Round 5 of the 2024 AFLW season is here.
This week marks the second week of mid-week games, running from Tuesday night through to Sunday.
A big match this weekend will be between in-form sides St Kilda and Fremantle. Both teams have won three games and sit sixth and seventh on the ladder, only divided by percentage. This is a big game for both sides and their 2024 season. It's expected this game will be at a high level of footy, with the Saints and Dockers having a great month of footy. This game will be a close encounter and is anticipated to go down to the wire.
Another huge clash is Sunday afternoon, which sees a blockbuster clash between North Melbourne and Richmond, the battle of the midfield. Both teams have some of the best midfielders in the competition, so this game will be at a high standard. The Kangaroos and Tigers sit third and fourth, respectively, on the ladder, and both have three wins each. This game will be a nail-biter and expected to be fierce from the beginning. The game will be won from the middle, and whoever can have the dominant performance out of Garner or Conti will play a huge shift in the momentum of the game and give their sides an advantage. This is a must-watch match.
Under the radar: Mia King
Mia King is flying under the radar at North Melbourne as she is already a part of an A-class midfield.
King is having a great season, averaging 18.3 disposals, 11.8 tackles and 3.8 clearances. Last week, she recorded a career-best 17 tackles in the win over Port Adelaide.
The 23-year-old is known for her gutsy efforts in the middle and ability to get turnovers through her exceptional tackle pressure.
King is not rewarded as much for her efforts due to being a part of an already classy group of midfielders with the likes of Jasmine Garner and Ash Riddell. King is a bit of a dark horse and threat within the Kangaroo's midfield, as usually all the attention goes to other midfielders.
Richmond must be mindful of Mia King this weekend. Otherwise, she will do some serious damage in the middle and cause havoc with their exceptional tackle pressure.
All eyes are on Monique Conti.
All eyes are on Monique Conti, who has had a great four opening rounds. Conti might not have been at her best in round 2 and round 3, but she still produced solid performances. The 2023 Best and Fairest could be looking at going back-to-back this year after a big match in her 50th AFLW game last weekend, with 33 disposals.
All attention will be on the 24-year-old and if she can go back to back. This Tuesday, the Tigers take on Port Adelaide, which is setting up Conti for a stellar performance.
If Conti has another dominant best-on-ground match, there is no doubt the midfielder will put herself in contention.
No AFLW player has won the Best and Fairest back-to-back, and Erin Phillips is the only player to win it twice.
Needs to step up: Gold Coast AFLW
Gold Coast must step up this weekend after an embarrassing performance last weekend, getting smashed by 69 points against Geelong.
Gold Coast have had a rocky start to the season and hasn't had a win yet, with a very inconsistent month and some big losses. They lost to the Saints by 54 points, a narrow loss to Carlton, a draw with the Giants and a 69-point thumping by Geelong.
The Suns made the finals last year, so this is not the start they would have wanted or capable of. They must step up this weekend when they take on Collingwood. The Magpie's haven't won a game either this season, and looking at both sides, the Suns have a better lineup, so this a must-win game for the Suns.
Player in hot form: Greta Bodey
Greta Bodey is in hot form after kicking six straight goals last weekend. The 29-year-old had her best performance in her career, with 18 disposals, three tackles and six goals.
Bodey is a danger forward in the competition, and with the Hawks one of the exciting teams in the competition, this is a defender's worst nightmare. If Bodey can continue her form, she will go close to a career-high goal tally this season.
The forward will make it very difficult for Geelong's defence on Thursday night, and if they do not keep a close eye on her, she will produce another dominant performance.
