WITH just two weeks remaining, the finals race has never been fiercer.
Headlining the round 11 action are the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne, who will face off for the Hampson-Hardeman Cup on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs are on fire right now, while the Dees are also a premiership contender meaning you're going to want to be at Mission Whitten Oval or in front of a television for that game.
Elsewhere, the clash between Geelong and Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium has huge finals ramifications, while Adelaide and Hawthorn will look to press their finals claims when they take on the Roos and Bombers respectively.
Here's who and what to look out for across round 11 as well as a tip for each match.
Port Adelaide v Collingwood, Alberton Oval
Friday, October 23, 6.45pm ACDT
Last time: Port Adelaide 4.9 (33) d Collingwood 3.7 (25), W7 2024
What it means
The Power's finals hopes took a significant hit last week, going down to Brisbane in round 10. Glenn Strachan's side was unable to take its chances in front of goal in what was a dour affair. Now sitting a game and percentage outside of the top eight, the Power will need a big win against Collingwood if they're to keep their finals hopes alive. They'll go in as favourites in both of their remaining two games, but they might be leaving their run a little bit too late.
Collingwood's season has gone from bad to worse, after captain Ruby Schleicher announced that she will be departing the club at the end of the season. As reported by AFL.com.au's Riley Beveridge, West Coast looms as Schleicher's next club as she returns home to Western Australia. The final two weeks of Collingwood's season will be crucial in trying to convince a large cohort of senior and established players to remain at the club, despite coming out of contract at the end of the year. It'll be a fascinating off-season for Collingwood.
Players to watch
Midfielder Abbey Dowrick continues to deliver for the Power, despite a topsy-turvy year for the club. The chasm between Port Adelaide's best footy and worst footy remains pretty large, but Dowrick's consistency week-to-week has been a real positive. She's tough at the coalface, finds a way to impact the scoreboard and is a real leader in the onball brigade.
Young gun Lucy Cronin became Collingwood's youngest ever captain last week when she led the side out against Sydney in Pride Round. There's been plenty of chatter around the club's senior leaders and whether or not they will be in the black and white in 2027, but it shouldn't be lost on how important Cronin is to the program. At just 21 years of age, Cronin's leadership and versatility is extremely exciting.
Tip: Port Adelaide by 22 points
St Kilda v Brisbane, RSEA Park
Saturday, October 24, 1.05pm AEDT
Last time: Brisbane 10.8 (68) d St Kilda 6.5 (41), W10 2024
What it means
The Saints gave the Dockers a scare in interim coach Matt Brewer's first game in charge. It felt as though the Saints played with a sense of freedom out west, playing with a great energy and flair. There will no doubt be plenty of change over the off-season at Moorabbin, but the final two matches of the season present a golden opportunity to build some hope and momentum heading into next year.
The Lions got back on the winners list with a gritty but narrow win over Port Adelaide in round 10. It's been a different year for Craig Starcevich's troops, who have been perennial premiership contenders throughout the competition's history. Despite the win-loss record of 3-7, the development of some key youngsters, including the likes of Marlo Graham and Asher Fearn-Wannan, is a major positive. Injuries have cruelled their campaign, but they've still got plenty on their list.
Players to watch
Serene Watson breaking her long-standing goal drought last week was something to smile about for Saints fans. It took Watson 76 games to boot her first major, the longest wait in the history of the AFLW, but once the first came, it didn't take long for the second to follow shortly after. A neat ball user in defence, Watson's aerial prowess in front of the ball gave the Saints something to think about moving forward.
Sophie Conway caught fire in the first quarter of last week's clash against the Power. Conway absolutely stuffed the stats sheet early in the game, recording 15 disposals, 303 metres gained and a goal in the first term. While she was well quelled after that, Conway's opening-term blitz served as a timely reminder about what she and the Lions can do on their day.
Tip: Brisbane by 17 points
Geelong v Fremantle, GMHBA Stadium
Saturday, October 24, 3.05pm AEDT
Last time: Fremantle 6.9 (45) d Geelong 3.9 (27), W6 2024
What it means
The Cats took another step towards a top-two spot after a healthy win over West Coast in round 10. The Eagles managed to limit Geelong's offensive prowess early in the game, but as the clash wore on, the class and skill of Mick Stinear's side really came to the fore. Geelong has cemented itself as a serious premiership challenger, but it's tough to gauge just how close it is to the likes of North Melbourne and Melbourne, given it hasn't been tested against quality opposition for quite some time.
The Dockers are well and truly in the race for finals, sitting in eighth place with a win-loss record of 5-5. Unlike last season, the Dockers' percentage remains intact which could prove pivotal over the next couple of weeks. With matches against Geelong and Sydney to come, Fremantle's destiny is in its own hands. Can Lisa Webb's side win one or two of those games and cement its place in the postseason?
Players to watch
Georgie Prespakis is a lock for an All-Australian blazer this year and would have to be in the mix for the League best and fairest as well. Prespakis has put together a career-best campaign under Stinear this year, combining some brilliant work at the contest with great spread in transition. The star Cat currently sits third in the coaches' votes for the season, just nine votes shy of North Melbourne's Jasmine Garner at the top.
Fremantle ruck Mim Strom hasn't received the same amount of external plaudits this season given the form of Hawk Lucy Wales and Port Adelaide's Matilda Scholz, but she sent a timely reminder to the rest of the competition as to why she's one of the game's premier rucks with a huge outing against St Kilda. Strom completely controlled the ruck battle, racking up 27 disposals, six marks and 31 hitouts to draw eight coaches' votes that day.
Tip: Geelong by 27 points
Gold Coast v Richmond, People First Stadium
Saturday, October 24, 4.05pm AEST
Last time: Gold Coast 5.9 (39) d Richmond 3.7 (25), R12 2025
What it means
The Suns have been the biggest riser in 2026, but weren't good enough to secure victory over Adelaide last week. It put a dent in their top-four aspirations, but they're still well and truly in the mix for the double chance given the fixture difficulty of a couple of teams around them. Nonetheless, it felt like Rhyce Shaw's side let that game against the Crows slip and it'll be hoping that it ultimately doesn't come back to bite it.
The Tigers have also improved this year, but it looks as though Jarrad Donders' side is running out of tickets late in the year. The Tigers are currently 4-6, but a finals push feels unlikely from here given they've lost four games in a row. Positively, they've managed to bank some of those wins without key personnel, which shows how their depth has certainly improved this season. Katie Brennan has been ruled out for the rest of the year with a hip issue, which opens up another opportunity for some lesser-known names to stand up.
Players to watch
It's easy to forget just how much footy Daisy D'Arcy has missed in recent times, given how quickly she's reintegrated into the side as an integral piece under Shaw. D'Arcy's ball use and ability to break the lines, both by foot and with her speed, is a real weapon for the Suns, who are playing an exciting brand of footy. A strong interceptor as well, D'Arcy's form has been outstanding in 2026.
It was a heavy loss to the Dees last week, but key forward Olivia Wolmarans showed once again why the Tigers pounced on her with the No.1 pick last year. Wolmarans' ability to stay involved in games has been eye-catching this year and her unique set of skills makes her a really tough match-up. She's strong in the air and really clean at ground level, which means she can hit the scoreboard in several different ways.
Tip: Gold Coast by 33 points
Western Bulldogs v Melbourne, Mission Whitten Oval
Saturday, October 24, 7.15pm AEDT
Last time: Melbourne 9.8 (62) d Western Bulldogs 1.8 (14), R1 2025
What it means
The Western Bulldogs are the real deal. Tam Hyett's side was the big winner out of round 10 action, dismantling the Blues in a complete, four-quarter performance. It was the sort of game the Bulldogs have been striving for all season and to see it come to fruition was a great reward for hard work over several years. But things don't get any easier for the Dogs from here. With matches against Melbourne and Geelong to come, the Bulldogs have a tough run home but their destiny is in their hands. A top-four spot awaits if they can get the job done, but ultimately they'll get a good gauge of where they sit over the next fortnight heading into their first finals campaign since 2022.
The Dees were back on the winners list last week, having lost two out of three matches before that. Tom Wilson's side has been hit brutally by injuries this year, but its depth has allowed it to cobble together enough wins to once again be in the mix for the top four and a double chance. Men's coach Steven King spent some time in the coaches' box last week too, which was a great display of the two teams, one club mentality. They'll probably need some key personnel to return if they're to challenge for the premiership, but footy is an unpredictable game.
Players to watch
Mikala Cann may not have been the biggest name to move clubs during last year's trade period, but she's having a huge impact at Mission Whitten Oval. Sporting a protective face mask in the win over the Blues, Cann's toughness and grit around the contest was crucial to the win. A tough customer who never takes a backwards step, Cann is also a key driver of elite standards on the training track and sets an example for her younger teammates.
In the absence of Mia Austin, emerging forward Ryleigh Wotherspoon produced a best-on-ground performance against the Tigers under Friday night lights. Wotherspoon is another one of those hybrid forwards who are tough to match up on given her strengths in the air and at ground level and she produced a career-best outing with 25 disposals and four goals against Richmond. The Dees will need players like Wotherspoon to continue to stand up on the big stage if they're to give the finals a shake once more.
Tip: Melbourne by seven points
Sydney v West Coast, Henson Park
Sunday, October 25, 12.35pm AEDT
Last time: Sydney 6.7 (43) d West Coast 3.8 (26), R11 2025
What it means
The Swans took care of business against Collingwood in round 10, running away with a convincing 51-point win at Windy Hill. It was a step closer towards a finals spot for Colin O'Riordan's side, who have been exceptional through adversity this year. Given the loss of some key personnel to injury, it's hard to know how much of an impact they can make on the finals stage, but they've shown an ability to throw the magnets around and change things up.
The Eagles have had some really good games in 2026, but have ultimately been pretty disappointing as well in patches. Daisy Pearce's side currently sits 12th on the AFLW ladder, but probably needs to win games against the Swans and Hawks in order to feature in another finals campaign. It's tricky to gauge whether it's just been a down year, or whether there are greater issues at play, but the competition will get a good sense of where the Eagles are at over the next fortnight.
Players to watch
Former Lion Taylor Smith has been a great addition to the Swans' program this year and there's no doubt O'Riordan would love to have two Taylor Smiths to slot into the side. Having starred in the front half this year, Smith has been used as a ruck at different points in recent weeks, helping the likes of Maddie Quinn and Caitlin Reid shoulder some of the ruck load in the absence of star ruck Ally Morphett.
Co-captain Charlotte Thomas has put together a really consistent campaign. On the field, her quality ball use and toughness has made her such a weapon, but off the field her leadership and ability to stand up in big moments is equally as pivotal. Whether it's behind the ball or at the coalface, Thomas is as reliable as they come.
Tip: Sydney by 13 points
North Melbourne v Adelaide, North Hobart Oval
Sunday, October 25, 1.05pm AEDT
Last time: North Melbourne 10.11 (71) d Adelaide 5.1 (31), R10 2025
What it means
The Roos put together a strong second-half performance last week to overcome a valiant Essendon outfit, which put up a strong fight at Windy Hill. Darren Crocker's side has cemented itself as the team to beat again in 2026 as it looks to become the first club to ever win a three-peat in the AFLW. It's unlikely that the Crows or Tigers will cause too many headaches over the coming fortnight, so the Roos will be hoping to bank two wins and have the team cherry ripe for another finals campaign.
The Crows were one of the major surprises in round 10, causing a boilover against the much-improved Gold Coast. It was some of the best footy the Crows have played under new coach Ryan Davis and is a performance that can really drive the group over the pre-season. The challenge now is being able to sustain that level of football for an extended period of time. The upset over the Suns has kept Davis' side well and truly in the finals mix, but with games against the Roos and Melbourne, things are only going to get more difficult.
Players to watch
The likes of Jasmine Garner, Ash Riddell and Eilish Sheerin dominate the headlines at Arden Street, but unheralded defender Eliza Shannon was at her best against the Bombers. Whether it was going back with the flight bravely or shutting off Essendon's forays forward, Shannon's efforts behind the ball were pivotal last week.
Niamh Kelly can turn a game on its head, just ask the Suns. The star Irishwoman booted two goals from 20 disposals last week, wreaking havoc at Unley Oval alongside sister Grace, who booted three majors. Players like the Kelly sisters are worth their weight in gold and are worth the price of admission alone.
Tip: North Melbourne by 47 points
Hawthorn v Essendon, Kennedy Community Centre
Sunday, October 25, 3.05pm AEDT
Last time: Hawthorn 7.14 (56) d Essendon 3.8 (26), R11 2025
What it means
Hawthorn's finals aspirations are hanging in the balance after a shock loss to the lowly Giants in round 10. The Hawks were unable to capitalise in front of goal and will be left feeling like that was a game that slipped away. Fortunately, matches against Essendon and West Coast from here give Daniel Webster's side a great chance to bounce back and continue its finals push. Frustratingly for fans this year, their best has been really sound, but the gap between that and their worst has been too big.
It's been a dire season for the Bombers, but Natalie Wood's side should be proud of how far they pushed the Kangaroos last week, despite a pretty big loss on the scoreboard by the time the final siren went. The Bombers played with great energy and passion early in the game and it wasn't until late in the third term where the Roos really pulled away. Credit to Wood and her coaching staff, as well as the players, for the way they've continued chipping away all year even when results haven't gone their way.
Players to watch
Former Docker Poppy Stockwell has been a fantastic pick-up for the Hawks this year. Having played two matches with Fremantle last season, Stockwell has become a key part of Hawthorn's forward line in 2026, booting 10 goals for the year. A dynamic small forward who loves a tackle and is creative in front of goal, Stockwell has been a great recruit, especially when you consider she was signed as a replacement player.
She may not have stuffed the stats sheet, but there was plenty to like about how Essendon young gun Grace Belloni went about things against North Melbourne. The young Don presented well, tackled hard and was a great link between the midfield and forward lines. In a tough season, seeing games like that from Belloni will no doubt bring a smile to the faces of fans.
Tip: Hawthorn by 22 points
Carlton v Greater Western Sydney, Ikon Park
Sunday, October 25, 5.05pm AEDT
Last time: Carlton 12.9 (81) d Greater Western Sydney 5.5 (35), R11 2025
What it means
Is Carlton the real deal or is it still a tier below the true contenders? The Blues have been one of the best sides all season, but were completely outplayed by the Western Bulldogs in round 10. The loss put a big dent in Carlton's top-four hopes, but at 7-3 with matches against the Giants and Lions to come, they're still in with a chance. It was one of their most disappointing performances of the year, but the Blues have enough class in the system to bounce back strongly this week.
A narrow win in Tilly Lucas-Rodd's 100th AFLW match was exactly the kind of victory the Giants needed after a tough year. The Giants came up clutch late, coming from behind to hold off the Hawks who had a chance to win the game in the dying stages. When the game was on the line, the Giants had enough answers. Coach Cam Bernasconi will be hoping the win is a catalyst for a strong final fortnight, which will lay a solid platform heading into 2027.
Players to watch
One player who would surely be locked into the All-Australian side right now is Blues defender Harriet Cordner. The star key back had her hands full against the Bulldogs, recording a whopping 16 marks and 30 disposals. If it wasn't for Cordner, the five-goal margin could've been even worse. Cordner is an intercepting beast and is such a calm and composed head down back for Mathew Buck's side.
Giants star Alyce Parker attended just over 61 per cent of centre bounces against the Hawks, spending more time in the front half than usual. And it worked. The tough Giant booted three majors from 20 touches, causing plenty of headaches for Hawthorn's under-siege back half. It meant Lucas-Rodd spent more time in the midfield than usual, which added another dimension to the Giants' engine room. If Parker can find ways to impact the scoreboard more often while not having to do all of the heavy lifting inside herself, then the Giants will be a better side for it.
Tip: Carlton by 37 points
