Round 3 of the 2024 AFLW season is here.
With only 10 rounds in the season, all matches are critical, with every win, loss and draw mattering.
Sunday afternoon sees a blockbuster clash between Adelaide and Hawthorn, as both sides are undefeated. The Crows and Hawks have been all class this season, with neither team being challenged at all. This match is expected to be fierce and produce a great level of footy. Both sides will be eager to continue their winning streak, and it's anticipated to be a real high-pressure game. This is a must-watch match.
Another huge clash this weekend will be between Melbourne and North Melbourne on Sunday. Both teams have been the standard of the competition in recent years. North Melbourne was looking like premiership favourites after thumping the Lions in round 1; however, they were not as dominant in round 2, drawing with Geelong. Melbourne was able to get over Geelong by 2 points, though they lost to the Lions last week. It's uncommon for both teams to meet in Round 3 after having played the same opponents. This clash is anticipated to be physical and showcase high-quality footy, with a tightly contested match expected to go down to the wire on Sunday afternoon.
Under the radar: Blaithin Mackin
Blaithin Mackin is flying under the radar within the AFLW competition. The midfielder has had a great start to the season, averaging 22 disposals, well above her 14-touch average last season. In round 1, the 25-year-old recorded a career-high with 25 disposals, one goal and three tackles and was critical in the Demons' win over Geelong.
The former Gaelic footballer arrived at Casey Fields in 2022 and has slowly been developing into a dominant midfielder. She flies under the radar as she is already a part of a well-regarded group of mids. Though this weekend Mackin will have a tough challenge against North Melbourne who have some of the best mids in the competition with Jasmine Garner and Ash Riddell.
However, Garner and Riddell should keep an eye on Mackin. While she may not yet be in the conversation as one of the top midfielders, she's made significant strides since last season. If they don't give her their full attention, she could fly under the radar and become a major threat on Sunday.
All eyes are on: Sydney Swans.
All eyes will be on the Swans this weekend and how they cope with losing their co-captain Chloe Molloy for the whole season after she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Molloy is an essential player in Sydney's outfit and her role on and off the field is irreplaceable.
Though the 25-year-old will take on an off-field role, the question remains, how much will her leadership influence the Swans, and what mental toll will it take on the players as they cope with being without their best player for the rest of the season?
The Swans suffered their first loss last weekend without Molloy and looked like a different side, they were lacking a spark. This weekend all eyes will be on the Swans as they host Richmond in regional NSW at Coffs Harbour.
This will be a tough challenge for the side and all attention will be on Sydney and how they bounce back after the loss against the Saints and finding out they will be without their superstar co-captain.
Needs to step up: Georgie Prespakis
Georgie Prespakis must step up this weekend as Geelong searches for their first win. Prespakis is one of the Cats' best midfielders however has been lacking in recent weeks.
The 21-year-old has only averaged 16 disposals this year, well down from her 24 disposal average last year. Prespakis won the Cats AFLW Best and Fairest award last year and was a dominant force in their midfield.
This weekend is a huge clash for the Cats and their 2024 season, and Prespakis must lift this weekend. The 21-year-old needs to increase her clearances and inside 50 entries this weekend.
Prespakis can be one of the best in the league in the midfield though in rounds 1 and 2, the midfielder has been far from this.
Player in hot form: Jesse Wardlaw
Jesse Wardlaw is in hot form and a player to watch this weekend. The forward is averaging 13 disposals and 1.5 goals this year.
Wardlaw has been crucial for the Saints this year and played a huge role in them being undefeated this year. The key forward has elite pressure and knows how to convert on the scoreboard.
Wardlaw has given the Saints a new look-forward line this season and will be pivotal for the rest of the year.
The 24-year-old is on track to kick a career-high goals this season if she can surpass her 22 goals in 2022.
Essendon's defence this weekend must be mindful of the in-form forward, otherwise, if they give her too much space or lack concentration for a second, Wardlaw will cause damage.
