State of Play hosts Joe Pignataro and Gemma Bastiani preview the big topics ahead of this weekend's VFL and VFLW action

Richmond’s bravery on show again
Richmond went into its Smithy’s VFL clash against the Box Hill Hawks with no AFL-listed players. Yet the Tigers almost walked off the ground winners, going down by a point after Jack Dalton broke their hearts with a goal with the final kick of the game. The task doesn’t get any easier this weekend against an Essendon side coming off a big away win over the GWS Giants. But this Richmond side continues to fight and claw their way through matches. In all five of their losses this season they’ve been in the contest right up until three quarter time before falling away. Opportunity is knocking for Richmond this weekend in their annual Dreamtime match against Essendon, having won the past seven encounters against the Bombers.

First look at the Dogs
The Western Bulldogs were forced to watch the opening round of the VFLW season from the sidelines due to a Round 1 bye. Bulldogs’ fans will get their first look at their team under new coach Liam Cavanagh on Sunday when they take on the Casey Demons at Casey Fields. After playing off in a Grand Final in 2024, the Bulldogs slide down the ladder last year, but there is expectation they will take a step up in 2026 under Cavanagh. And with Casey fresh off a strong performance in Tasmania, there is no better way for the Bulldogs to show that improvement than to nab a round two win.

Standalone surge
Three wins in a row has seen both Port Melbourne and Frankston surge up the Smithy’s VFL ladder to sit inside the top 10 a third of the way through the season. Another test for these sides comes in the form of fellow standalone competitor in Round 9. Port Melbourne travels north to face eighth-placed Southport, while the Dolphins welcome Daniel Ward’s Sandringham to Kinetic Stadium. Both look to be important game in determining this year’s finals mix. Continuing the standalone theme in the VFLW, Port Melbourne and Darebin play one-another at ETU Stadium.

Vicki Cleary Day
The most significant day on Coburg’s calendar takes place this weekend in the form of Vicki Cleary Day. The ‘Burgers have hosted the annual event, supporting the fight to end violence against women, since 2017. On the field, Coburg hosts an in-form Carlton outfit which heads to Barry Plant Park with the aim of cementing its spot in the top-two as it hunts a sixth-consecutive victory. With a big crowd set to be in attendance, it’s a must-win match for the home side if it wants to stay in touch with the top 10 and keep the momentum of consecutive big wins prior to last week’s bye.

Double delight on the Hill
With a venue change seeing the VFL Dreamtime clash between Richmond and Essendon shifted to Windy Hill, fans can now enjoy a double-header on Saturday. The VFL teams will kick off proceedings in the morning, both determined to remain in touch with the top 10, before Essendon’s VFLW side hosts Geelong in the afternoon. The Bombers will be keen to atone for their narrow loss to Sandringham last weekend and get their season moving in the right direction, while the Cats need to atone for a big defeat at the hands of Williamstown.

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