AN UNDEFEATED Carlton outfit will be looking to become the side to break North Melbourne's incredible winning streak when they clash in a mouthwatering battle at Ikon Park in round five.

The Blues made a preliminary final last year and are one of just two sides other than the Kangaroos who have won every game in 2026.

Elsewhere, the Sydney Derby is sure to be a spicy affair between the Swans and Giants, while Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs will open the round in a high-stakes clash at the Kennedy Community Centre.

Adelaide will host Geelong in an intriguing clash at Unley Oval on Saturday, while St Kilda, Essendon, Collingwood and West Coast are still hunting their first wins of 2026.

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

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, Kennedy Community Centre
Saturday, September 12, 1.05pm AEST

Last time: Western Bulldogs 1.4 (10) def. by Hawthorn 2.2 (14), R3 2025

What it means

Hawthorn's season hangs in the balance with a win-loss record of 2-2. It has proven its best footy can match it with the best, but the Hawks were comprehensively beaten by Adelaide last week which raised some concerns. A win against the Bulldogs this week is ultra-important to keep in touch with the top four, especially given they've got some tough match-ups across the next month. 

The Bulldogs have shown plenty of improvement in 2026 with a win-loss record of 3-1 through the first four weeks. Tam Hyett's side has spoken about wanting to become more relevant and it is definitely well on its way to doing that, having dismantled Sydney in round four. Their start to the season has been even more impressive when you factor in that experienced duo Ellie Blackburn and De Berry are currently sidelined with injury.

Players to watch

Aine McDonagh is already a three-time Hawthorn leading goalkicker and was last year crowned an All-Australian, but she's taken her game to another level this year. McDonagh has booted three goals in each of her four games this year, which has seen her climb to the top of the goals leaderboard across the competition. 

Emma McDonald is one of the most exciting young key forwards in the competition. She's strong in the air and clean at ground level, which makes her a tough match-up for opposition defenders. McDonald was crucial in the Bulldogs' fourth quarter fightback against the Swans last week, booting three goals. The Hawks have some issues in defence right now and McDonald will be a huge threat. 

Tip: Hawthorn by six points

Gold Coast v Collingwood, People First Stadium
Saturday, September 12, 2.35pm AEST

Last time: Gold Coast 3.6 (24) def. by Collingwood 5.9 (39), R11 2025

What it means

Rhyce Shaw's Suns have earned plenty of admirers this year, their youngsters playing attacking footy with plenty of flair. A narrow victory in a real armwrestle with the Power last week showed they can also grind out games if need be. Currently sitting just outside the top eight with a win-loss record of 2-2, the Suns have three very winnable games ahead of them, starting with the Pies this week.

The Pies have been under the pump in recent weeks, but look to have taken a step forward across the past fortnight, especially in regards to how they're moving the ball. Coach Sam Wright is missing some key players too still, who will only bolster this Collingwood outfit when they return. Getting some wins will not only be a great reward for effort, but will help show people both inside and outside the four walls that they're on the right track. 

Players to watch

Daisy D'Arcy has returned with a bang. The damaging defender was at her best last week against the Power, polling the maximum 10 coaches' votes after a 34-disposal effort at Alberton. It's easy to forget that she's missed so much time recently with that ACL injury, because she's slotted back in seamlessly.

It's tough viewing for Pies fans right now, but Lucy Cronin is a shining light. Cronin has taken on an expanded midfield role this year, where she can utilise her class and ball use. Cronin's already had two podium finishes in the club best and fairest and could well be on her way to making it three from three.

Tip: Gold Coast by 13 points

Adelaide v Geelong, Unley Oval
Saturday, September 12, 2.35pm ACST

Last time: Adelaide 10.5 (65) d. Geelong 3.9 (27), R2 2025

What it means

The Crows were one of the surprise packets in round four, dismantling Hawthorn in the first ever official AFLW match at Dingley and spoiling celebrations for Emily Bates' 100th AFLW match. Ryan Davis' side dominated that contest both on the inside and the outside, sending a reminder to the rest of the competition that it is still a big threat on the day. A test against top-four hopeful Geelong will give them a good indication of where they're really at.

The Cats have been super impressive in 2026, excluding the round one horror show against North Melbourne. New coach Mick Stinear has the program flying and they look like a genuine top four contender right now. They've got an easier fixture compared to other premiership contenders, so there's no reason to suggest why they couldn't really give things a shake this year and earn the double chance. 

Players to watch

Maddi Newman may well and truly be on the way to her first All-Australian blazer. Newman is by no means a fresh face to the competition, but she's taken her game to a new level in 2026 under Davis' tutelage, playing predominantly on a wing. She's a great ball user, breaks the lines and has found a way to hit the scoreboard regularly. 

Nina Morrison may just be one of the best two-way midfielders in the competition right now. The star Cat has taken to the co-captaincy like a duck to water and is leading her troops superbly. Morrison amassed 26 disposals last week against the Bombers, but it was her game-high 15 tackles that really caught the eye.

Tip: Adelaide by three points

West Coast v Brisbane, Mineral Resources Park
Saturday, September 12, 2.35pm AWST

Last time: West Coast 2.4 (16) def. by Brisbane 8.13 (61), W4 2024

What it means

The Eagles are still winless in 2026, but coach Daisy Pearce would have been buoyed by what she saw against probably the second-best team in the competition in Melbourne last week in the first quarter. The Lions present another tough challenge before the Eagles' fixture opens up a little bit after that. Did they overachieve last year perhaps? 

The Lions did what they needed to do against the Giants last week and now the cavalry is returning. The Lions have probably underdelivered so far this year, but there's no panic inside the camp given their experience and talent on the list. Craig Starcevich is one of the best coaches the AFLW has ever seen and still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve. A 2-2 start is less than ideal, but the Lions are still one of the premier teams in the competition and should be able to take care of the Eagles this weekend.

Players to watch

Bella Lewis has been thrust into the midfield mix across the last fortnight, attending over 90 per cent of centre bounces against the Dees in round four. The leaders need to step up while the Eagles are going through this form slump and Lewis did just that, racking up 21 disposals and matching it with some of the best onballers in the competition including Kate Hore, Tyla Hanks and Liv Purcell.

In the absence of some of Brisbane's big names, Charlotte Mullins has put together a really solid first month of footy. The 21-year-old Lion has taken her game to another level this year, averaging career-highs in disposals, marks and clearances. If the Lions are to find a way to compete with North Melbourne come the finals series, then the improvement of players such as Mullins will be crucial. 

Tip: Brisbane by 37 points

Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Casey Fields
Sunday, September 13, 12.35pm AEST

Last time: Port Adelaide 6.7 (43) d. Melbourne 5.11 (41), R5 2025

What it means

The Dees have positioned themselves as the greatest threat to North Melbourne's dominance right now, with stars across every line. Tom Wilson has brought a new energy to Casey Fields and the side is absolutely thriving. There's plenty of threats in the front half, the engine room is humming and their defence is rock solid. The Dees are well on their way to earning a double chance if things continue to progress as they currently are.

The Power have let a couple of games slip from their grasp this year and are currently placed 12th on the ladder with a season record of 2-2. Finding some consistency will no doubt be a big focus moving forward, because their best footy certainly stacks up. The Dees will be a tough opponent, but the Power have won their two most recent meetings which bodes well for their chances. 

Players to watch

Eliza McNamara may not be a household name, but she's quietly putting together a career-best year. McNamara went to work over the off-season on her kicking and it's paid off already, her disposal by foot improving markedly this campaign. She's previously played more as an outside player, but has spent some time in the engine room this year, adding another dimension to the midfield brigade.

It's time for Julia Teakle to stand up. In the absence of last season's League-leading goalkicker, the Power looked toothless in attack against the Suns, managing just one goal. Gemma Houghton has plenty of experience, while Lauren Young (managed this week) is a star on the rise, but Teakle needs to help fill Tahau's void and take some pressure off the others. The Power tall managed just four touches and two behinds against the Suns. It’s her time to shine.

Tip: Melbourne by 29 points

Richmond v St Kilda, Windy Hill
Sunday, September 13, 1.05pm AEST

Last time: St Kilda 6.7 (43) d. Richmond 5.6 (36), R6 2025

What it means

The Tigers have shown some really positive signs under new coach Jarrad Donders in 2026, despite missing some key personnel at different stages throughout the season. It's been a case of one soldier down, another one steps up, which is really promising from a team growth point of view. Richmond's run home is pretty tough, so banking a couple of wins over the next fortnight will ensure its season doesn't slip away too quickly. 

The Saints have been the most disappointing team of 2026 and there hasn't really been anything to suggest a turn in form is coming. Nick Dal Santo's troops were completely destroyed by North Melbourne in round four, going down by 92 points. They're breaking all sorts of records for all the wrong reasons this year. Having said that, a clash against an inexperienced Richmond outfit could be the opportunity to break their drought.

Players to watch

In the absence of star midfielders Monique Conti and Ellie McKenzie, it was young gun Isabel Bacon who put her best foot forward against the Dockers. A versatile player who has plied her trade mainly in defence to begin her AFLW career, Bacon's hunt and effort around the contest was impressive. It was the sort of performance that may have laid the platform for a breakout season.

How can the Saints get the most out of former captain Hannah Priest? Priest is one of the best leaders at the club and has swung forward this year, despite being a consistent force in the backline over the journey. The Saints had just 19 inside 50s against the Roos, meaning Priest was restricted to just four disposals. Is it time for Dal Santo to throw the magnets around?

Tip: Richmond by 17 points

Sydney v Greater Western Sydney, Henson Park
Sunday, September 13, 2.35pm AEST

Last time: Sydney 6.6 (42) def. by Greater Western Sydney 7.7 (49), R5 2025

What it means

Despite some problems with player availability, the Swans have had a really strong start to 2026 with a win-loss of 3-1. The Bulldogs did spring a surprise on them last week, but Colin O'Riordan and his side would have to be pretty pleased with how things have gone thus far. The Sydney Derby is always spicy and the Swans will be out for revenge after losing bragging rights last year.

The Giants have also had their fair share of injury concerns this year, with young guns Zarlie Goldsworthy, Kaitlyn Srhoj and Scarlett Johnson all yet to feature in 2026. That's a pretty big blow for a rebuilding side wanting to get as many games as possible into their best young players. A side like the Giants will be up and down throughout the season, but they'll no doubt have built the Sydney Derby up as a pretty important game this week.

Players to watch

There have been four players who have played 100 per cent game time across the first four rounds in 2026. North Melbourne defenders Libby Birch and Jasmine Ferguson, Hawthorn star Aine McDonagh and Sydney young gun Zippy Fish. That's a pretty amazing feat when you consider the amount of run and carry, drive and speed Fish brings this Swans outfit. The scary part is she's just getting started. 

This is a game where Yasmeen Janschek can really make an impact. The 20-year-old ruck has done some nice things this season, but with Swans star Ally Morphett sidelined through suspension, it's time for Janscheck to really give her Giants midfield first use this weekend. She's super athletic and as competitive as they come.

Tip: Sydney Swans by 19 points

North Melbourne v Carlton, Arden Street Oval
Sunday, September 13, 3.05pm AEST

Last time: North Melbourne 12.7 (79) d. Carlton 4.2 (26), R6 2025

What it means

The Roos look unstoppable right now, but the Blues could be their biggest challenger yet. Darren Crocker has this side absolutely humming, with no apparent flaws or chinks in their armour. Carlton's defence will have their hands full given the array of attacking talent the Roos have in the front half and shutting as many of those players down will be crucial in trying to keep in this game for as long as possible. 

The Blues have backed up last season's breakout campaign with an undefeated start to 2026, but now it's time for their biggest test yet. Frustratingly for coach Mathew Buck, they'll take on the Roos without some of their key players in Sophie McKay, Darcy Vescio and Lauren Bella, who still remain sidelined with injury. A win would be incredible, but testing the Roos will give the Blues the confidence that they're a premiership threat this season.

Players to watch

Could this finally be the year that Jasmine Garner claims the AFLW Best and Fairest award? Garner is one of the most well-respected and admired players across the league, but has remarkably never claimed the competition's highest individual honour. This might be the year she breaks that. Garner is currently leading the coaches' votes in 2026, having totalled 34 votes out of 40 in the first four games. Watch this space.

One player who didn't feature the last time the Blues played the Roos was Claudia Whitfort, who would have to be an early contender for recruit of the year right now. Whitfort has added some serious grunt to Carlton's engine room, giving coach Buck another option. While the Roos rely predominantly on a few players in the middle, the Blues have a plethora of different options to call upon when needed.

Tip: North Melbourne by 22 points

Fremantle v Essendon, Cockburn ARC Oval
Sunday, September 13, 3.05pm AWST

Last time: Fremantle 5.6 (92) d. Essendon 1.2 (8), R6 2025

What it means

The Dockers have a win-loss record of 2-2 right now and are about to enter a defining month in their season. They've had some really good moments this year, but have also left a bit to be desired on other occasions. Importantly, they haven’t been blown out of the water by any teams to this point, which means their percentage remains intact, a stark difference to last year. 

The Bombers are one of four teams yet to register a win in 2026 and need to start to turn things around as soon as possible. Outside of a narrow loss to Richmond, the Bombers haven't really gone the distance with any teams either this year, although they have faced some solid opposition. The heat has come for the Saints, Eagles and Pies and it won't be long until the blowtorch is directed towards the Dons if they don't start chalking up a win or two.

Players to watch

Gabby O'Sullivan was a real energiser against the Tigers last week, booting three goals from 14 disposals. O'Sullivan may not stuff the stats sheet, but her ability to pressure opposition defences and provide a spark in the front half is a very valuable asset for Lisa Webb's side.

Mia Busch the midfielder has a nice ring to it. Essendon coach Natalie Wood thrust her talented youngster into the on-ball mix last week against the Cats and it looks as though that is something worth persisting with. An emerging leader who has been really consistent in recent times, the positional switch adds another dimension to Essendon’s midfield, which can sometimes feel a little bit one-paced.

Tip: Fremantle by seven points

HAWTHORN has won its first game at its new home in Dingley, but it came at a cost with star midfielder Emily Bates suffering what appears to be a serious knee injury.

The Hawks put their foot on the gas in the third term, piling on five goals to zero to lay the platform for an important 11-point victory.

HAWKS v BULLDOGS Full match coverage and stats

But the win was soured with the injury to captain Bates, who clutched at her knee late in the third quarter after her leg got stuck under her in a tackle. 

Irish forward Aine McDonagh was the star of the show, booting a career-high four goals and leading the way in the 6.5 (41) to 4.6 (30) win. 

McDonagh, who has jumped ahead of the rest of the competition in the leading goalkicker race, was a force to be reckoned with in the front half, providing a target in the air while causing plenty of headaches at ground level. 

McDonagh has now booted three or more goals in every game she’s played this season and is well and truly on her way towards another All-Australian blazer. 

Hawthorn ruck Lucy Wales continued her dominant start to the 2026 season with 22 disposals, causing Bulldogs ruck Alice Edmonds some issues around the ground, while midfield maestro Eliza West was as busy as always with a team-high 24 touches.

West's efforts as vice-captain were crucial in the absence of Bates, leading the way in the centre of the ground and around the coalface.

50-gamer Tamara Smith was at her reliable best in defence with 20 touches, while Jasmine Fleming provided plenty of speed around the contest with 19 disposals. 

Winger Mikayla Williamson has taken her game to another level this year, adding more defensive pressure to her hard-running game, while former Sun Jac Dupuy used her height to great effect, clunking a match-high 10 marks from 16 disposals. 

It takes Hawthorn’s win-loss record to 3-2 for the season ahead of a testing run of fixtures which includes North Melbourne, Geelong, Carlton and Brisbane. 

For the Bulldogs, captain Isabelle Pritchard tried valiantly all afternoon with a game-high 31 disposals, while Elisabeth Georgiostathis was also solid with 19 touches.

Hawthorn coach Daniel Webster said that Bates will have scans on her knee in the coming days, but praised his side for their ability to stay focussed on the task at hand.

"We're not sure yet (how serious it is), but she'll get scans in the next few days and we'll go from there," Webster said.

"It's incredibly difficult. I've seen numerous times in the W where this has really impacted groups. But credit to our players, they kept their minds on the job, as challenging as that was. They were able to focus, dig deep and finish the game off.

"We'll get around 'Batesy' once we work out what's going on with it and support her the best we can."

In addition to Bates, young midfielder Laura Stone will miss next week with concussion, while Daisy Flockart will also be assessed after a knock to the chest.

It means Hawthorn's on-ball brigade will have a very different look next week against the Kangaroos.

"We'll have to look around, we've been playing different players through and trying to build some versatility in our side… we're confident in the players we'll have in there," Webster said.

"It'll be a good challenge next week with who we're playing… we'll probably have some sort of different look in there with different players and that's okay, we'll keep getting to work."

STAR RUCK CONTINUES ALL-AUSTRALIAN WORTHY CAMPAIGN
Lucy Wales is one of Hawthorn’s most important players right now and showed exactly why with a very impressive performance. While Bulldogs ruck Alice Edmonds competed well in the hitouts count, Wales dominated around the ground, giving Hawthorn a strong aerial presence when exiting defensive 50. Wales was equal-third in the coaches’ votes coming into the clash, having polled 28 out of a possible 40 across the first month of the season and will likely feature again after yet another dominant outing. It’s remarkable to think she’s still only 23 years of age. 

CONCERNS FOR GUN MIDFIELDER
The Hawks will sweat on scans for their captain Bates, who was stretchered off in the third term after her leg was caught under her in a tackle. Every single member of the Hawthorn playing group went over to Bates as she was stretchered off in what were emotional scenes at the Kennedy Community Centre. The Hawks will also be without midfielder Laura Stone for the round six clash against North Melbourne after the youngster went down with concussion early in the match. With Bates and Stone sidelined, Hawthorn coach Daniel Webster might need to get creative with his on-ball mix next week.

Up next
The Hawks head up to Cairns for the first time in 2026 to take on AFLW powerhouse North Melbourne on Friday night, while the Bulldogs travel to Cockburn ARC Oval to play Fremantle on Saturday afternoon.

HAWTHORN                   1.1   1.3   6.4   6.5 (41)
WESTERN BULLDOGS    2.0   3.2   3.2   4.6 (30)

GOALS
Hawthorn: McDonagh 4, Dupuy, Martin
Western Bulldogs: McKee, Fitzgerald, Grigg, Hartwig

BEST
Hawthorn: McDonagh, Wales, West, Dupuy, Fleming, Smith, Williamson
Western Bulldogs: Pritchard, Fitzgerald, Georgiostathis, Wilcox

INJURIES
Hawthorn: Stone (concussion), Bates (knee)
Western Bulldogs: Nil

Crowd: 2363 at Kennedy Community Centre