Brisbane are out in front, as the AFLW hits the halfway mark. As we take stock, which players have stood out and who are the title contenders?
With five out of ten rounds ticked off, the AFLW has hit the regular season midpoint.
Plenty has already been learned, with this the first time all 18 clubs are doing battle. So let’s assess which clubs can be considered genuine contenders, what the major talking points have been and who’s in the mix for Player of the Years honours.
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Premiership favourite: Brisbane Lions
The Lions sit clear atop the ladder after massive wins against Fremantle, GWS, Gold Coast and Melbourne.
Other contenders certainly took note of Richmond’s stunning upset over the flag fancies last weekend, so there’s anticipation to see how they respond.
Brisbane’s success so far can be credited to midfielder Ally Anderson’s strong work rate, reigning League B&F Emily Bates continuing to shine and fellow mids Sophie Conway and Belle Dawes chipping in. Courtney Hodder also has contributed greatly.
Probable finalists
While the Lions remain on top of the ladder, it’ll be a close race to see who makes up the rest of the top eight. The Adelaide Crows are just sitting behind in second, only being separated on percentage, followed by Collingwood, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Rounding out the eight, currently, are Geelong, North Melbourne and Richmond.
But there could be a shakeup on the cards. The improving Gold Coast Suns look to have found confidence with a 3-2 record; looming as a chance of being late-season bolters.
Essendon’s another team on the rise; sitting on 10th at 2-3.
The reality is, most sides outside the eight will come into the frame by stringing a few wins together. But in what is just a ten-round comp, the clock is ticking quickly.
Big outs and injury woes
With the Cats finding their feet, questions remain over what Georgie Prespakis’ absence from the side will mean. The midfielder’s presence is crucial, such as her 25 disposals in the Cats’ win over St Kilda. But a dangerous tackle on Erin McKinnon has cost Prespakis a two-match suspension; seeing her miss Geelong’s important stretch against the Bulldogs and Bombers.
Essendon’s Daria Bannister was also found guilty of a dangerous tackle, hit with a one-match ban.
Tribunal aside, a spate of players have been struck down by the inevitable injuries AFLW fas have become accustomed to. This includes Carlton’s growing list; the likes of Phoebe McWilliams, Darcy Vescio and Mia Austin.
Several players have already been sidelined for the remainder of the season such as Bulldogs’ Brit Gutknecht (leg), Eagles’ Kellie Gibson (ACL) and Lions’ Lily Postlethwaite (ACL).
Player of the Year award
Whilst she may be leading in the coaches association votes, Georgie Prespakis’ suspension puts the medal race in a precarious situation.
Following her six votes in the Cats’ latest win, Prespakis is now ineligible for Player of the Year honours.
Sitting behind the Geelong star is North Melbourne’s Jasmine Garner. While CA votes won’t perfectly line up with the League’s best and fairest medal, Garner polled another 10 in Friday’s win over the Dogs – her third time this season with a perfect 10, earning favouritism.
Georgie’s sister Madison Prespakis also received 10 CA votes during Essendon’s clash with Collingwood, rounding out the top three.
Other contenders for the award include Amy McDonald (Geelong), Kristy Lamb (Western Bulldogs), Monique Conti (Richmond) and Ellie Blackburn (Western Bulldogs).
Coaches Association voting leaderboard
41 Georgie Prespakis (GEEL)
40 Jasmine Garner (NMFC)
36 Madison Prespakis (ESS)
35 Amy McDonald (GEEL)
30 Kirsty Lamb (WB)
29 Monique Conti (RICH)
28 Ellie Blackburn (WB)
28 Alyce Parker (GWS)
26 Anne Hatchard (ADEL)
26 Ebony Marinoff (ADEL)
26 Charlie Rowbottom (GCFC)
