JUST like that, a third of the 2026 AFLW season has passed us by and with the way things are shaping up, soon enough we'll be staring down the barrel of yet another finals log jam. 

While some sides, like Gold Coast and Fremantle, having drastically improved this year, there has also been some surprising falls from the likes of Hawthorn and Brisbane that's made the top eight predictions far trickier. 

With the 12-game season approaching the half-way point, there's a few sides that need to get a wriggle on if they want to cement a spot in finals.

Take a look below at the clubs that need to develop a bit more consistency if they want to make their mark in November. 

HAWTHORN - 2-2 

It's the club that quite frankly sparked this whole conversation. This time last year the Hawks were sitting 4-0 but have slipped somewhat in 2026, with losses to Melbourne in round one and Adelaide in round four. In fairness, the Dees are playing a brand of football that is rivalling North Melbourne, but the loss to Adelaide on the Hawks' home deck was somewhat of a head scratcher.

It's left the Hawks sitting in eighth spot on the ladder, not quite as comfortable as the top four slot they've held down for the last couple of years. 

Hawthorn faces probably one of the toughest runs over the next few weeks, with an in-form Western Bulldogs in round five, followed by North Melbourne, Geelong, Carlton and Brisbane. As flagged on AFL.com.au's W Daily this week, the Hawks need to work on their composure, their inside 50 entries and their drive off half-back if they wish to challenge their upcoming opposition. 

ADELAIDE - 2-2 

To be fair, Adelaide is probably performing above expectations given the mass exodus in the off-season, but it'll need to up the ante if it wants to be more than a 'surprisingly good' team this year. We've come to expect the Crows to be there at finals time, but with premiership coach Matthew Clarke finishing up at the end of last season and Ryan Davis stepping into the role this year, there were plenty of question marks about what 2026 could look like for the Crows. 

Adelaide started the season with losses to Sydney and Carlton but has somewhat turned it around with convincing victories over West Coast and Hawthorn, quickly reminding the competition that it can still be a force. Unfortunately, the Crows have a tough month ahead, with games against Geelong, Brisbane, Fremantle and Port Adelaide. The Cats in particular are playing their best footy under new coach Mick Stinear, while the latter three teams are all trying to distance themselves from the rest.

The Crows will be hoping their recent form is just as damaging going forward, and not so much an indictment of the Eagles and Hawks.  

BRISBANE - 2-2 

Brisbane is notorious for being slow starters so it's probably a case of 'nothing to see here'. But with plenty of the middle of the road teams beginning to make inroads, when is it actually time to press the panic button on the Lions? Currently sitting outside the top eight due to a thrashing at the hands of Melbourne in round three, Brisbane now needs to work harder than ever to ensure it books its regular spot in November.

It would be remiss of us to underestimate the coaching prowess of Craig Starcevich, but the Lions forward line has been looking a bit lost at times in 2026, particularly up against more complete defensive teams. With Taylor Smith traded to Sydney in the off-season and Courtney Hodder currently out of the side, the Lions need to ensure they work on delivering more accurate kicks inside forward 50, as there's little room for mistakes with such a short season.

It might be an early call, but it's time to circle the QClash as a game to watch in round eight, as little sister Gold Coast is finally on track to challenge the Lions for the first time since their draw in 2020. 

PORT ADELAIDE – 2-2 

Everyone has been waiting for things to click for the Power since they surged through to their first finals series in 2024. Finishing last year with a strong three wins in a row and narrowly missing the top eight by percentage only, it was expected Port Adelaide would be off to a hot start in 2026. However, with the surprise resignation from coach Lauren Arnell in the off-season leading to the appointment of first-time head coach Glenn Strachan, the Power are now demonstrating a few more 'finding their feet' moments than what would be desired this year. 

Matilda Scholz is still in fine form, adapting to the new ruck rules beautifully, but ultimately Port was dealt a huge blow when League leading goalkicker Indy Tahau went down with an ACL injury in round three.

Currently sitting 12th, the Power will want to prove they have depth in their forward line and not leave their push for finals too late, like they did in 2025.