ROUND nine signals the beginning of Pride Round, one of the staples of the AFLW calendar.

The Western Bulldogs will kick things off with a huge celebration on Friday night against the Bombers, but there are plenty of other matches to look forward to as the finals race heats up. 

Gold Coast will host Melbourne in Mackay as it looks to stamp its finals credentials, while Fremantle will look to give its own finals aspirations a boost when it takes on mission impossible against North Melbourne on Sunday. 

Hawthorn will host Brisbane at Dingley in Kaitlyn Ashmore’s 100th AFLW match, before the round closes with a mouth-watering match between Sydney and Carlton.

Here’s who and what to look out for across round nine as well as a tip for each match.

Western Bulldogs v Essendon, Mission Whitten Oval
Friday, October 9, 7.15pm AEDT

Last time: Western Bulldogs 10.7 (67) d. Essendon 1.4 (10), R9 2025

What it means

The Western Bulldogs have been one of the biggest risers in 2026 and with a win-loss record of 6-2, are well placed for a finals tilt under Tam Hyett this year. Isabelle Pritchard is leading from the front as co-captain, but they’ve got plenty of contributors each and every week which makes them a dangerous outfit. Their final three matches come against tough opposition, so they’ll get a good gauge of where they’re at sooner rather than later.

The Bombers claimed their first win of 2026 in round eight, coming from behind to beat the Giants. It was a great reward for Natalie Wood’s side, who have been under the pump this year after losing their first seven games of the season. Maddy Prespakis continues to thrive, while some magnet moves also unlocked a second half fightback in which the Dons played with dare and freedom. 

Players to watch

The Bulldogs are a completely different outfit when ruck Alice Edmonds is up and firing. Edmonds has had to deal with a back injury at various stages this year, but was at her best in tough conditions against the Saints in Ballarat. Edmonds polled eight coaches’ votes and controlled the game at stoppage, regularly giving her midfield first use. If the Dogs are to give the finals a shake, they’ll need her at her best.

Veteran Maddi Gay turned the tide for Essendon on the weekend. Having plied her trade in defence recently, Gay was swung into the midfield against the Giants to great effect. Her experience around the contest and ball use was a real asset to the on-ball brigade. She was even able to sneak forward to kick her first goal since 2023.

Tip: Western Bulldogs by 17 points

St Kilda v Collingwood, RSEA Park
Saturday, October 10, 1.05pm AEDT

Last time: St Kilda 5.5 (35) d. Collingwood 1.6 (12), R9 2025

What it means

The Saints are the only winless side left in the competition and couldn’t have been much more disappointing against the Bulldogs last week. The Saints were on track for a slice of unwanted history having failed to register a score up until the dying stages of the game when they snuck through a behind. Despite an extensive injury list and tough weather conditions, it was one of the most uninspiring performances of the season. 

The Pies have also struggled in 2026, sitting 17th on the ladder with a win-loss record of 1-7. It feels as though they have turned a bit of a corner in recent weeks and they weren’t blown out of the water by Melbourne last week either. Pleasingly for supporters, they’ve been able to execute their plans better in the past month or so. 

Players to watch

Nick Dal Santo has shifted veteran Jaimee Lambert back into the midfield mix in recent weeks. With Liv Vesely sidelined with an injury, Lambert has added some grunt around the ball, supporting the likes of Tyanna Smith and Ash Richards.

Ash Centra is going to be something special. The young Pie was brilliant against the Dees in round eight, amassing 30 disposals and seven clearances against a seasoned opposition. Centra’s ability to impact the game both at the coalface and inside 50 makes her one of the most promising youngsters in the competition. The future is bright for the round eight Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominee. 

Tip: Collingwood by seven points

Port Adelaide v West Coast, Alberton Oval
Saturday, October 10, 2.35pm ACDT

Last time: West Coast 10.4 (64) d. Port Adelaide 7.3 (45), R4 2025

What it means

The Power caused a boilover in the Showdown last week, prevailing over an up-and-down Adelaide side. After four straight losses, it was a welcome return to form for Glenn Strachan’s side. Their finals hopes remain alive, but they’ve just been too patchy and inconsistent throughout the campaign this year. They’ll back themselves to win each of their last four games though and stranger things have happened. 

The Eagles have clicked after a horror start, winning four straight games to turn their season around. Daisy Pearce’s side have made sure that their destiny remains in their own hands, but their month home isn’t exactly easy. After the Power this week, the Eagles play three fellow finals hopefuls in Geelong, Sydney and Hawthorn.

Players to watch

Abbey Dowrick became a back-to-back Showdown medallist after another strong outing against the Crows last week. A player who thrives on the big stage, Dowrick also polled the maximum ten coaches’ votes for her performance. She’s tough, works hard both ways and loves the contest. 

Another week, another outstanding performance from Eagles star Ella Roberts. The West Coast midfielder is putting together another great season and is currently fourth in the coaches’ votes for 2026, just 14 behind clubhouse leader Jasmine Garner. She finds plenty of the footy, tackles hard and loves to hit the scoreboard.

Tip: West Coast by five points

Geelong v Greater Western Sydney, GMHBA Stadium
Saturday, October 10, 5.05pm AEDT

Last time: Geelong 11.6 (72) d. Greater Western Sydney 6.9 (45), R9 2025

What it means

The Cats have been one of the competition’s big risers in 2026 and new coach Mick Stinear has been able to get the most out of his side. The Cats are sitting pretty in third place on the AFLW ladder right now, but it’s hard to know just how close they are to the top teams given they haven’t really been tested recently. The Cats have a plethora of weapons on each and every line, which means they’re a very difficult side to play against. 

It feels as though the Giants are spluttering towards the end of their campaign. Despite a strong start against winless Essendon in round eight, Cam Bernasconi’s side was unable to wrestle back momentum in the second half and were put away by the Bombers. While they’ve been competitive in most games, it’s been another tough season for those in the orange and charcoal. 

Players to watch

Could Georgie Prespakis claim this year’s comptition Best and Fairest award? She’ll certainly be in the mix. According to AFL.com.au’s W Awards Predictor, the star Cat has polled 19 votes already this season, ranked second in the competition. Prespakis is thriving under Stinear, playing to her strengths as one of the League’s top performers. 

The Giants are a far better side when Zarlie Goldsworthy is in the team. After an injury-plagued start to 2026, Goldsworthy returned against the Bombers in what was a sight for sore eyes for Giants fans. The star Giant spent plenty of time forward and was on managed minutes in that clash, recording 11 disposals, six tackles and three clearances. She’ll no doubt be better for the run and will look to build in the final month of the year. 

Tip: Geelong by 47 points

Richmond v Adelaide, Ikon Park
Saturday, October 10, 7.15pm AEDT

Last time: Richmond 8.10 (58) d. Adelaide 6.11 (47), R8 2025

What it means

The Tigers were really competitive in the first half last week against Geelong, but were ultimately outclassed as the game wore on. They’ve really missed the presence of gun midfielder Monique Conti in the on-ball brigade, while the rebuilding side don’t have the same level of starpower across the ground as other sides do. Having said that, there’s been plenty to like about the way the Tigers have gone about things in their first year under new coach Jarrad Donders. 

The Crows have had some really pleasing performances this year, but they’ve also had some pretty flattening ones. Ryan Davis’ side currently sit 12th on the AFLW ladder with a win-loss record of 3-5 and with games against three of the top four on the way home, it’s tough to see them turning things around consistently enough to make the top eight. It’s been a year of transition after such a significant player and staff turnover, so there will no doubt have been plenty of learnings. 

Players to watch

The way that Isabel Bacon goes about her footy is so admirable. Bacon has received more midfield minutes this year under Donders and has taken to the role like a duck to water. The former Sandringham Dragon is a great teammate, works hard both ways and is an absolute tackling machine. 

She never really stuffs the stats sheet or puts up huge numbers, but Chelsea Biddell is one of the best defenders in the game and has been for quite some time. She’s so strong in the air and can strike a great balance between negating her opponent and choosing the right time to get in on the action offensively. For a new coach like Davis, being able to rely on someone of Biddell’s calibre down back is such a big win.

Tip: Adelaide by 13 points

Gold Coast v Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef Arena
Saturday, October 10, 7.15pm AEST

Last time: Melbourne 13.15 (93) d. Gold Coast 0.6 (6), R7 2025

What it means

The Suns have been big beneficiaries of a friendly fixture in 2026, but you can only beat what’s in front of you and the Suns have been so impressive this year. Rhyce Shaw’s side are well-placed to have a crack at the top four this year, given they’ll likely go in favourites in every match over the last three rounds. But this week’s clash against the Dees is the real litmus test. How far have Shaw’s side really come this year and can they actually match it against the best?

The Dees are clearly a premiership contender this year and banked another win last week against the struggling Pies, even if it wasn’t the most convincing of their season. New coach Tom Wilson’s got this team in a really strong position, but a trip up north to face the Suns looms as another challenge. A home final and a double chance has to be the goal for the Dees from here. 

Players to watch

Charlie Rowbottom has been one of the best players in the competition for a little while now, but she’s really taken her game to another level this year. The star midfielder has always been a great inside midfielder, but she’s become so much more damaging on the outside this year as well. Rowbottom is leading from the front and the young Suns are following her path. 

2026 has seen several players reach that coveted 100 game milestone and last week it was Paxy Paxman’s turn. A great leader and trailblazer in women’s footy, Paxman is an absolute stalwart of the competition and one of the most respected figures in the game. A two-time best and fairest and five-time All-Australian, it’s players like Paxman who have shaped Melbourne’s culture into what it is today.

Tip: Melbourne by 17 points

North Melbourne v Fremantle, Arden Street Oval
Sunday, October 11, 12.35pm AEDT

Last time: Fremantle 2.2 (14) def. by North Melbourne 18.6 (114), R3 2025

What it means

Despite a very minor dip against the Hawks a few weeks back, the Roos have reasserted themselves as the clear competition benchmark in 2026. They’re stacked with talent on every single line and are the most well-drilled and well-coached side in the competition. Injuries have created a bit of a hurdle this year, but good signs like the Roos continue to get the job done. 

The Dockers were outplayed by arch rivals West Coast last week, putting a dent in their finals aspirations for 2026. A healthy percentage works in their favour, but there’s a tough run of fixtures coming for Lisa Webb’s side. The Dockers take on the Roos, Saints, Cats and Swans and probably need to win at least two of those games if they’re to feature in the post-season.

Players to watch

Ash Riddell caught fire the last time these two sides played, racking up 40 disposals, eight tackles, 488 metres gained and a goal. The star midfielder is one of the best midfielders in the competition and has formed a formidable partnership with Jasmine Garner over the years. The beauty of North Melbourne is that they’ve got so many stars who work so well together and Riddell is a massive part of that. 

There’s been a lot to like about Gabby Newton’s 2026 campaign. Newton has solidified herself as one of the most powerful midfielders in the competition and has backed up last year’s maiden All-Australian blazer with another strong season. She’s strong at the contest, great in the air and can play several roles for the Dockers.

Tip: North Melbourne by 37 points

Hawthorn v Brisbane, Kennedy Community Centre
Sunday, October 11, 1.05pm AEDT

Last time: Brisbane 3.11 (29) def. by Hawthorn 4.9 (33), R1 2025

What it means

The Hawks are sitting just outside the eight as things stand, but have proven that their best is good enough to match it with the top teams going around. Daniel Webster’s side have slipped to a season record of 4-4, but will be backing themselves to turn things around this week. Their run home is pretty appealing and the Hawks will likely go in as favourites in every match they play over the last month. They’re still a big threat come finals. 

The Lions’ season is almost over, if it isn’t already. Craig Starcevich’s side have had a tough run this year with injuries and player availability, meaning they have struggled to put together their best footy for long enough periods this year. Sitting at 2-6 for the year, they’ll need a miracle to make finals this season. Having said that, there’s still plenty to take from this season. The likes of Marlo Graham and Asher Fearn-Wannan have made an immediate impact, while others have flourished with added responsibility. 

Players to watch

Hawthorn will have its second 100-gamer this season when Kaitlyn Ashmore runs out onto the field on Sunday afternoon. A consistent, hard-working player who can be used in a number of positions, Ashmore’s leadership in guiding Hawthorn’s youngsters has been crucial under coach Daniel Webster. Fittingly, she’ll bring up the milestone against one of her former sides. 

Belle Dawes would have to be one of Craig Starcevich’s favourite players to coach. She’s as fierce and as tough as they come and in what has been a tricky year for the Lions, her efforts have remained constant. Dawes is a bundle of energy, a good kick and someone who can do damage on both the inside and outside. 

Tip: Hawthorn by 18 points

Sydney v Carlton, Henson Park
Sunday, October 11, 3.05pm AEDT

Last time: Sydney 11.10 (76) d. Carlton 5.7 (37), R9 2025

What it means

Injuries continue to wreak havoc on Sydney’s campaign, but they’ve been so impressive under new coach Colin O’Riordan this year. Every time someone goes down, someone else stands up and that’s the sign of a really strong side, who are setting themselves up for a prolonged period of sustained success. How far they can go this year remains to be seen, but with a record of 6-2, they’ve put themselves in contention for a top four spot.

After two losses in a row mid-season to the Roos and Dees, the Blues have rediscovered some good form in recent weeks to move to 6-2 as well. Similarly to the Swans, Carlton’s depth has been tested at different stages this year and more often than not they’ve had players step up to fill the void. It feels as though they’re well and truly in the mix to return to the preliminary final stage again this year, but how they navigate some tricky opponents on the run home will tell a clearer story.

Players to watch

Chloe Molloy’s midfield minutes have been gradually building in recent weeks. In the absence of Sofia Hurley, O’Riordan has had to spin the magnets with his on-ball brigade and Molloy has been one name that he has called upon at various stages. A dynamic player whose class is a real asset, Molloy is a matchwinner whether that’s at centre bounce or inside 50.

Erone Fitzpatrick has to be in the mix for an All-Australian blazer this year. The star Irishwoman was unbelievable against the Hawks in tough conditions last week, polling a game-high nine coaches’ votes. Her season tally of 40 coaches’ votes places her 11th in the competition, but don’t be surprised if that number rises in the final month of the year. 

Tip: Carlton by nine points

NORTH Melbourne has put a dent in Fremantle’s finals hopes, defeating the Dockers by 28 points at Arden St Oval on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

The Kangaroos adapted well to the conditions, catching Freo out with their transition game and booming kicks, consigning the visitors to a scoreless third term on the way to winning 9.4 (58) to 4.6 (30).

ROOS V DOCKERS Full match details and stats

The result consolidates the Kangaroos’ position at the top of the ladder on the same wins as Geelong, while setting the Dockers back in their quest for finals due to the logjam in the middle of the ladder.

Kangaroos captain Jasmine Garner demonstrated her versatility, using her powerful kick to great effect (33 disposals, four clearances and 554 metres gained), while Ash Riddell had six score involvements to go with her 38 possessions and Eilish Sheerin had a game-high nine clearances.

Kiara Bowers continued her career-best form (31 disposals, eight tackles and eight clearances), while teammate Gabby Newton had a game-high nine tackles and four clearances. Reigning All-Australian ruck Mim Strom continued quietly plying her craft with 18 hit-outs in an interesting contest with Kim Rennie (also 18).

Despite roughly even stats at quarter-time, North Melbourne’s ability to quickly transition tripped up Fremantle again and again. Driving kicks from the likes of Garner and defender Eliza Shannon put the ball into space for the Kangaroos’ forwards to put the burners on and pounce for scoreboard impact.

A Vikki Wall handball over the top at half-forward to Tahlia Randall gave her some time and space to dribble a goal through, before Jasmine Garner capitalised on a well-timed Ruby Tripodi handball.

Bella Eddey then swooped on one of those long kicks by Shannon, handing it off to Alice O’Loughlin who returned it for Eddey to regain her composure after a fumble and score.

In her 101st game, Hayley Miller then opened the ledger for the Dockers after a patient build-up from teammates Aisling McCarthy and Kiara Bowers, reducing the deficit to 11 points at quarter-time.

Fremantle brought a stronger start to the second term, finding more freedom in its ability to move the ball down the ground. Gabby O’Sullivan pounced on Tessa Boyd who was trying to zig and zag her way out of traffic, and went back to convert the free kick, before Eden Zanker briefly gave them the lead.

The pressure of reigning AFLW Best and Fairest winner Ash Riddell forced a deadly turnover that ended in Bogue putting North back in front, before also winning a 50m penalty against Kiara Bowers to give her side a ten-point lead coming into half-time.

The Dockers defence held up well for most of the third quarter as the Kangaroos had the breeze. However, their overuse often meant they struggled to get deep into their forward half, resulting in no score for the term.

After a Jenna Bruton goal, North Melbourne caught Fremantle out in red-time of the third quarter, with Jasmine Garner centring a kick to veteran Kate Shierlaw who capitalised.

Docker Bella Smith took an excellent contested grab off an O’Sullivan forward 50 entry in the final term and converted for Fremantle’s only goal of the second half.

That Arden St swirl having an impact
There’s a tendency for the breeze at Arden St Oval to favour the right side of the broadcast. Sunday afternoon was no different, with both teams seeking to exploit it. In the second quarter, Gabby O’Sullivan kicked to space from almost halfway and let the wind do its work, carrying it nearly all the way to the goal line. After a fumble, Claire Mahony picked it up on the very last line of defence, snuffing out a potential Goal of the Year contender. 

A little longer to wait
North Melbourne key forward Tahlia Randall came into Sunday’s match sitting on 98 career goals for her 113 matches to date. She didn’t have long to wait to reach 99 by opening the scoring in the first quarter. But in the end the Kangaroos shared the goals around for the afternoon with nine individual goalkickers, leaving Randall stranded. It’ll mean she’ll have to wait another week to hit the century.

Up next
Both sides can now reset ahead of games next Sunday, with Fremantle returning home to face St Kilda under an interim coach at Cockburn ARC Oval. North Melbourne takes the tram up Mt Alexander Rd to Windy Hill to come up against Essendon.

NORTH MELBOURNE    3.1    5.2    7.4    9.4 (58)
FREMANTLE                   1.2    3.4    3.4    4.6 (30)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Randall, Garner, Eddey, Bogue, Riddell, Bruton, Shierlaw, Sheerin, O’Loughlin
Fremantle: Miller, O’Sullivan, Zanker, Smith

BEST 
North Melbourne: Garner, Riddell, Sheerin, O’Shea, Birch, Shannon
Fremantle: Bowers, McCarthy, Newton, O’Sullivan, M. Strom

INJURIES
North Melbourne: Nil
Fremantle: Nil

Crowd: TBC at Arden St Oval