State of Play hosts Joe Pignataro and Gemma Bastiani preview the big topics ahead of this weekend's VFL and VFLW action.
The VFL logjam
For consecutive weeks the ladder's top ten hasn't changed. The final four rounds will, however, be imperative for those sides given the GWS Giants in fifth are holding out Frankston and Port Melbourne by percentage only. Tasmania and Williamstown are breathing down their necks, with their percentage countered given they’ve both experienced a draw this season. Essendon is making a late season charge and only sits outside the top ten by 4.3 per cent to Coburg. An uncharacteristic slip-up and the season could end in tatters for the loser. A surprise victory could find a side enjoying a Wildcard weekend off before the finals.
Frankston’s formline
Here come the Dolphins. Season 2026 is shaping as another run for finals after a long time spent in the wilderness, thanks to recent form, including three wins from their past four matches. Trent Mynott is in a rich vein of form, pushing up the leaderboard of the VFL Coaches MVP votes, while making his case as a Liston Trophy contender. Corey Ellison has taken the lead of the Frosty Miller Medal with 43 goals, and last week debutant Kade Foster showed he kicks goals for fun. Under Jackson Kornberg the Dolphins have reached the post-season in the past two years, before falling short at the Southport hurdle. If they want to be a genuine contender this year, they’ll head to Shark Park this weekend and come home with the points.
Blues in form
Carlton has hit a sweet run of form in the VFLW over recent weeks, and while it is the only side to have played AFLW-listed players so far this year, that isn't the reason why. The addition of Nell Morris-Dalton up forward has allowed Sophia McCarthy a little more freedom, Hannah Scott's power through the middle is tough to stop, and Ellie Sbeghan's ruckwork has been, quite frankly, underrated. Now, just one game out of the top four, and with a healthy percentage, the Blues have a handy run home, so don't be surprised when they push deep into finals.
How do they do it?
Two-time premier North Melbourne Werribee just keeps on rolling, no matter what personnel it loses along the way. First, it was coach Brett Gourley on the eve of the season, which would have created chaos in any other program, but not the Roos. Then, star recruit Abby Favell earned elevation to the club's AFLW program, which was a loss, but well-covered by the two-time champs. And most recently, midfield stalwart Maddie Di Cosmo suffered a serious knee injury, further thinning the midfield. But the next player steps up - last week it was Ava Seton - and the Roos just keep on winning.
Williamstown's new spearhead
For a long time, Williamstown's forward line has been synonymous with Sharnie Whiting, but this year the balance of power has shifted. With Whiting struggling to break into the team early in the season, Mia Zielinski took her place as the Gulls' No.1 forward. In fact, last week Zielinski kicked all five of Williamstown's goals as it maintained its hold on second spot. Now, as teams hit the home stretch of the season, she is the player opposition coaches will be focused on shutting down should they have any chance of taking the four points home.
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