JUST four teams remain unbeaten three rounds into the 2026 NAB AFLW Season.
North Melbourne remains the benchmark of the competition, but the Dees, Blues and Swans are all snapping at their heels.
All four sides will go in as heavy favourites this week, but anything can happen in the AFLW.
Elsewhere, Hawthorn will host the Crows in the first official game at its new home in Dingley for Emily Bates' 100th AFLW match, while Geelong will look to make it three wins in a row when it takes on the Bombers at GMHBA Stadium.
Brisbane will need to navigate some injury problems in its clash with the Giants and all eyes will be on the young talent on show in the clash between the Power and Suns on Sunday.
Here's who and what to look out for across round three as well as a tip for each match.
Western Bulldogs v Sydney, Mission Whitten Oval
Saturday, September 5, 12.35pm AEST
Last time: Western Bulldogs 5.9 (39) defeated Sydney 5.2 (32), W5 2024
What it means
The Bulldogs were dealt their first loss of the season in round three, falling to the seemingly invincible North Melbourne down in Tasmania. The Dogs did plenty right that day though, which will no doubt have filled coach Tam Hyett with plenty of confidence that her side are a finals chance in 2026. Isabelle Pritchard and Jess Fitzgerald continue to toil away in the midfield, while Britney Gutknecht is quietly putting together a strong campaign.
Don't sleep on the Swans. Colin O'Riordan's side are now 3-0 in 2026 as they make a real charge towards a finals campaign and potentially a top four spot. The young stars were on show in a low-scoring affair with St Kilda in round three, with Montana Ham, Zippy Fish, Ally Morphett and Sofia Hurley all polling in the coaches' votes. There's something exciting building at the Swans.
Players to watch
If you haven't seen much of Emma McDonald play, do yourself a favour and keep a close eye on the exciting Bulldogs talent. A powerful key forward who blends athleticism with incredible forward craft, McDonald is capable of taking the game away from an opposition on any given day. She's a strong mark, nice kick for goal and isn’t afraid to chip in defensively either.
Montana Ham attended just 57 per cent of centre bounces last year, but that number has risen to 67 per cent already this year - and it's climbing. Ham was Sydney's best against the Saints, racking up 27 disposals, eight inside 50s, six tackles and a goal in a huge display. We might be seeing Ham break out in a big way in front of our very eyes.
Tip: Sydney by 13 points
Euro-Yroke v North Melbourne, RSEA Park
Saturday, September 5, 1.05pm AEST
Last time: North Melbourne 9.13 (67) defeated St Kilda 3.3 (21), R11 2025
What it means
The Saints have had a horror start to 2026, currently placed 18th on the AFLW ladder with a win-loss record of 0-3 and a percentage of 34.3 as pressure continues to mount on head coach Nick Dal Santo. The Saints are struggling to move the ball and hit the scoreboard, although last week they were better at clearance. When Dal Santo's troops made a charge late against the Swans, inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly and they were never really able to put scoreboard pressure on the opposition. Things are only going to go from bad to worse now though, with a matchup against the league’s benchmark in North Melbourne ahead.
Are the Roos invincible? Despite missing several key players last week, the Kangaroos were simply too strong and too classy for the Western Bulldogs in round three. Jasmine Garner and Ash Riddell continue to lead the way, while there are just so many threats in the front half for Darren Crocker's side. If this matchup plays out how it looks like it might on paper, then the Roos could break all sorts of records this week.
Players to watch
The Saints need more from their key forward in Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw. A star of the competition, Tawhiao-Wardlaw has booted just one goal in three games and struggled to convert her opportunities late against the Swans. When firing, she's one of the most dominant players in the competition, but right now, she's struggling to make her impact felt on games.
Vikki Wall would have to be one of the most watchable players in the competition. She's as tough as nails, never shirks a contest and brings that Irish flair to the AFLW competition that is so eye-catching. With a proper pre-season behind her, Wall is getting more and more involved in the play this year, using her speed and skill to great effect.
Tip: North Melbourne by 53 points
Yartapuulti v Gold Coast, Alberton Oval
Saturday, September 5, 2.05pm ACST
Last time: Port Adelaide 16.12 (108) defeated Gold Coast 5.10 (40), R3 2025
What it means
The Power are well and truly in the finals mix again this year, currently sitting just outside the top eight with a win-loss record of 2-1. They will have to make their push this year without 2025 league leading goalkicker Indy Tahau, who suffered an ACL injury in last week’s thrilling win over the Giants. Ruck Matilda Scholz continues to star for Glenn Strachan's side, while Abbey Dowrick and Ash Woodland are also putting together strong campaigns.
The Suns went close to knocking off the Cats but couldn't quite get the job done in round three, although there's been so much to like this year from Rhyce Shaw's side. Charlie Rowbottom has started her campaign really strongly, while Havana Harris is already a serious weapon in just her second season of AFLW footy. Combine that with the influx of Academy talent the Suns have had over the past couple of drafts and the future is really bright.
Players to watch
Round three Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominee Lauren Young was immense last week, booting the winning goal to cap off a real breakout game. Having dominated for years as a junior, it was great to see her finally deliver on her potential at the top level. With Tahau sidelined with injury, her role alongside Gemma Houghton in the front half will be key to Yartapuulti’s success.
Former Crow Anne Hatchard might have taken a little while to get going at the Suns, but she was immense against the Cats last week. The new recruit had 28 disposals and worked brilliantly in tandem with Rowbottom and could have had an even bigger day if she had converted her opportunities in front of goal, kicking three behinds. While the youngsters will be the key figures of the future, players such as Hatchard are crucial in shaping the culture and development of the club.
Tip: Yartapuulti by seven points
Brisbane v Greater Western Sydney, Brighton Homes Arena
Saturday, September 5, 6.35pm AEST
Last time: Greater Western Sydney 3.2 (20) lost to Brisbane 10.7 (67), R2 S7 (2022)
What it means
The Lions were completely outplayed by Narrm in round three, but Craig Starcevich's side certainly had their fair share of injury concerns to deal with after Marlo Graham, Ruby Svarc and Neasa Dooley were all ruled out of that game before half-time. The Lions are currently 1-2, but have come up against arguably the two best sides in the competition in the Kangaroos and Demons. A win against the Giants is key to make sure they don’t fall too far behind the pack, but as it stands, they're likely to feature at the pointy end again this year.
After just two wins last year, the Giants look much-improved in 2026. Cam Bernasconi's side almost pulled off an upset against Yartapuulti last week but were ultimately brought undone by a clutch effort from young star Lauren Young late. Pleasingly, they're finding ways to hit the scoreboard more this year which is a major tick. A big test against the wounded Lions awaits, which will give them a good indication of just how far they've progressed this year.
Players to watch
Dakota Davidson returned from suspension last week and really struggled to make an impact against the Dees. Known for her fierce attack on the footy and serious goal threat, Davidson looked out of sorts against Narrm, although the delivery wasn't as good as it usually is. Can she bounce back against the Giants this week? Davidson has been one of the premier forwards in the competition in recent times, so a bounce back certainly looms.
Keep your eyes on Poppy Boltz this week against her old side. Boltz has been a great addition to the Giants this year and she'll be determined to make her presence felt against her old teammates on Saturday. Boltz has thrived as a leader with more responsibility this year, adding plenty of experience to the Giants' backline. There’s a real chance she lines up on Davidson in what would be a thrilling battle.
Tip: Brisbane by 37 points.
Richmond v Walyalup, Ikon Park
Sunday, September 6, 12.30pm AEST
Last time: Fremantle 8.10 (58) defeated Richmond 2.2 (14), R11 2025
What it means
The Tigers clinched victory from the jaws of defeat in the Dreamtime clash against Essendon, stealing the win in a tense final term. After revamping their football department over the off-season, Richmond has started 2026 in style with a win-loss record of 2-1. Monique Conti has picked up from where she left off last year and is currently the leader in the AFLCA AFLW Champion Player of the Year award, while the forward duo of Caitlin Greiser and Olivia Wolmarans is causing opposition sides plenty of headaches.
The Dockers look as though they'll be around the mark for the top eight again this year, but need to start banking wins against sides like Richmond to keep in touch. It's tough to get a read on the Dockers right now, they almost beat the Blues, lost to the Power and were unconvincing against the Pies in a win. Their inability to score is a concern but we’ll know more about their finals credentials over the next few weeks.
Players to watch
Having begun her AFLW career as a half-back, Isabel Bacon has been thrust into a more prominent midfield role in the past fortnight to great effect. A ferocious competitor who brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm, Bacon was terrific against the Bombers in tough Darwin conditions with a performance that saw her feature in the coaches’ votes. Her speed and pressure adds another dimension to the Tigers' midfield unit.
It's pretty incredible what Kiara Bowers is still doing at 34 years of age for the Dockers. Bowers has been one of the AFLW's premier players for quite some time now and is showing no signs of slowing down, having put together a big performance against the Blues last week with 27 disposals and 11 tackles. She almost willed her side over the line and could have had an even bigger performance if she had converted her three behinds.
Tip: Walyalup by 17 points
Hawthorn v Kuwarna, Kennedy Community Centre
Sunday, September 6, 1.05pm AEST
Last time: Hawthorn 4.3 (27) lost to Adelaide 7.6 (48), R5 2025
What it means
The Hawks have bounced back from their round one loss to the Dees with consecutive wins to well and truly keep themselves in the race for the top four again this year. While they took care of business against Collingwood, they did lose the inside 50 count by 17, which is cause for concern. Ruck Lucy Wales has been outstanding this year and is currently equal third in the AFLCA AFLW Champion Player of the Year award, while the likes of Aine McDonagh and Eliza West continue to get the job done. The Hawks will be keen to get the win in their first game at their new home in Dingley this weekend.
The Crows secured their first win of the Ryan Davis era last week against the Eagles and will be hoping to make it consecutive wins when they take on the Hawks this weekend - a team they've never lost to in the AFLW. Ebony Marinoff continues to star, while Sarah Goodwin and Maddi Newman have gone to the next level this year. They may not be the powerhouse they have been previously, but the Crows will still cause plenty of opposition sides headaches this year as they undergo a year of change.
Players to watch
Hawthorn defender Tamara Smith would have to be one of the most underrated players in the competition. She's tough, works so hard and very rarely gets beaten one-on-one, making her one of Daniel Webster's most reliable players. She doesn't get the accolades as some of her exciting teammates, but she's so crucial to how the Hawks play.
Midfielder Teah Charlton has thrived with increased responsibility this year under Davis. The 24-year-old featured in just 16 per cent of centre bounces last year, but has attended 72 per cent in 2026. A good mark who is clean at ground level, it’s players like Charlton who will shape the identity of this new-look Crows side.
Tip: Hawthorn by nine points
Geelong v Essendon, GMHBA Stadium
Sunday, September 6, 2.35pm AEST
Last time: Essendon 4.2 (27) lost to Geelong 8.10 (58), R4 2025
What it means
The Cats were belted by North Melbourne in round one, but have since put together two wins against the Saints and Suns to get their season back on track. They look to have made some positive gains under new coach Mick Stinear this year and are playing with more freedom and dare. Midfielder Georgie Prespakis has started her 2026 campaign with a bang, while Mikayla Bowen continues to go from strength-to-strength. The Cats have a more favourable draw than others in the competition given their struggles last season, so there's no reason why they can’t continue to push towards the top four given how well they're playing.
The Bombers suffered a heart-breaking defeat in Dreamtime in Darwin after the Tigers ran over the top of them late in that clash. The Bombers have played well in patches this year, but have been too inconsistent throughout which has seen them slump to an 0-3 start. Maddy Prespakis is doing everything she can, having rediscovered some strong form, but there are too many that are struggling right now.
Players to watch
Footy is better off when Chloe Scheer is up and about doing her thing in the front half. The star Cat has had a horror run with injuries in recent years, but is back and is having a serious influence for Geelong this year. Alongside the likes of Aishling Moloney and Jackie Parry, Geelong's forward line has plenty of firepower at the moment.
While the Bombers are yet to register a win in 2026, youngster Maggie Johnstone has shown she will be a good player for the club for a long period of time. Her power and cleanliness means she can play as both a midfielder and forward and every game she plays will only fast-track her improvement. There's a case to have her shoulder even more of the midfield load moving forward.
Tip: Geelong by 37 points
Carlton v Collingwood, Ikon Park
Sunday, September 6, 3.05pm AEST
Last time: Carlton 6.9 (45) defeated Collingwood 3.3 (21), R1 2025
What it means
The Blues were the surprise packet of last season, but are well and truly living up to lofty expectations in 2026. Having made an eye-catching run to the preliminary final last year, the jury was out as to whether or not Mathew Buck's side could back things up this year. So far, so good, the Blues have banked wins against the Saints, Crows and Dockers and while they're yet to face a serious premiership contender, you can only beat who is in front of you. Banking wins early, will give them a huge shot of finishing in the top four and earning the double chance.
The Pies have been lacklustre in 2026, but put together a far more positive performance against Hawthorn last week, winning the inside 50s, clearances and contested possessions. That's the sort of performance that is so crucial in giving players and fans alike the hope that they’re heading in the right direction. Having said that, there's still plenty of pain coming before they can start becoming a finals fancy once more.
Players to watch
Erone Fitzpatrick is so good to watch. Her speed and power makes her such a tricky matchup for opposition sides and a real weapon for the Blues, who are stacked with midfield options. Fitzpatrick was outstanding against the Dockers last week, accumulating 23 disposals, two goals and 415m gained in a best on ground performance. The fact she can do damage both on the inside and outside is such a tool for Buck and his coaching staff.
Things aren't going to plan for the Pies right now, but captain Ruby Schleicher is having a real go at turning her team's fortunes around. Having plied her trade as a defender throughout the majority of her career, Schleicher has been used further up the ground this season under coach Sam Wright, hitting the scoreboard in all three games this year.
Tip: Carlton by 43 points
Waalitj Marawar v Narrm, Mineral Resources Park
Sunday, September 6, 3.05pm AWST
Last time: Melbourne 10.14 (74) defeated West Coast 3.5 (23), R6 2025
What it means
The Eagles were great under Daisy Pearce last year, but their season is slipping away before their very eyes right now. A loss to the Crows last week consigned Waalitj Marawar to an 0-3 start and with a tough fortnight to come, they could be 0-5 by the time they take on the Saints in round six, their season effectively over. They've just got to show some fight against the Dees this week on their home deck.
On the flip side, Tom Wilson's Dees look like the genuine No.2 seed right now and a real threat to North Melbourne's continued AFLW dominance. While the Lions were hampered by injuries last week, the Dees were mightily impressive, withstanding some pressure early before piling on the pain. Their front half has plenty of weapons, the midfield unit is firing on all cylinders and the defence is rock solid.
Players to watch
Lucia Painter is one of the most exciting youngsters in the competition but needs a lift after a quiet game against the Crows last week. She's powerful, can play either midfield or forward, but just hasn't found a way to impact games the same way she did last year. Is it time to send her forward once more? Painter’s centre bounce attendance has risen from 30 per cent to 69 per cent this year, but she is nowhere near the threat she was in her debut campaign. It could be a win-win, for both Painter’s form and the Eagles’ front half set-up.
Key defender Tahlia Gillard was so impressive last week. She often doesn’t get the same external plaudits as her star teammates such as Kate Hore, Liv Purcell or Tyla Hanks, but she is such a key structural piece to how the Dees are setting up right now. Gillard completely blanketed Brisbane's dangerous forward line in round three, recording 18 disposals, 11 intercepts, 10 marks and 369m gained. The Eagles will need to be wary of her presence if they're to challenge the Dees.
Tip: Narrm by 39 points
