Southern Saints v Williamstown at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Oval

• Opening the round will be an encounter between the Saints and Williamstown, currently sitting on two wins apiece at seventh and eighth just outside finals contention. The Saints had a percentage-boosting win against the Darebin Falcons before the break, while the Seagulls lost a last-gasp encounter against North Melbourne. Both sides have shown glimpses this season and will be looking to show their wares against a more even opponent.
• Tara Bohana had a career-best performance for the Saints in round five picking up 22 disposals, eight marks and kicking two goals. Bohana has been utilised all over the ground by the Saints but will be valuable in providing a target inside 50 for a team that has been held goalless for long periods this season.

Hawthorn v Essendon at Box Hill City Oval

• Hawthorn and Essendon met for the first time this season just three rounds ago and the Hawks will be looking to avenge their loss from that first meeting. The Bombers broke away in tough conditions, kicking six goals to one in the first half. Hawthorn wasn’t without its chances and even won the last quarter. Early scoreboard pressure from the Hawks will put them in a good position to get their first win since round two.
• Georgia Nanscawen is building a reputation as one of the competition’s best contested players and would no doubt be high in the Lambert-Pearce Medal count already. The former AFLW-listed player continues to go from strength to strength, leading the league in disposals, contested possessions, inside 50s and tackles. She could be a player the Hawks look to thwart in this match up.

North Melbourne v Darebin Falcons at Arden Street

• North Melbourne will be feeling confident after holding on in its round five clash against Williamstown, coming up against Darebin this week. The Falcons are yet to win a game this season and have been held goalless as well. The Roos have also struggled to score at times this season but will be banking on their young talent coming through to step up against the experienced Falcons.
• It has been a tough season for the winlessDarebin, but in round 4 Genevieve Lawson-Tavan and Stephanie Simpson shone for the Falcons. Lawson-Tavan will be crucial rebounding from the defensive 50, while Simpson works hard at stoppages and creating opportunities inside 50.

Port Melbourne v Western Bulldogs at ETU Stadium

• Port Melbourne returns home to ETU Stadium to try and hold onto its unbeaten record against the Western Bulldogs. Port’s defence has been resolute this season, no team scoring more than four goals against them. Coming up against this often impenetrable back half makes this an even tougher prospect for the Bulldogs, who have struggled to keep the ball inside their own forward 50 the last few weeks and, even worse, were kept goalless against Geelong in their last game.
• The Bulldogs must commend captain Riley Christgoergl for her efforts in trying conditions the last few weeks. Christgoergl has led from the front for her side, trying to inspire teammates to turn things around, appearing in the Bulldogs’ best five weeks in a row.

Casey Demons v Geelong at Casey Fields

• Third takes on fourth in this high-stakes clash between Casey and Geelong. Both teams currently sit on three wins and only a fraction of percentage splits which will being looking to cement its place in the top six, with five teams hot on their heels. The Cats will be feeling confident having dominated the Western Bulldogs in their first away trip all season, but Casey will not have lost confidence after a valiant performance against the undefeated Collingwood.
• Pressure around the contest will be important for Geelong against a Casey Demons outfit that leads the competition in hitouts (third in hitouts to advantage) and in clearances. Pressure won’t be hard for the Cats who lead the competition in tackles, led by Tamara Smith.

Collingwood v Carlton at Victoria Park

• One of football’s traditional rivalries plays out its latest chapter on Sunday, with plenty at stake for both sides. Collingwood will be looking to keep its unbeaten run alive and Carlton to strengthen its case for the top six. The Magpies have been one of the highest scoring teams of the season, so the Blues’ defence will have its work cut out.
• Caitlin Bunker helped lead the Pies to a premiership in 2019 and, after being elevated to the captaincy, has continued to shine. She has been utilised all over the ground, hitting the scoreboard on occasion, but has been immense around the contest winning plenty of clearances for the team.