IT ALL comes down to the final round of the home and away season, with top-four spots and top-eight places on the line.

Geelong and Western Bulldogs will open the round in a mouthwatering finals entree at GMHBA Stadium on Friday, as the Dogs look to end the Cats' incredible 10-game winning streak. 

West Coast will host Hawthorn on Saturday night as the Hawks look to secure their third consecutive finals berth.

Earlier that day, Carlton will look to defeat Brisbane and earn a top-four place, while there's plenty to look forward to in a stacked Sunday slate of games.

The Suns will look to secure their top-four spot and spoil Alicia Eva and Isabel Huntington's retirement parties when they play the Giants, while Adelaide and Fremantle will hope their season is still on the line when they play Melbourne and Sydney, respectively, on Sunday afternoon.

Here's who and what to look out for across round 12 as well as a tip for each match.

Geelong v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium
Friday, October 30, 7.15pm AEDT

Last time: Geelong 6.1 (37) d Western Bulldogs 3.8 (26), R11 2025

What it means

The Cats are the hottest team in the competition right now, having won 10 consecutive matches, but this week's clash against the Western Bulldogs looms as the perfect test before finals. Mick Stinear's side has been so impressive in 2026, but an easier run of fixtures has meant it's been tough to gauge exactly where they sit in the premiership race. They've got weapons all over the ground so the Dogs will need to be at their best if they're to stop the red-hot Cats.

Tam Hyett's side has been sensational in 2026 and showed that it can compete with the best after a narrow loss to Melbourne in round 11. The loss put a big dent in its top-four hopes, but Hyett's side will have taken plenty of lessons after yet another big test. The Dogs have proven that their best can match it with anyone, their next challenge is ensuring that they maintain their best footy for longer periods of time. 

Players to watch

Key forward Chantal Mason has arrived. The 21-year-old Cat received the round 11 Telstra AFLW Rising Star nomination after a huge performance against the Dockers last week. Mason booted 3.2 from 19 disposals and eight marks, proving a real threat in the front half. She's dangerous around goal and can be a marking option further up the ground, meaning the Bulldogs will need to have a plan in place to curb her influence.

With Jess Fitzgerald sidelined due to a hamstring injury and Isabelle Pritchard spending a large portion of time on the bench against the Dees, veteran Elle Bennetts went into the centre bounce mix. A calm figure who has speed to burn and is a neat ball user, Bennetts adds another dimension to the Bulldogs' onball brigade. 

Tip: Geelong by 19 points

St Kilda v Port Adelaide, RSEA Park
Saturday, October 31, 1.05pm AEDT

Last time: St Kilda 8.5 (53) d Port Adelaide 6.6 (42), R7 2025

What it means

St Kilda interim coach Matt Brewer made a big statement last week, dropping both Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw and Maya Louvel-Finn due to issues relating to standards. It felt like somewhat of a circuit breaker after such a poor season for the Saints, who suffered yet another big loss in round 11. Despite all of their struggles in 2026, the Saints have made sure that they've continued to fight until the final siren in recent weeks. A win in their final match of the season would give fans something to smile about.

The Power still have a mathematical chance of making it into finals, but they'd need to win big over St Kilda and hope other results fall their way. Nevertheless, winning three out of its last four matches has been a real positive for Glenn Strachan's side, ensuring that its season has remained alive. A win over the Saints would allow the Power to dream for at least another few hours, but either way, it would give them a strong launching pad for the 2027 season.

Players to watch

Midfielder Georgia Patrikios hasn't been at her best this year, but was able to find plenty of the footy against the Lions last week. Patrikios racked up 30 disposals, the equal-most she's had this season and just the third 30+ disposal game of her career. She'll be hoping for another big performance that translates into a strong 2027 campaign.

The limelight is often on the likes of Matilda Scholz and Abbey Dowrick, but don't forget about what Shineah Goody can do. Goody is yet to properly break out at AFLW level, but continues to ply her trade in the Power's onball mix. The young midfielder produced the best performance of her season against Collingwood, amassing 25 disposals, five tackles and a goal.

Tip: Port Adelaide by 43 points

Richmond v North Melbourne, Windy Hill
Saturday, October 31, 3.05pm AEDT

Last time: North Melbourne 7.8 (50) d Richmond 2.2 (14), R9 2025

What it means

It's been five losses in a row for Jarrad Donder's Tigers, but they went down swinging with a narrow loss to Gold Coast last week. The Tigers pushed them all the way, highlighting the improvement since last year's external review. After just two wins in 2025, Donders and his team can hold their heads high after doubling that count in 2026.

The Roos are the clear premiership favourites again this year and are going to take some serious beating. Darren Crocker's side is humming and has managed to grind out some narrow wins, too. The Crows proved a big challenge last week, but ultimately, the Kangas had enough class to get over the line. Good teams find a way to win even when it isn't pretty.

Players to watch

Sierra Grieves may not be the biggest name in the Telstra AFLW Rising Star race, but she's pieced together a really solid past month. A ball magnet at junior level, Grieves' toughness at the contest and ability to find the footy has been really impressive for a youngster. Her future is so bright and she's only just getting started.

Erika O'Shea is well on her way to earning a maiden All-Australian blazer. O'Shea has taken her game to another level this year, averaging career-highs in disposals (21.3), score involvements (2.7) and rebound 50s (2.5). Her speed off half-back and willingness to take the game on has been a huge asset for the Roos this year. O'Shea is a crucial cog in the best defence in the competition. 

Tip: North Melbourne by 49 points

Brisbane v Carlton, Brighton Homes Arena
Saturday, October 31, 4.05pm AEST

Last time: Brisbane 10.7 (67) d Carlton 5.2 (32), PF 2025

What it means

It's been a different year for Brisbane, which won't feature at the pointy end of the season this year. Nonetheless, the Lions have exposed some youngsters to new roles and with a host of talented Academy players set to arrive through the draft, the future is bright. Coach Craig Starcevich re-signed with the club for a further three years during the week, while Jade Ellenger also penned an extension. The club is in a strong place culturally and would back themselves in to give the Blues a shake.

A top-four berth is on the line for Carlton, currently sitting just 0.2 per cent behind the Suns as it stands. Mathew Buck's side has proven that it is one of the best teams in it this year, but has also had several performances that have left fans scratching their heads. Banking the win in tough conditions last week against the Giants was a must and now they've given themselves a big chance of earning the double chance.

Players to watch

How good was it to see Nat Grider's first AFLW goal last week? Grider finally broke her 96-game goal drought (the longest in AFLW history), with a classy finish on her left boot. In a tough year for the Lions, celebrating moments like that has given the fans something to cheer for.

Claudia Whitfort has been an unbelievable recruit for the Blues this year. Having crossed to Ikon Park from the Suns, Whitfort has had an immediate impact in the engine room. She's a clearance monster and has added another element to Carlton's already stacked midfield group with her intensity both with and without the ball.

Tip: Carlton by 17 points

West Coast v Hawthorn, Sullivan Logistics Stadium
Saturday, October 31, 4.15pm AWST

Last time: Hawthorn 11.8 (74) d West Coast 1.2 (8), W7 2024

What it means

After making finals last year, the Eagles haven't been able to back it up in 2026. When Daisy Pearce's side has been hot, it has been really hot, but it has also been really cold at various stages this year. That inconsistency has meant it goes into its final clash of the year with a win-loss record of 4-7. There's some really nice building blocks there, but the pressure will be on in 2027 to deliver on their potential. 

Hawthorn has its destiny in its own hands and a win against the Eagles will cement its third consecutive finals series. The Hawks are still chasing that elusive first finals win, but need to get there first. Hawthorn is the only side to beat North Melbourne this year, but it's also dished up some disappointing performances in recent weeks against the Giants and Bombers. On their day the Hawks are dangerous, but they're also vulnerable if they don't get things right.

Players to watch

Ella Roberts is one of the competition's most exciting players, but has shown a vulnerability to the tag in 2026. She's still only 21 years of age so has plenty of time to work it out, but the next stage of her development is finding ways to deal with extra attention.

Speaking of young guns on the rise, the Hawks should be stoked with Laura Stone's progression this season. Drafted out of the Eastern Ranges, Stone's work at stoppages and around the contest this year has been a real bright spark. She's as tough as nails, can hurt sides both on the inside and outside and is only going to get better with every game she plays.

Tip: Hawthorn by 13 points

Greater Western Sydney v Gold Coast, Henson Park
Sunday, November 1, 12.35pm AEDT

Last time: Gold Coast 7.10 (52) d GWS 4.9 (33), R4 2025

What it means

Things haven't gone to plan for the Giants in 2026, but a win against the Hawks in round 10 and a gritty performance last week against the Blues have shown Cam Bernasconi's side haven't thrown in the towel. The club will farewell two fan favourites in Alicia Eva and Isabel Huntington this week, so they'll be fully focussed on sending two of the most well-respected figures in the game off in style. 

The Suns have played champagne footy this year, but had to scrap to a win in trying conditions against the Tigers last week. Nevertheless, they've put themselves in the box seat to claim a top-four berth and double chance. There's a logjam from fourth to seventh on the ladder, so the Suns will need to win and win big if they're to hold onto that fourth spot.

Players to watch

Yasmeen Janschek may not be the most recognisable name in the competition, but she's quietly put together a really strong year. Janschek ranks eighth in the competition for total hitouts this year and has formed a really nice partnership with midfield bull and clearance beast Alyce Parker. At just 20 years of age, her athleticism and competitive nature have really caught the eye.

Havana Harris could genuinely be anything in this competition. It's scary to think the young Sun is only 20 years of age given the impact she's already had on the League. Harris booted a career-high four goals against the Tigers, taking her tally to ten majors in the past four weeks. She's such a unique talent given her ability in the air and on the ground. 

Tip: Gold Coast by 37 points

Essendon v Collingwood, Windy Hill
Sunday, November 1, 1.05pm AEDT

Last time: Collingwood 6.8 (44) d Essendon 3.6 (24), R5 2023

What it means

It's been a year to forget for the Bombers, but the playing group will be determined to send departing coach Natalie Wood off in style. Despite the 1-10 win-loss ratio this year, the Bombers have displayed plenty of grit and determination in recent weeks and were unlucky not to claim the second win of their season in a narrow loss to the Hawks last week. A win against the Pies to lay the platform for what is hopefully a more fruitful 2027 campaign would be a nice note to finish on.

Collingwood became the third club to enter the coaching market for next year after Sam Wright announced he was stepping down during the week. The Pies have confirmed that they'll undergo an external review as well, after a horror 2026 season. Captain Ruby Schleicher has already announced her departure, while over half a dozen others remain out of contract heading into the final round of the year. It's been an exhausting season for the Pies, but a win would ensure that they finish the season on a positive note.

Players to watch

In a tough year, Bonnie Toogood's leadership has not wavered. The Essendon captain continues to lead from the front both on and off the field, whether it's crashing a pack to bring the ball to ground or celebrating an effort from one of her teammates, Toogood can hold her head high despite a frustrating season. She'll be doing everything in her power to make sure the Dons claim a win in Wood's last match at the helm.

With Ava Usher now ineligible for the Telstra AFLW Rising Star award, Ash Centra would be a red-hot chance alongside Richmond's Olivia Wolmarans. Centra's ability to make an impact and improve in a struggling Collingwood side has been a rare positive this season for those in the black and white. Alongside Lucy Cronin, Centra is a player who the club can build around in the years to come.

Tip: Essendon by seven points

Adelaide v Melbourne, Unley Oval
Sunday, November 1, 2.35pm ACDT

Last time: Melbourne 9.6 (60) d Adelaide 7.7 (49), SF 2025

What it means

Adelaide's finals hopes remain alive, but it'll need the Eagles to win against the Hawks if it is to have any chance. Ryan Davis' side has been on a rollercoaster ride this year. At their best, the Crows have been able to match it with the strongest sides in the competition, but they've also been lacklustre at times. That inconsistency has meant they're right in the middle of the pack, when at their best they're definitely a finals-worthy side. Even if the Hawks lose, the Crows will need to pull off a stunning upset over Melbourne to jump them.

After losing to the Suns in round nine, the Dees have taken care of business against the Western Bulldogs and Richmond in the past fortnight to reaffirm their status as premiership contenders. Despite missing several key players due to injury, Tom Wilson's side prevailed over a gutsy Western Bulldogs side who fought tooth and nail right to the final siren. A clash against an Adelaide side fighting to keep its season alive will be the perfect finals tune-up for the Dees. A win locks in a double chance, but a loss would make them slightly vulnerable to the logjam of sides between fourth and seventh on the ladder. 

Players to watch

It feels as though Chloe Bown will be ready to explode at AFLW level next year. The exciting youngster has been so impressive during her debut season at the top level and is improving with every game she plays. Having begun the season across half-forward, Bown has relished an opportunity to move into the onball brigade in the second half of the year. 

The addition of Kate Hore into Melbourne's already stacked side was a huge bonus last week for Wilson and the coaching staff. Hore has split her time between the midfield and forward line this year, but played mainly forward in her return match against the Bulldogs. Hore was a constant threat and could have had an even bigger night if she was more accurate in front of goal, booting 1.3 from 13 disposals. 

Tip: Melbourne by 19 points

Fremantle v Sydney, Cockburn ARC Oval
Sunday, November 1, 2.05pm AWST

Last time: Sydney 9.8 (62) d Fremantle 5.7 (37), R4 2025

What it means

Like the Crows, the Dockers will need to rely on West Coast getting the job done against Hawthorn if they're to keep their season alive. If that does happen, the Dockers will need to beat the Swans by a sizeable margin and hope Adelaide loses to Melbourne. Long story short, they're alive, but need a few things to go their way. 

Swans coach Colin O'Riordan said he believes the gap is closing between the Swans and the best teams in the competition and the evidence is there to back that up. The Swans have played some scintillating footy in 2026 and if not for serious injuries to Ally Morphett and Sofia Hurley amongst others, then they would have given themselves a huge chance at making the top four. While the top four is still alive, they'd need to make up heaps of percentage or hope that the Suns, Blues and Dogs all slip up. If they can finish fifth or sixth, they'll host a home final which would be a huge reward for a great season so far.

Players to watch

Emma O'Driscoll has missed a large portion of the season due to injury, which is a shame because the Dockers are a far stronger side with her fit and firing. A leader at the back who can lock down an opponent and create plenty of rebound, O'Driscoll will celebrate her 75th match this weekend.

Chloe Molloy is in the box seat to claim her maiden League leading goalkicker award after a brilliant haul of five majors against the Eagles last week. Often having to deal with multiple opponents, Molloy has caused plenty of chaos inside 50 for opposition defences in 2026. The star Swan has booted 24 goals already this year, but she's also providing plenty of pressure as well to ensure the Swans can get repeat forward 50 entries. 

Tip: Sydney by 16 points

ESSENDON has bid goodbye to outgoing coach Natalie Wood on a high, with a hard-fought win over an equally fraught Collingwood on Sunday afternoon.

Some late attack from the Pies kept things interesting, but the Bombers ultimately ran out 4.14 (38) to 4.7 (31) victors on the Windy Hill deck.

BOMBERS v MAGPIES Full match coverage and stats

It was fast, pinging footy. After all, what was there to lose? The problem for Collingwood was it lacked the polish on the end of those transitions to get dangerous on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, Essendon relished the vocal crowd camped in the grandstand and saluted the fans whenever possible.

Ill-discipline at the other end of the ground handed goals to the Bombers on a platter, compounding the Pies' impotence.

But Ash Centra reminded everyone why she was the No.1 pick back in 2024, with 25 disposals, seven clearances, and a goal, and clearly the most composed playmaker on the ground. And as Centra so often does, she spent a large part of the match with her bleeding nose strapped.

Essendon dominated the bulk of the match, defending well through the middle of the ground and hemming the Pies in dangerous positions. Some inaccuracy, however, prevented the margin from ballooning out across the first half.

Captain Bonnie Toogood was one of the culprits, struggling to make good connection with her first few set shots, before slamming a big goal home in the third term.

Carrying heavy strapping on her right quad, Maddy Prespakis (34 disposals, five clearances) was immense through the middle, and Amy Gaylor's aerial game was on show with nine marks.

It was clear that Collingwood wanted to get the ball moving by hand through the middle, keeping speed on the ball and create space in attack. It was unfortunate, however, the skill errors repeatedly caused neat attacking runs to be turned over and sent back over their heads.

It was midfielders Ash Centra and Tarni White – who reprised her onball role from last week – who slid forward to be most dangerous in front of goal, while Imogen Barnett struggled to get clean possession against tall defender Matilda Dyke.

But Irish debutant Ellie Brady gave the Pies something to cheer about, getting on the end of a final-quarter forward entry, and able to use her dash to kick her first career goal. The Pies' top draft pick back in December, Imogen Trengove, kicked her first goal after some near misses in recent weeks.

Young Bomber Maggie Johnstone brought her strength for the last game of her debut season, out-marking taller opponents, laying clean bumps to exert herself, and earning plenty of adoration from the heaving crowd.

Sabrina Frederick started her 103rd and final AFLW game in the ruck, but when sliding forward was often forced to compete in an outnumber – Essendon wasn't joining in on the retirement party.

Centra everywhere
Where much of the intrigue for the match was around retiring veterans and outgoing coaches, 2024 No.1 draft pick Ash Centra reminded everyone of the future. Clean through the middle of the ground, composed in congestion, and Collingwood's No.1 playmaker, she capped it off with a stunning contested mark over fellow youngster Maggie Johnstone in the second quarter. Finally enjoying some continuity in her body and role, she is the player the Pies simply must retain, and build their future around.

Still a lot of fight in 16th v 17th
Literally. Although these teams were playing for nothing but a positive finish to their season, the physicality between the sides was on show from the opening stoppage. Pies ruck Josie Bamford handed Steph Cain a goal by way of a 50m penalty in the Bombers' attacking arc for a retaliatory bump. Brit Bonnici left Cain on her haunches with a heavy hip and shoulder in the middle of the ground. Moments like this were rife as the clubs fought for a modicum of pride after difficult years.  

Up next
Both clubs now head into what is set to be a tumultuous off-season, with the sides already on the hunt for a new head coach and with a host of other change expected to follow.

ESSENDON                  3.3    3.5    4.10    4.14 (38)
COLLINGWOOD          0.1    0.3    2.5       4.7 (31)

GOALS 
Essendon: Gough, Busch, Cain, Toogood
Collingwood: White, Centra, Brady, Trengove

BEST 
Essendon: Prespakis, Gay, Wales, Johnstone, Gaylor, Toogood
Collingwood: Centra, White, Runnalls, Bamford, Hetherington

INJURIES 
Essendon: Bannister (right ankle)
Collingwood: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Essendon: Nil
Collingwood: Sarah Rowe (illness) replaced in the selected side by Charlotte Brewer

Crowd: 2668 at Windy Hill