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

THE WESTERN Bulldogs have strengthened their claims for a top-four spot this season, outmuscling fellow finals aspirant Carlton en route to a 30-point victory in warm conditions at Ikon Park.

The 8.8 (56) to 3.8 (26) result saw the Blues' three-game winning streak come to an end, while the Bulldogs continue their winning ways as Daughters of the West rang out for the fifth consecutive week.

BLUES v BULLDOGS Full match coverage and stats

Mikala Cann (27 disposals and a goal), Isabelle Pritchard (24 and five clearances), and Jess Fitzgerald (20 and four rebound 50s) had plenty of impact for the Bulldogs.

Harriet Cordner (30 disposals, 16 marks, and six rebound 50s) was kept busy as the ball spent plenty of time in Carlton's defensive 50.

Alice Edmonds was a dominant force around the ground, using her physicality well to have five contested possessions, two contested marks, and two clearances to half-time. The visitors finished +10 clearances, normally a strength for the home side.

The Bulldogs brought the pressure early, preventing the Blues from transitioning from their defensive 50 towards the middle of the ground. The visitors generated at least a dozen forward-half intercept possessions as they doubled the home side's inside 50 count in the opening quarter (12-6).

Ellie Blackburn and Edmonds found the goals early for the Dogs, before Darcy Vescio kicked two in three minutes to keep their side in touch. The Carlton veteran cleverly read the ball off the pack, dribbling one in from the goalsquare. Their second came after getting behind their opponent and marking on the run.

Second quarters have not been kind to Carlton across the first nine rounds of the season from a scoreboard perspective, and round 10 was no different. The Blues looked slightly more comfortable moving the ball despite the Bulldogs' pressure but conceded three goals while failing to score one of their own.

Aisling Reidy had Carlton's best chance of finding a major. The Irishwoman took advantage from a free kick, but a failed bounce allowed opposition defenders to pressure the subsequent gather through for a rushed behind.

The third quarter saw both teams struggle with their kicking efficiency, with plenty of turnovers.

However, Rylie Wilcox sent the Bulldogs faithful into raptures in the late stages of the quarter with an impressive finish. The 21-year-old was left unmarked in the goalsquare and soccered a loose ball through after Carlton failed to clear Emma McDonald's set shot the goal line. The finish wouldn't have looked out of place at a World Cup game.

Carlton had the bulk of the territory in the last quarter, recording the first seven inside 50s for the term. But the home side was unable to make an impact on the scoreboard – even after preventing its opponents from scoring through 18 minutes of game time. The radar was off for the Blues, registering just four behinds.

Bulldogs coach Tam Hyett felt the win was set up in the first half, pleased with the pressure and tacking on display.

"[That pressure] gives you the ability to turn it over earlier," she said after the match. 

"It’s an all of team pressure system, and our forwards did an exceptional job in the first half – and especially in the second quarter – of keeping the ball in there, and we were able to capitalise on that today."

Hyett felt Edmonds was a key component in the victory, adding that her consistent performances this season should put her in the frame for All-Australian consideration.

"She’s always really combative, gets her hands to the ball first, and that allows our mids to go to work. Alice has been huge for us all year, so it’s another box ticked for her today," she said.

Carlton coach Mathew Buck described the result as one of the poorer performances his side has put out in 2026.

"We looked at some different midfielders throughout the contest. Dayna Finn had a little bit of midfield time, [and putting] Poppy Scholz through the ruck gave us a little bit better balance and maybe started to wrestle that back a little bit going into the last quarter. But the game was done by that point," he said.

Dogs break down Carlton defence
Carlton has prevented sides from taking large numbers of marks inside forward 50, courtesy of defensive stalwart Harriet Cordner having another strong year. But the Bulldogs seemed to throw something different at the Blues in the afternoon sunshine, racking up nine marks inside 50 across the first half. This was only the second time Carlton has conceded more than six in an entire game, after giving up 10 against Fremantle in round three.

A little bit of elbow grease (and tape)
Emma McDonald needed to pass a fitness test after sustaining an elbow injury in last week's clash against Essendon. The second-year key forward had the elbow in question taped but seemed unhampered as she ran out against the Blues. McDonald looked dangerous both in the air and on the ground, taking the points over Madeline Hendrie when the pair lined up against each other throughout the afternoon.

Up next
The Western Bulldogs will look to make it six wins on the trot next Saturday night when they face off against Melbourne at the Mission Whitten Oval. Meanwhile, Carlton will look to get back on the winners list against Greater Western Sydney. The Blues are back at Ikon for the last game of the round, hosting the Giants in the Sunday twilight slot.

CARLTON                             2.0      2.3      3.4      3.8 (26)
WESTERN BULLDOGS    3.4      6.5      8.8      8.8 (56)

GOALS
Carlton: Vescio 2, Whitfort
Western Bulldogs: McDonald 2, Blackburn, Edmonds, Cann, Hartwig, Smith, Wilcox

BEST
Carlton: Cordner, Hill, Fitzpatrick
Western Bulldogs: Edmonds, Cann, Pritchard, McDonald, Georgostathis

INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: TBC at Ikon Park