PRIDE Round continues in round 10 as the finals race goes up another gear.

The Western Bulldogs and Carlton will go head-to-head on Saturday afternoon in a clash which is pivotal for the top four aspirations of both clubs. 

Earning that top four spot and a double chance is crucial in the premiership race and both the Bulldogs and Blues will leave nothing in the tank in what looms as the game of the round.

Elsewhere, the Dees will look to get back on the winners list when they take on the Tigers at Ikon Park, while the Suns will hope to make it seven in a row when they take on the Crows. 

Both West Coast and Fremantle will look to keep their finals hopes alive when they take on the Cats and Saints respectively, while the Giants will celebrate Tilly Lucas-Rodd’s 100th AFLW match when they host their former side Hawthorn. 

Here’s who and what to look out for across round 10 as well as a tip for each match.

Melbourne v Richmond, Ikon Park
Friday, October 16, 7.15pm AEDT

Last time: Melbourne 8.9 (57) d. Richmond 2.9 (20), R4 2025

What it means

Melbourne’s position as the consensus number two seed has come under fire after a shock loss to the rising Gold Coast in round nine. Injuries are mounting for Tom Wilson’s side, who have been missing several key players recently. While it’s looking unlikely that they will host a qualifying final, they’re still well-placed to finish in the top four and earn a double chance given their healthy percentage.

While the Tigers remain just a win and percentage out of the top eight, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that they’ll play finals in 2026. For all of their improvement this year, it feels as though they’ve hit a wall after three disappointing losses in a row. Nonetheless, there have been plenty of positives under new coach Jarrad Donders this year, including the development of players like Olivia Wolmarans, Isabel Bacon and Sierra Grieves.

Players to watch

With Kate Hore sidelined through injury in recent weeks, Alyssa Bannan has spent some more time at centre bounce. An exciting player with speed to burn and a great goal nous, Bannan adds another dynamic to Melbourne’s star-studded midfield group.

Star Tigers midfielder Monique Conti has missed a considerable chunk of the season due to an Achilles problem, but Ellie McKenzie has done her best to step up and pick up the slack. McKenzie’s size and power have been a real asset for the Tigers this year, especially in an inexperienced on-ball brigade. 

Tip: Melbourne by 27 points

Adelaide v Gold Coast, Unley Oval
Saturday, October 17, 12.35pm ACDT

Last time: Adelaide 7.8 (50) d. Gold Coast 5.4 (34), R6 2025

What it means

The Crows bounced back from a pair of losses with a comprehensive victory over Richmond in round nine to keep their faint finals hopes alive. Adelaide’s run home is just about as hard as it gets though, with games against the Suns, Kangaroos and Demons to come. Ryan Davis’ side have been up and down this year, but they’ve shown they’re on the right path after a big off-season of change. 

The Suns are on fire right now and would be full of confidence after taking down Melbourne in Mackay. Rhyce Shaw’s side are playing an exciting and cohesive brand of footy which will no doubt strike fear into every opposition side. Their young guns have made an immediate impact at AFLW level and their senior players have also found ways to improve. It felt as though the Suns were going to rise this year, but no one could have expected the rise to be this steep.

Players to watch

It’s amazing what Ebony Marinoff continues to achieve, despite everything that has happened around her. Having played alongside the likes of Anne Hatchard, Chelsea Randall and Danielle Paredes (nee Ponter) throughout her career, Marinoff has been forced to shoulder more responsibility this season in a new-look engine room. The star Crow often has to deal with lots of opposition attention, but has found ways to work through that and still play a crucial role for the Crows this year. 

Why did it take this long for Ava Usher to receive a Telstra AFLW Rising Star nomination? The exciting Sun has been exceptional in her first year at AFLW level, well and truly delivering on the draft hype. A smooth-mover who can impact the game both in the midfield and the forward line, Usher has been ready to make her mark on the big stage for quite some time. It’s easy to forget she’s had a rotten run of injuries too, which makes what she has produced in her debut campaign even more impressive. 

Tip: Gold Coast by 23 points

Carlton v Western Bulldogs, Ikon Park
Saturday, October 17, 3.05pm AEDT

Last time: Carlton 7.7 (49) d. Western Bulldogs 4.9 (33), R2 2025

What it means

The Blues have now won three games in a row after overcoming the Swans in round nine and are right in the mix for a top four spot. Mathew Buck’s side are currently fifth on the ladder, but only percentage separates the teams from third to sixth. The Blues are finding form at the right time of the year and after Melbourne’s slip up against the Suns, there’s an argument that they’re now the second best team in it. The upcoming clash against the Bulldogs looms as a real ‘eight-point’ game this week.

The Western Bulldogs have been super impressive under Tam Hyett in 2026 and look destined to participate in a finals campaign this year, if they can maintain the rage. Sitting in sixth with a win-loss record of 7-2, the Bulldogs have given themselves a fantastic platform to launch from. Having said that, they’ll face a big test over the next three weeks with games against Carlton, Melbourne and Geelong. They’ve got a golden opportunity to prove to themselves and the rest of the competition that they can really give the finals a shake.

Players to watch

Sophie McKay almost had a monster game against the Swans last week, kicking 1.5 from 20 disposals. McKay is one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition with her speed and creativity inside the arc a real threat to opposition sides. If she can tidy up her accuracy in front of goal, it won’t be long until she wins a game off her own boot.

If the Bulldogs are to beat the Blues, they’ll need the ball in Jess Fitzgerald’s hands as much as possible. Fitzgerald is one of the Dogs’ premier ball users and can slice games open both through the midfield or at half-back with her pinpoint kicking efficiency. She’s so crucial to how the Bulldogs move the footy.

Tip: Carlton by 11 points

Brisbane v Port Adelaide, Brighton Homes Arena
Saturday, October 17, 4.05pm AEST

Last time: Brisbane 9.8 (62) d. Port Adelaide 4.9 (33)

What it means

The Lions have now lost five consecutive matches, but they certainly haven’t thrown in the towel. While the Hawks were too classy in tough conditions last week, Craig Starcevich’s side fought tooth and nail until the final siren. Injuries and player availability have cruelled the Lions in 2026, but there’s no doubt they’ll back themselves in to rise again in 2027 given the talent at Brighton Homes Arena. 

It feels as though the Power aren’t quite ready to play finals, but at the same time are in a far better place than the sides at the very bottom of the ladder. It was always going to be tough to play consistent football in Glenn Strachan’s first year as coach with a whole new gameplan, but they’ve shown that they’re on the right track. After two wins in a row against the Crows and Eagles, another win would keep their very faint finals flame flickering, but if nothing else, will help to build momentum heading into next year.

Players to watch

Captain Bre Koenen was Brisbane’s best player last week, regularly repelling Hawthorn’s forays forward. She’s such a good leader, great ball user and superb reader of the play. With players such as Koenen, Belle Dawes and Ally Anderson around, the Lions won’t be down for long.

The Power are so much better when dashing defender Ella Heads is in the side. Having missed several weeks due to suspension, Heads returned to the team against the Eagles and had an immediate impact. The 23-year-old is a nice ball user who makes good decisions and is so integral to the club’s ball movement.

Tip: Brisbane by seven points

West Coast v Geelong, Sullivan Logistics Stadium
Saturday, October 17, 4.15pm AWST

Last time: West Coast 7.8 (50) d. Geelong 2.7 (19), R10 2025

What it means

West Coast’s finals aspirations hang in the balance, after a narrow loss to Port Adelaide in round nine. Daisy Pearce’s side had found some form leading into that match, winning four-straight games but they couldn’t overcome a gritty Power outfit to continue their charge. With matches against the Cats, Swans and Hawks to come, things are getting really tight. 

The Cats have jumped into second place on the AFLW ladder after the Dees fell to the rising Suns in round nine. Is Mick Stinear’s side the second-best team in the competition? It’s tough to know given how kind their draw has been, but you can only beat what’s in front of you. The Cats are playing a really exciting brand of footy, but question marks still remain over their defence. Geelong are ranked equal sixth in the competition for points conceded, a number they’ll surely have to rectify if they are to really challenge for the premiership. 

Players to watch

It’s been a rollercoaster season for Eagles fans, but key forward Charlotte Riggs is a player worth watching. Riggs’ aerial ability is a real strength of her game and her athleticism has seen her used as a ruck this season as well. Whether it’s big grabs or incredible goals, Riggs is an emerging talent full of promise.

Could Aishling Moloney make a charge towards another leading goalkicker award? The Irish Cat has booted 15 goals so far in 2026, ranked seventh in the competition and six goals behind Hawthorn’s Aine McDonagh. But when Moloney gets going, she really gets going and is one of the most explosive players in the competition. 

Tip: Geelong by 31 points

Collingwood v Sydney, Windy Hill
Sunday, October 17, 12.30pm AEDST

Last time: Collingwood 6.7 (43) d. Sydney 2.5 (17), R5 2025

What it means

The Pies are back in the headlines this week for all the wrong reasons after becoming the first side to lose to St Kilda in 2026. Only percentage separates Sam Wright’s side from the bottom of the ladder right now and things are looking pretty bleak. It feels like the next three weeks are vital for the Pies to show some of their disgruntled senior players that they’re on the right path.

The Swans have lost two games in a row and slipped to seventh place as injuries continue to take their toll. What sort of role can Colin O’Riordan’s team play in finals given their injuries to such key players including Ally Morphett, Sofia Hurley and Brenna Tarrant? They’ve got to bank a win against the Pies this week before matches against the Eagles and Dockers will show the competition whether they can give the finals a shake or are simply making up the numbers. 

Players to watch

Tarni White has been a shining light for the Pies this season. A regular contributor at AFLW level, White has put together a fantastic campaign in a struggling Collingwood defence. She’s tough, skilful and has been a consistent force for the Pies this year. The 25-year-old would have to be in the mix for an All-Australian blazer.

Speaking of All-Australian chances, Chloe Molloy would have to be in line for that honour herself. A dynamo in the front half, Molloy’s goal nous and forward craft means she often has to deal with multiple defenders inside 50. The star Swan has booted 16 goals this year, ranked fifth in the League, but has also shown she can impact the game further up the ground when O’Riordan needs a spark in the middle.

Tip: Sydney by 29 points

Greater Western Sydney v Hawthorn, Henson Park
Sunday, October 18, 2.35pm AEDT

Last time: Hawthorn 9.7 (61) d. Greater Western Sydney 3.6 (24), W8 2024

What it means

The Giants are crawling towards the finish line after an eighth straight defeat. Cam Bernasconi doesn’t have the same depth at his disposal as other coaches and teams have been able to capitalize against the Giants. There have been some little wins, such as the return of Alyce Parker, but it’s been a pretty dire year once more. The club will look to celebrate Tilly Lucas-Rodd’s 100th AFLW match in style when they host the Hawks.

Hawthorn have jumped back into the top eight after a comprehensive win over Brisbane in round nine. The Hawks have made sure that their destiny is in their own hands with fixtures against the Giants, Bombers and Eagles to come. If they get on a roll, hosting an elimination final certainly isn’t out of the realms of possibility. 

Players to watch

The Giants targeted Lucas-Rodd during last year’s trade period and they’ve made an immediate impact in the orange and charcoal. A quality ball user who can play a variety of positions, the former Hawthorn captain is a well-respected addition to the playing group. Given the Giants are in a rebuild phase, Lucas-Rodd’s influence is really important. 

Lucy Wales has jumped ahead of Power star Matilda Scholz in the race to be the All-Australian ruck. Currently sixth in the coaches’ votes, Wales’ ability to impact the game both at contest and behind the ball is crucial to Hawthorn’s finals aspirations. She was on track to earn a blazer last year before appendicitis struck, but there’s no denying the brilliance she’s shown this season.

Tip: Hawthorn by 47 points

Essendon v North Melbourne, Windy Hill
Sunday, October 18, 3.05pm AEDT

Last time: North Melbourne 10.11 (71) d. Essendon 6.5 (41), R7 2025

What it means

It’s been a season to forget for the Bombers who sit in 17th on the ladder with just one win to show for their efforts this campaign. The pressure is mounting on coach Natalie Wood, who is out of contract at the end of this season, as the Bombers look to turn their fortunes around in the final three weeks of the year. After the Roos this week, the Bombers play Hawthorn and Collingwood in the final fortnight of the year. 

Can anyone stop the Roos? For all of the talk about the competition gaining ground on the two-time reigning premiers, once more, it feels like the Roos are the clear number one seed and the team to beat. They’ve been able to navigate some injury struggles this year and are priming themselves for a shot at the three-peat. Darren Crocker has stars on every line who have proven they can deliver on the big stage time after time. 

Players to watch

The development of players like Nalu Brothwell is what Bombers fans need to celebrate this year. Drafted out of Balnarring, Brothwell was swung into defence against the Bulldogs, rather than playing in her usual spot as a forward. It was arguably the best game of Brothwell’s young career, racking up 13 disposals while using her sharp foot skills to great effect.

Tess Craven is quietly putting together another solid season. Craven often flies under the radar in a star-studded North Melbourne side, but is a regular contributor each and every week. Craven is tough, has nice skills and always does what is best for the team. If the All-Australian selectors opt for pure wingers in the side this year, Craven would have to be in calculations. 

Tip: North Melbourne by 67 points

Fremantle v St Kilda, Cockburn ARC Oval
Sunday, October 18, 2.05pm AWST

Last time: Fremantle 3.7 (25) d. St Kilda 2.2 (14), W5 2024

What it means

The Dockers were valiant in defeat against North Melbourne in round nine, but the loss nonetheless put a dent in their finals aspirations for this year. Now sitting in ninth with a win-loss record of 4-5, the Dockers will need results to fall their way while also winning at least a couple of games against the Saints, Cats and Swans. Stranger things have happened, but it’s looking more unlikely than likely as things stand.

The Saints finally opened their account for 2026, claiming a win in Nick Dal Santo’s final game in charge. The Saints played with dash and flair and harnessed the emotion of Dal Santo’s final game to great effect. Their challenge now is to replicate that over the next three weeks. Matt Brewer will step into the role as interim coach for the remaining matches this year. 

Players to watch

It’s pretty crazy what veteran Docker Kiara Bowers continues to produce at 34 years of age. She’s as tough as nails, is a tackling machine and an absolute ball magnet. Alongside the likes of Gabby Newton and Aisling McCarthy, the Dockers have a really solid on-ball unit. 

What move will Brewer make in his first game at the helm? One name to keep an eye on is ex-Hawk Charlotte Baskaran, who has played a variety of roles under Dal Santo at Moorabbin. Baskaran has spent more time in the midfield in recent weeks however, returning to the position where she made her name as a junior. A ball magnet back in the day, if the Saints can find a way to unlock Baskaran’s potential, that will be a huge positive moving into next year.

Tip: Fremantle by 22 points

SISTERS Grace and Niamh Kelly combined for five goals to propel Adelaide to a scintillating 10-point win against Gold Coast in a pulsating instant classic at Unley Oval on Saturday.

Playing against her old side for the first time, Anne Hatchard started on the ball and had seven touches and two clearances in the first quarter, and kicked two crucial goals in the tense final term.

CROWS v SUNS Full match coverage and stats

But young Adelaide star Chloe Bown capped a brilliant individual display with a superb goal with a minute remaining to seal a memorable 10.3 (63) to 7.11 (53) win that keeps the Crows in the finals hunt.

On a sour note for Adelaide, Maddie Newman was carried from the ground in the third quarter with a potentially serious left knee injury.

"It was a great win," Crows coach Ryan Davis said after his side improved to a 5-5 record.

"They got a couple of (late) goals, it was a little bit tit-for-tat there, but our ability to shore up our defence, stay composed under the pressure, and then be able to finish up on the right side of the scoreboard was fantastic.

"The stats probably were more than likely in the Suns' favour, but we end up kicking straight.

"But I think the way we moved the football, the way we attacked, the way we defended it … I thought we just gave ourselves better looks at goal."

Charlie Rowbottom was outstanding for the Suns, who were left to rue their wastefulness in front of goal after a loss that ended their barnstorming run of six straight wins. 

Rowbottom had 12 touches and a goal in the first quarter as the Suns started strongly, but the visitors failed to fully capitalise on their early territory dominance with just a three-point lead at the first break.

Gold Coast led the inside 50 count 14-5 in the first term, but managed just the one goal, with a brilliant running major to Grace Kelly providing a spark for the home side.

The Suns had 28 more handballs than Adelaide in the first half, but the home side upped its pressure in the second quarter.

With a strong appetite for the contest, the Crows troubled Rhyce Shaw’s charges with their tackling pressure, leading the tackle count 28-15 at the main break.

Grace Kelly’s cool conversion and India Rasheed’s impressive major from an angle put their side out to a nine-point lead before Ava Usher replied to drag the margin back to a point at half-time.

The entertaining contest went up another notch after the break.

Sunny Lappin gave her side the lead from close range, but Adelaide hit back through Grace Egan and Lily Tarlinton.

Havana Harris gave the Suns back the lead, but Grace Kelly made it three goals in a game for the first time in her AFLW career and sister Niamh slotted a huge goal from 45m out to send the home side into the final term with a nine-point lead.

Niamh Kelly booted a team-lifting second goal late in the last quarter, with Bown stepping up to seal a stunner with a brilliant goal on the run.

"Credit to Adelaide, they played a really good game," Shaw said.

"It looked like they had a solid plan, but from our point of view, we probably let ourselves down in a number of areas and that's probably where it hurts the most, really, that we kind of let that one slip, I reckon.

"But again, full credit to Adelaide, they did a great job."

Kelly sisters sensationally strike
The Crows hadn't ventured inside their forward 50 in the game before the Kelly sisters imposed their will on the contest in sensational fashion. Niamh intercepted an ill-advised pass across the 50m arc by Clara Fitzpatrick and took off at pace. She fed a handball over the top to sister Grace, who gave it back as the pair sliced through the centre square. Storming inside attacking 50, Niamh gave it back with another slick handpass and Grace finished the job with a magnificent goal on the run.

Chloe Bown doesn't play water polo
Eyebrows were raised during the week when the official Adelaide account replied to Ava Usher's Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination on social media with 'Chloe Bown must play water polo' after the young Crow starred in the win against Richmond. A Rising Star nomination surely isn't far away for Bown after another impressive display. She finished with 25 disposals, nine clearances and goal.

Up next
Adelaide faces a tough task against ladder leader North Melbourne on Sunday at North Hobart Oval at 1.05pm local time, while the Suns will host Richmond at People First Stadium at 4.05pm on Saturday.

ADELAIDE            1.1    3.2     7.2     10.3 (63)
GOLD COAST       1.4    2.7    4.11    7.11 (53)

GOALS
Adelaide: G.Kelly 3, N.Kelly 2, Tarlinton, Rasheed, Egan, Charlton, Bown
Gold Coast: Hatchard 2, Harris 2, Usher, Rowbottom, Lappin

BEST 
Adelaide: Bown, Marinoff, N Kelly, G Kelly, S Allan, Goodwin
Gold Coast: Rowbottom, Single, Hatchard, McLaughlin, D'Arcy, D.Davies

INJURIES
Adelaide: Newman (knee)
Gold Coast: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: TBC at Unley Oval