Thompson 14
C: J.Mules 23 A.Hatchard 33 A.Foley 3
HF: H.Button 6 C.Randall - C 26 R.Martin 5
F: E.Phillips 13 A.Woodland 24
Foll: R.Metcalfe 11 E.Marinoff 10 C.Scheer 4
I/C: L.Whiteley 22 D.Varnhagen 9 T.Charlton 25 A.Considine 16 D.Ponter 15
Emerg: C.Gould 1 J.Sedunary 19
In: R.Martin, R.Metcalfe, D.Varnhagen, A.Considine
Out: C.Gould (omitted), J.Sedunary (omitted), E.Jones (injured), H.Munyard (injured)
SUNS
B: D.Heslop 25 J.Pregelj 42
HB: E.Keaney 30 L.Ahrens 7 C.Hammond 29
C: K.Howarth 23 A.Drennan 33 D.D’Arcy 20
HF: L.Single 13 H.Dunn - C 24 P.Parker 1
F: T.Groves-Little 3 S.Virgo 22
Foll: L.Bella 2 S.Watson 14 J.Stanton 17
I/C: J.Hickey 4 L.Kaslar 11 W.Randell 15 S.Riley 8 K.Surman 26
Emerg: J.Baird 18 B.Perry 16
In: T.Groves-Little, S.Virgo, L.Kaslar
Out: M.Levi (knee), S.Perkins (knee), G.Bevan (shin)
MELBOURNE V ST KILDA
at Casey Fields, 7.10pm AEDT
DEMONS
B: G.Colvin 32 L.Birch 9
HB: D.Pearce - C 6 S.Lampard 8 B.Tarrant 20
C: C.Sherriff 18 M.Gay 3 E.McNamara 22
HF: J.Parry 19 K.Hore 10 S.Scott 12
F: E.Zanker 29 S.Heath 30
Foll: L.Pearce 15 K.Paxman 4 T.Hanks 5
I/C: C.Emonson 11 L.Magee 26 L.Mithen 14 T.Cunningham 1 A.Bannan 16
Emerg: N.McEvoy 17 M.Fitzsimon 24
In: B.Tarrant, L.Magee
Out: S.Goldrick (injured), N.McEvoy (omitted)
SAINTS
B: T.Lucas-Rodd 18 A.Brown 2
HB: J.Van Dyk 36 B.Jakobsson 8 T.White 29
C: C.Phillips 35 H.Priest 14 T.Meyer 34
HF: D.Guttridge 5 N.Exon 15 C.Greiser 17
F: K.McCarthy 9 K.Shierlaw 12
Foll: R.Watt - C 7 G.Patrikios 21 T.Smith 6
I/C: T.Luke 22 C.Whitfort 4 I.Shannon 11 R.Dillon 25 N.von Bertouch 28
Emerg: A.Burke 3 P.Kelly 16
In: N.Exon, K.McCarthy
Out: R.Saulitis (omitted), J.Vogt (injured)
RICHMOND v NORTH MELBOURNE
Friday, March 5, 5.10pm
TIGERS
B R.Miller 15 H.Cordner 23
HB S.D’Arcy 12 P.Monahan 2 I.Ross 21
C H.Burchell 9 S.Hosking 7 T.Lavey 37
HF C.Wakefield 8 E.McKenzie 22 K.Brennan – C 3
F T.Stahl 24 S.Frederick 14
R G.Seymour 28 K.Jacques 10 M.Conti 4
Inter. A.Makur Chuot 34 K.Dempsey 19 S.Dargan 17 S.Molan 1 M.Brancatisano 5
Emer. C.Bernardi 6 L.McClelland 16
ROOS
B D.Hardiman 31 T.Randall 16
HB N.Bresnehan 12 J.Duffin 27 A.Gilroy 8
C K.Ashmore 10 E.Kearney – C 9 J.Bruton 35
HF D.Bateman 11 G.Campbell 43 I.Eddey 3
F G.Hammond 44 S.Abbatangelo 1
R E.King 60 J.Garner 25 A.Riddell 7
Inter. D.Bannister 2 K.Gillespie-Jones 5 J.Grierson 19 E.Gavalas 22 M.King 23
Emer. A.O’Loughlin 6 B.Lynch 20
ROUND 6 TIPS
Sunday looms as a huge clash for the Western Bulldogs, with a chance at joining Collingwood in top spot on the AFLW ladder.
There’s just one problem …
They’ll have to be the first team to break down the Pies, who have started the season with an incredible five straight wins.
Similarly, if the she can get her side up, Bulldog Ellie Blackburn will join News Corp footy scribe Matthew Turner on top of this year’s expert tipping competition, as that as the only tip they differ on this round.
Matt Turner 29
North Melbourne 5
Brisbane Lions 10
Adelaide 15
Melbourne 7
Carlton 12
Collingwood 2
Fremantle 4
Last Week 5
Ellie Blackburn 28
North Melbourne
Brisbane Lions
Adelaide
Melbourne
Carlton
Western Bulldogs
Fremantle
Last Week 5
Ebony Marinoff 27
North Melbourne
Brisbane Lions
Adelaide
Melbourne
Carlton
Collingwood
Fremantle
Last Week 6
Glenn McFarlane 27
North Melbourne 21
Brisbane Lions 20
Adelaide 29
Melbourne 13
Carlton 19
Collingwood 12
Fremantle 12
Last Week 6
Liz Walsh 27
North Melbourne, 12
Brisbane Lions 18
Adelaide 52
Melbourne 17
Carlton 45
Collingwood 14
Fremantle 28
Last Week 6
Chris Cavanagh 26
North Melbourne 18
Brisbane Lions 18
Adelaide 24
Melbourne 12
Carlton 24
Collingwood 6
Fremantle 24
Last Week 6
Kate Salemme 26
North Melbourne 17
Brisbane Lions 15
Adelaide 23
Melbourne 7
Carlton 18
Collingwood 9
Fremantle 21
Last Week 6
Rebecca Williams 26
North Melbourne 9
Brisbane Lions 7
Adelaide 12
Melbourne 10
Carlton 14
Collingwood 14
Fremantle 12
Last Week 5
Dan Andrews 25
Richmond 10
Brisbane Lions 5
Adelaide 20
St Kilda 10
Carlton 10
Western Bulldogs 20
West Coast 10
Last Week 6
Michael O’Brien 24
North Melbourne 2
Brisbane Lions 8
Adelaide 20
Melbourne 14
Carlton 15
Collingwood 4
Fremantle 10
Last Week 5
Mark Robinson 24
North Melbourne 11
Brisbane Lions 18
Adelaide 12
Melbourne 21
Carlton 31
Collingwood 15
Fremantle 22
Last Week 5
Kate McCarthy 23
North Melbourne
Brisbane Lions
Adelaide
St Kilda
Carlton
Collingwood
Fremantle
Last Week 5
Sarah Jones 21
North Melbourne 28
Brisbane Lions 13
Adelaide 21
Melbourne 3
Carlton 19
Collingwood 17
Fremantle 33
Last Week 5
Darcy Vescio 20
Richmond
Brisbane Lions
Adelaide
St Kilda
Carlton
Collingwood
Fremantle
Last Week 3
Kiss of Death 8
Richmond 13
GWS Giants 13
Gold Coast 13
St Kilda 13
Geelong 13
Western Bulldogs 13
West Coast 13
Last Week 1
KNEE BLOW FOR ‘HEARTBROKEN’ AFLW CULT HERO
Gold Coast Suns star and AFLW cult hero Sarah Perkins says she is “heartbroken” after scans confirmed a season-ending knee injury.
Perkins hobbled from the field after a collision during the second quarter of last Sunday’s match against West Coast, with the Suns saying on Wednesday that their star recruit had suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury.
A 2017 All-Australian and premiership player with Adelaide, it is Perkins’ first season with Gold Coast.
She had spent her first three years with the Crows before crossing to Melbourne for the 2020 season.
“Just like that Season 1 as a Sun is over,” Perkins wrote on Instagram.
“Heartbroken that I don’t get to finish out the season with my sisters but it’s just a little hurdle for me to jump over.”
Perkins’ news comes after Collingwood’s Jordan Membrey and Geelong’s Olivia Purcell both suffered ACL ruptures last weekend.
Suns coach David Lake said while Perkins would be missed on the field, she would still contribute plenty off the field despite the injury.
“I’d like to think that when we brought Perko on board we brought on Perko the package and she’s brought so much else to the group,” Lake said.
“She’ll be in a splint for a bit but I think she’ll contribute in so many other ways and I’ll look to cash in on that.”
The Suns sit winless from five matches in 13th place on the AFLW ladder, ahead of only Geelong.
NEW STUDY TO TACKLE INJURY RATES IN WOMEN’S FOOTY
– Nick Smart
A new study looking at injury rates in women’s community football throughout Victoria will push to recruit thousands of players as part of a groundbreaking new project.
The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has partnered with the AFLW, La Trobe University and Medibank to evaluate rates of concussion and knee injuries in thousands of women and girls over the age of 16 who play Aussie rules.
The project will be led by physiotherapists Prof Kay Crossley and researcher Brooke Patterson, a former AFLW player and current development coach at Melbourne.
They head a team, including Demons AFLW players Libby Birch and Sarah Lampard, which are “non-stop” calling local coaches in a bid to recruit as many to the study as possible.
They’ll be collecting injury data over the next two years.
It comes as knee injuries in the AFLW continue to cause concern in 2021, with three players suffering ACL tears last weekend.
Concussion and knee injuries occur at a higher rate in the AFLW than in other elite female ball sports, and the AFLW 2020 injury report showed knee injuries had increased from the 2019 season.
“We’re trying to recruit 3500 players from 150 to 200 community teams, so I think just to get that breadth of information is going to then be able to give us really good data to even look at nationwide,” Patterson said.
“We’ll have a really good picture of what the injury rates are at community level to then be able to best direct the resources.
“If we find out, for example, the main problem for under-16’s is concussion then the focus for the coaches is your ground ball technique and your tackling technique.
“If the main issue is the knees for the under-18’s then at community level they’ve got limited time, so the more targeted they can potentially will be really good for community clubs.
“And our project part of it is not only collecting the data but sending in local physios to deliver coach workshops.
“Connecting people with their local community I think will also help create some connection there and hopefully it continues beyond just the project.”
The project is now recruiting U16 to U19 and senior women’s teams for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Coaches, sports trainers, team managers and club administrators are urged to contact the research team by email on prep2play@latrobe.edu.au or by calling 9479 1483.
ROO RUBBED OUT FOR CLEANING UP HARRIS
– Jay Clark
North Melbourne’s Vivien Saad has been suspended for one match for making forceful front-on contact to Carlton star Tayla Harris.
Saad collided with Harris in the second term of the Roos’ 22-point win over the Blues on Saturday.
The incident was graded as medium impact, high contact and careless conduct.
Saad will miss Friday night’s clash against Richmond unless the Roos challenge the match review charge.
Fremantle’s Kiara Bowers can receive a reprimand for tripping Brisbane’s Jessica Wuetschner.
Gold Coast’s Lucy Single was also reprimanded for making forceful front-on contact to West Coast’s Alicia Janz. The incident was graded as careless conduct, low impact and high contact.
Originally published as AFLW reveals final three rounds: See the fixture, teams and expert tips for Round 6
‘Players deserve better’: AFLW needs big ‘reset’
The AFLW needs a significant “reset” ahead of its 10th season, with league headquarters urged to put players back at the top of the priority list and develop a bold 10-year plan for the competition.
Injury-hit Demons stun Crows in Norwood thriller
Struck down by a host of injuries across their team, the Dees have managed to keep their AFLW season alive by pulling off a thrilling victory over the Crows.