IN THIS week's State of Play, hosts Joe Pignataro and Gemma Bastiani preview the opening week of the rebel VFLW Finals Series and the penultimate round of the Smithy's VFL.

Richmond recruit Lulu Beatty joins Joe and Gemma to analyse this week's rebel VFLW qualifying and elimination finals.

As well as previewing this weekend's action, Joe and Gemma also discuss:

- Essendon coming from the clouds to book a rebel VFLW spot in the finals
- Maddie Di Cosmo's red-hot finish to the rebel VFLW home and away season
- Why the Box Hill Hawks have every reason to be considered Smithy's VFL premiership favourites
- George Grey's return to form a huge boost for Frankston ahead of the finals

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Listen to the full episode below and subscribe to the State of Play: VFL/W Podcast wherever you get your podcast to never miss a moment. A fresh episode is released in-season every Tuesday.