IT'S RIVALRY round this week, with plenty of intriguing matchups set to shape the finals race.

There’s plenty on the line when the Suns and the Lions do battle in the QClash, as the Suns search for their first win in the marquee fixture. There might not be a better time for it, the Suns are flying right now, while an undermanned Lions are licking their wounds.

The Power host the Crows in what promises to be a Showdown spectacular on Saturday night, while the Eagles and Dockers will go head-to-head on Sunday evening in a game that has massive finals ramifications.

Elsewhere, Hawthorn will be looking to break its Ikon Park hoodoo when it faces the Blues and the Swans will get a good sense of where they’re at when they travel to Arden Street to play the Kangaroos.

Here’s who and what to look out for across round eight as well as a tip for each match.

Carlton v Hawthorn, Ikon Park
Thursday, October 1, 7.15pm AEST

Last time: Carlton 11.13 (79) d. Hawthorn 4.9 (33), SF 2025

What it means

The Blues got back on the winners list last week, with a comprehensive 55-point win over Richmond. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak, although both those matches were against arguably the two best sides in the competition in North Melbourne and Melbourne. Mathew Buck’s side has some really solid depth across the board and are well placed with a win-loss record of 5-2, giving them a strong platform to launch towards a top four spot.

The Hawks have never won a game at Ikon Park in their AFLW history, losing five straight games including four finals. Can they finally break that hoodoo? Daniel Webster’s side shocked the competition by ending North Melbourne’s incredible winning streak, but fell back down to earth after a bad loss to Geelong in round seven. Their season is delicately poised at 4-3, but they’ve shown their upside can clearly match it with the best, it’s just about putting everything together more consistently.

Players to watch

Erone Fitzpatrick is one of the most watchable players in the competition right now. With an ability to hurt the opposition both on the inside and the outside, Fitzpatrick is putting together a career-best campaign that will well and truly have her in the mix for an All-Australian blazer. Fitzpatrick is averaging a career-high 18.6 disposals, 4.9 tackles, 3.4 marks and 1.3 goals in 2026 and is a real weapon for the Blues. 

Speaking of career-best campaigns, Hawthorn defender Laura Elliott is also on fire in 2026. Elliott has become a reliable force in Hawthorn’s defensive unit, consistently nullifying her opponent while at the same time providing rebound and dash to kickstart the Hawks’ ball movement. Elliott is averaging a career-high 14.6 disposals this year and is vital to Daniel Webster’s defensive setup. 

Tip: Carlton by eight points

Richmond v Geelong, Ikon Park
Friday, October 2, 7.15pm AEST

Last time: Geelong Cats 8.11 (59) d. Richmond 4.5 (29), R5 2025

What it means

The Tigers had won three out of their last four games before crashing back down to earth against Carlton last week, but have clearly taken some big strides in 2026 under new coach Jarrad Donders. Pleasingly for Richmond, they’ve taken those steps while several stars have been sidelined, including Monique Conti and Ellie McKenzie at various stages this season. The internal growth of the list has been clear which bodes well for the future. It’s a tough run home, so making sure they don’t get blown out of the water by these strong teams later in the year has to be a key focus. 

Geelong might not lose another game this year. The Cats were at their brilliant best against the Hawks in round seven, their ball movement an absolute joy to watch. Mick Stinear has revitalised this group and they’re well and truly on their way towards a top four finish. Can they match it with the very best? Only time will tell, but with the way they’re playing, they’ll give themselves every chance. 

Players to watch

Ellie McKenzie had a slow start to 2026 after suffering an arm injury in the Australia v Ireland clash, but is starting to really get into her work now. McKenzie is a real asset to Donders and his coaching staff, given her ability to impact the game both at the coalface and inside 50. She’s clean with the ball in hand, strong in the air and takes her moments. 

Could Georgie Prespakis be leading the competition best and fairest right now? The star Cat was exceptional against the Hawks in round seven, racking up 29 disposals, seven clearances and 655 metres gained. Outside of that round one horror show against North Melbourne, Prespakis has probably polled votes in every other game. She’s found some of her best form under Stinear this year and is in a rich vein of form.

Tip: Geelong by 39 points

Greater Western Sydney v Essendon, Henson Park
Saturday, October 3, 1:05pm AEST

Last time: Essendon 13.7 (85) d. Greater Western Sydney 3.11 (29), R1 2025

What it means

For all of the Giants’ improvement this year, their loss to Collingwood was pretty bad in round seven. A shock win over the Eagles in round one gave cause for optimism, but they haven’t won another game since, despite being competitive in several clashes. Looking ahead at their fixture, things aren’t getting much easier, which means banking a victory against the winless Bombers this week is crucial for Cam Bernasconi and his side. 

Speaking of tough runs, outside of a final round clash against Collingwood, this might also be Essendon’s biggest chance at a win this year. Natalie Wood’s side have failed to fire a shot in 2026 and pressure is mounting after yet another disappointing loss in round seven. It’s been really tough to find positives out of a 0-7 start to 2026 and it feels like a bit of a wasted year as things stand right now. 

Players to watch

Bec Beeson might not be the biggest name in the competition, but she’s so important to this Giants side. The captain always leads from the front, isn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty and did everything in her power to try and lift her side to victory against the Pies. Beeson amassed 25 disposals in a performance that culminated in seven coaches’ votes that day.

Grace Belloni is yet to hit her straps in 2026, but was able to find more of the footy in round seven against the Eagles. Belloni attended 21.4 per cent of centre bounces and seemed to benefit from being around the ball more often, finishing with 16 disposals in what was probably her best outing for the year. With wins scarce in 2026, it’s the performances of players like Belloni in Essendon’s younger brigade which can bring smiles to the faces of fans.

Tip: Greater Western Sydney by four points

Western Bulldogs v St Kilda, Mars Stadium
Saturday, October 3, 3.05pm AEST

Last time: Western Bulldogs 10.12 (72) d. St Kilda 4.3 (27), R12 2025

What it means

The Bulldogs continue to impress this year and overcame a valiant Port Adelaide side in round seven. Tam Hyett’s side are now sitting pretty with a win-loss record of 5-2 heading into the final five weeks of the season. Banking wins across the next fortnight is crucial though, because their final few weeks are pretty tough. It feels as though they’re really building right now, but might still be a superstar or two short from really challenging at the pointy end this season. They’ve no doubt been one of the big improvers in 2026.

On the contrary, St Kilda has been one of if not the biggest disappointment this year. Nick Dal Santo’s side is one of just two sides that remain without a win this season, although the Saints were more competitive against a young Suns outfit in round seven. With a number of household names missing through injury or suspension, some of the Saints’ lesser lights stood tall and made an impact. Can the Saints pinch a win or two on the run home and give the fans something to celebrate? 

Players to watch

Heidi Woodley was unreal last week against the Power, kicking a game-high four goals from 18 disposals. The 21-year-old has really popped this season under Tam Hyett, averaging career-high numbers for disposals, score involvements, marks, inside 50s and goals. She’s such a key part of this new brigade of Bulldogs leading the way. 

Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw hasn’t set the world on fire in 2026, but had a career-best haul of five goals in round seven’s loss to the Suns. Tawhiao-Wardlaw was back to her best, clunking marks as a force to be reckoned with in the front half. Credit to the star Saint, who has been able to turn her form around in a matter of weeks. Now to help her side do the same.

Tip: Western Bulldogs by 16 points

Brisbane v Gold Coast, Brighton Homes Arena
Saturday, October 3, 5.05pm AEST

Last time: Brisbane Lions 11.17 (83) d. Gold Coast Suns 2.3 (15), R8 2025

What it means

The Lions’ season is hanging by a thread with a win-loss record of 2-5. The Lions have been down before, but this uncharted territory for Craig Starcevich and his side. Luckily for the Lions, they’ll give themselves a chance in all of their remaining five matches, but things have to change and change quickly. They were completely outplayed in the final term of their round seven clash against the Swans and are on thin ice. 

The Suns have been the surprise packet of 2026 and are well on their way to another finals series. Rhyce Shaw’s Academy-led stars are firing on all cylinders and couldn’t have been much more impressive in their short AFLW careers to date. The Suns are fifth on the ladder with a record of 5-2, but face a big task against the Lions this week. Can they finally break their QClash hoodoo and beat the Lions?

Players to watch

Ally Anderson is one of the most decorated players in AFLW history, but couldn’t get involved in the clash against the Swans last week. The star midfielder was completely blanketed by Sydney tagger Tanya Kennedy. As one of the game’s best players, there’s no doubt Anderson will have a point to prove this week when she takes on the Suns.

Havana Harris, Ava Usher and Sunny Lappin might have drawn most of the headlines this year, but don’t forget about Dekota Baron. The star Sun was electric against the Saints in round seven, booting three goals on the way to a Telstra Rising Star nomination. She’s so good in the air, is incredibly athletic and has a great goal sense. These Suns are going to be scary good.

Tip: Brisbane by seven points

Port Adelaide v Adelaide, Alberton Oval
Saturday, October 3, 6.45pm ACST

Last time: Port Adelaide 7.10 (52) d. Adelaide 6.9 (45), R11 2025

What it means

The Power are down, but not out, yet. Glenn Strachan’s side sit in 14th with a win-loss record of 2-5, but their season is slipping away. The Power have been far too patchy in 2026, showing glimpses of potential but also losing concentration at key stages of games and being scored against heavily. There’s no better stage to regain some form and build momentum for the final month of the year than the Showdown stage.

The Crows have exceeded expectations this year, having undergone significant change over the off-season. While their record of 3-4 isn’t that impressive, it’s been their ability to gel as a unit despite such big list turnover that’s really caught the eye. Ryan Davis’ side have had some incredible highs, but also some low lows and the performance against the Dockers on the weekend was one of their worst of the season. 

Players to watch

Ellie Hampson has played just the one game in Port Adelaide colours, but it certainly was a good one. The former Lion and Sun booted three goals on Power debut, giving Strachan’s side another option inside 50. Port Adelaide have struggled without key forward Indy Tahau who has suffered an ACL injury, so if Hampson can provide another route to goal, that will be a huge positive.

The Crows need a response in the Showdown and it doesn’t take a genius to work out who will lead that this week. Ebony Marinoff doesn’t have the same support around her that she has previously had, but you can’t fault her effort each and every week. A ball magnet who works just as hard defensively as she does offensively, Marinoff is capable of ripping games apart on her own.

Tip: Adelaide by 13 points

North Melbourne v Sydney, Arden Street Oval
Sunday, October 4, 1.05pm AEDT

Last time: North Melbourne 13.10 (88) d. Sydney 3.2 (20), R8 2025

What it means

The Kangaroos responded after their incredible winning streak was ended by Hawthorn in round six, with a resounding win over consensus number two seed Melbourne last week. Darren Crocker put on a clinic in the coaches box and the Dees just couldn’t go with the Roos. It was a timely reminder that North Melbourne is in fact the team to beat in 2026 still as they chase the first ever AFLW three-peat. 

The Swans have put together a superb campaign under Colin O’Riordan this year, sitting inside the top four with a win-loss record of 6-1. The Swans have had their fair share of injury troubles and combined with the off-field issues at Swans HQ this year, it’s been an almighty start to the season. This week’s clash against the Roos will be a good litmus test to see where they’re really at. 

Players to watch

Jenna Bruton may not get the same amount of attention externally as some of her star teammates, but she was terrific against the Dees last week. She’s tough, can hurt teams both inside and outside and is such a great team player. The likes of Jasmine Garner, Ash Riddell and Eilish Sheerin are the household names, but Bruton’s impact cannot be understated.

Speaking of unheralded stars, tagger Tanya Kennedy played a huge role in Sydney’s win over Brisbane in round seven. Kennedy clamped Lions star Ally Anderson, limiting the star Lion’s influence while also chipping in with 15 disposals, nine tackles and a goal of her own. Sydney’s depth across the board has been a key reason for their rise in 2026.

Tip: North Melbourne by 23 points

Collingwood v Melbourne, Victoria Park
Sunday, October 4, 1:05pm AEST

Last time: Melbourne 5.7 (37) d. Collingwood 4.9 (33), R3 2025

What it means

The Pies finally broke through for their first win of 2026 with a gritty win over Greater Western Sydney in round seven. Sam Wright’s side came from behind to clinch the win, giving everyone involved in the football club something to celebrate. It’s been a tough year for the Pies, but it feels as though they’ve turned a corner over the past few weeks. A win against the Dees seems an extremely long shot, but if they can continue to play with the flair and bravery they have recently, that will be a positive.

The Dees had put together a flawless start to 2026 under new coach Tom Wilson, but were handed a reality check by two-time reigning premiers North Melbourne last week. While it was disappointing that they didn’t give the Roos a bigger challenge, there’s no doubt that Wilson and his troops will use the loss as a learning experience moving forward into the final five weeks of the home and away season. An opportunity against the under-fire Pies gives them a big chance of getting back onto the winners list straight away.

Players to watch

Is Tarni White in career-best form? The 25-year-old has been a shining light in defence for the Pies this year, regularly creating rebound out of defence with her kicking and skill. White is as tough as nails, uses the ball well and is so reliable.

Tyla Hanks would have to be one of the best two-way midfielders in the competition right now. The star Dee is an absolute ball magnet, but is equally as good with her defensive workrate and pressure around the ball. In a midfield unit where captain Kate Hore and returning on-baller Liv Purcell get most of the attention, Hanks is one of the game’s premier midfielders. 

Tip: Melbourne by 67 points

West Coast v Fremantle, Sullivan Logistics Stadium
Sunday, October 4, 2.05pm AWST

Last time: Fremantle 3.5 (23) d. West Coast 2.4 (16), R5 2025

What it means

The Eagles have managed to keep their season alive and turn things around after a poor start to the year where they dropped their first four games. Daisy Pearce’s Eagles have since won three in a row to climb into 12th place on the AFLW ladder, just a win and percentage out of the top eight. Albeit against struggling opposition, the Eagles are playing far better footy in recent weeks. A win against cross-town rivals Fremantle seems crucial to their finals aspirations.

The Dockers were simply superb against the Crows in round seven, dominating early to lay the platform for the vital win. Veteran midfielder Kiara Bowers is still at the peak of her powers, while Hayley Miller became the club’s most prolific goal scorer in history after booting two majors. That’s the sort of play that Lisa Webb’s side have been aspiring to play all season and it all finally clicked for them last week. Can they keep it up and push towards a top eight spot?

Players to watch

Youngster Charlotte Riggs has taken her game to another level this year, playing primarily as a ruck. Riggs’ athleticism has seen her take on a role in the centre circle more often this year, with her skillset perfect for the new ruck rules. She’s strong in the air and she’s become such a versatile player for her side in such a short space of time. 

Eden Zanker is finally starting to build into her season. After a sluggish start to life out west, Zanker was one of the Dockers’ best in the win over Adelaide, booting three goals in an efficient display. Zanker was the big-name recruit for Fremantle over the off-season and that performance against the Crows showed exactly why Lisa Webb and the list management staff were so keen to get her to the footy club.

Tip: Fremantle by seven points