Western Bulldogs' Annabel Scott breaks away. Picture: AFL Photos

Southern Saints v Collingwood at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Oval

  • The Southern Saints are just hanging on to a possible finals spot, sitting in 6th place on the ladder and facing a big test against Collingwood for the second time this season. The Magpies kept their unbeaten run alive with a win in a low-scoring affair against Carlton at Victoria Park in the round just gone. The last time these two teams met the Pies were able to hold the Saints goalless for long periods of the game, something the Saints will need to turn around to give themselves a chance.
  • Jasmine Ferguson has made the Pies backline her own and taken on more responsibility in her role this season. Ferguson, who has also played netball at a high level, has often taken the best opposition forward in defensive 50 and done the job, none better than this past round helping keep the Blue goalless for the entire game.

THE FULL FIXTURE Rounds 7 and 8 revealed

Essendon v Williamstown at The Hangar

  • Williamstown started incredibly well against the Southern Saints but were unable to keep the game on their terms as the clash continued. Essendon kept their top four hopes alive with their close win over the Hawks. It was the experienced VFLW campaigners that stood up for Essendon, including Cecilia Mcintosh, Mia-Rae Clifford and Courtney Ugle getting the Bombers over the line in that clash and their experience will be the difference coming up against a young Seagulls side.
  • Aimee Whelan has been the Seagulls’ most consistent performer this season and had one of her best outings against the Saints in round 6. She finished with a team high 20 disposals, eight tackles and a goal. Whelan will be able to give Williamstown something extra at the contest.
Courtney Ugle in action for Essendon. Picture: AFL Photos

Hawthorn v Casey Demons at Box Hill City Oval

  • Hawthorn’s finals hopes hinge on a perfect run home having fallen to a 1-5 record after its loss to Essendon in round six. Their opponents this week, Casey Demons, will be feeling confident after they were able to hold on for a two-point win over Geelong. The Demons need a win to help cement a spot in the finals, but come up against a Hawks side that has recruited well and added experience to its lineup.
  • The Hawks have brought in the recently delisted AFLW trio of Nadia Van Bertouch, Tamara Luke and Nicole Garner, plus Suns injury-replacement player Georgia Bevan. All four were named in the team’s best after the weekend, but Bevan really shone with her 22 disposals and nine tackles.

Geelong v North Melbourne at Queens Park

  • North Melbourne will be reeling from its loss to Darebin in round six and will be looking to bounce back against a Geelong side that just saw off the fast-finishing Demons. The Cats are sitting comfortably in fourth on the ladder while the Roos have some ground to make up in ninth. North has struggled to hit the scoreboard this season and Geelong only sits behind Collingwood for scores conceded, making this a tough prospect for the Roos.
  • Molly Eastman has established herself as one of North Melbourne’s best this season and showed why in round six. She had a season-high 28 disposals, five marks and seven rebound 50s in her side’s loss to Darebin.
Molly Eastman in action in round one, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

Darebin v Western Bulldogs at Bill Lawry Oval

  • Darebin got itself onto the winners list for the first time this season in round six, while the Western Bulldogs sunk to their fifth loss in a row. Both sides now sit with a win apiece and will be looking forward to an opportunity to get a second win to lift them from the bottom of the ladder.
  • Western Bulldogs AFLW Premiership player Nicole Callinan returned to the Falcons and fit back in seamlessly. Callinan made an impact in the win with her 17 disposals, six tackles and four clearances. Her experience will be an asset to a Falcons side that will be looking to finish the season strongly.

Port Melbourne v Carlton at ETU Stadium

  • Carlton’s three-game winning streak was brought to an end by the undefeated Collingwood and this week they come up against the competition’s other undefeated team in Port Melbourne. The Borough have already accounted for the Blues once this season with a dominant 44-point win. Carlton will have more to play for this time with its spot in the final six on the line in the coming weeks.
  • With the AFLW season coming to an end plenty of teams will be looking to bolster their squads. Port Melbourne had a massive inclusion in round six with Sabrina Frederick coming down to play with the Borough. Her impact was instant kicking two goals, taking six marks and pinch hitting in the ruck.