Round 2 of the 2024 AFLW season is here.
After a big weekend of footy last to open the season, with upsets, controversy and thumpings, this week is expected to be no different.
The round starts on Friday night with Western Bulldogs taking on Port Adelaide on the MCG, the biggest stage. This will be a huge moment for these women's careers to get the opportunity to play on the holy turf. Playing before the elimination final in the men's competition, the crowd will be building and they will likely be playing in the biggest crowd they have ever played in front of. This will be an opportunity for these talented women to showcase their football on the biggest platform.
Another huge clash this weekend will be between Melbourne and Brisbane. Both teams have won a premiership in the past two years so this game will be at a high level. The Dees had a close win last week over Geelong and the Lions are searching for their first win of the year. Both sides didn't have great games in Round 1, so they will be looking to play more of their styles of football this weekend. This will be a big match on Saturday morning and one of the games to watch this weekend.
Under the radar: Aisling McCarthy
Aisling McCarthy is flying under the radar. The former Gaelic footballer had an impressive first game for her new club Fremantle. The 28-year-old got 24 touches (a career-high), kicked two goals and had 14 tackles, yet somehow did not make the AFLW Team of the Week.
The former Eagle's highest disposal count last year was eight, so she has had a big improvement since switching clubs.
The onballer looks like she will be a huge threat in the midfield this year and one of Fremantle's best in the middle. McCarthy will be out to prove her Round 1 performance was no fluke.
Adelaide's midfield must be mindful of the midfielder or she will do serious damage in the middle of the ground and on the scoreboard.
All eyes are on: Jasmine Garner
All eyes will be on Jasmine Garner this weekend.
Garner is one of the favourites for the best and fairest this year and each season she is going from strength to strength. The midfielder had a strong performance last weekend but it may have not been her most dominant game.
All eyes will be on the superstar this weekend to see what she is capable of. Garner averaged 28 disposals, one goal and seven tackles last season.
Geelong will have their hands full on Sunday afternoon and Garner will be eyeing off a stronger performance than last week so all focus will be on the 76-gamer and what she can produce.
Needs to step up: Breanna Koenen
Brisbane captain Breanna Koenen must step up this weekend. Koenen was best on the ground in last year's Grand Final but last weekend in the GF rematch she only managed five touches in the Lions' 44-point loss to North Melbourne.
This weekend as captain of the Lions, Koenen must step up and put a stronger performance on the line.
If Brisbane what to start competing for their premiership defence they need their captain performing at her best. Brisbane travel to play Melbourne this weekend which won't be an easy challenge, so the 29-year-old must lift as a leader of the club and help get the Lions' season back on track.
Player in hot form: Zarlie Goldsworthy
Zarlie Goldsworthy is in hot form after kicking four goals on the weekend in the Giants' 63-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
The 2023 Rising Star made it into the Round1 1 AFLW Team of the Week with 18 touches and eight tackles to go with her four goals. Goldsworthy is in great form and after a few great games in the VFLW she has set herself up for a strong year in the AFLW.
The youngster is in hot form and Richmond will have a tough task on Sunday trying to stop the dangerous forward.
