Our AFLW experts, Marnie Vinall, Marissa Lordanic, and Jesse Robinson tackle some of the burning questions ahead of Round 6.
How important is a mobile forward line to a team's success?
Marnie Vinall: I don't think it's a surprise that the teams with more mobile and athletic forward lines -- who are great both in the air and on ground level -- are the teams that are scoring more goals and positioned higher on the ladder at the middle point of the season. The Brisbane-Collingwood clash last week is a great example of why it matters: Lions stars Jesse Wardlaw, Zimmie Farquharson and Emily Bates are all fast, mobile and athletic and can win their own ball. Bates is averaging 296.5 metres gained this season in comparison to Pies tall Sabrina Frederick who is averaging 48.1 and struggling to make an impact. I know they're different types of players, but are forward lines that consist of players who run and collect and have more impact around the ground proving to be more beneficial than those that require clean ball use to key forwards who stick up their hands and hope for marks overhead, in a competition that has an all-round inaccurate kicking problem? Well, yes.
Marissa Lordanic: This is a really interesting discussion point because there's probably a natural assumption that you stick the tall girls up forward and then they'll do the work. But it's a positive thing that the AFLW has evolved in such a way that that game plan became very old very quickly - teams need more avenues to goals. With team defences improving by the week, kicking long to a tall forward is a predictable method. Freo's multi-dimensional forward line is my great example - it's built up of mobile players but they have a great mix of players who are strong overhead as well. A la the Demons with Tayla Harris' ability to crash a pack and create opportunities for her crumbers. I'm interested to see how (or, if) Collingwood can address this glaring issue of theirs and find their own answer to this question...
Jesse Robinson: The short answer is: very. Teams are pushing so far up the ground while defending, the ability to burst away from stoppages in numbers and have mobile forwards streaking back or in position to collect the ball once it hits the ground is important. But as it always is in footy, the key forwards still get it done, with Woodland, Harris, and Brennan leading the way in the goal kicking charts this season.
Can Monique Conti still win the league's B&F despite Richmond's results?
MV: You know what? She can, but I also put Maddy Prespakis in this conversation. There are so many midfielders racking up big numbers on game day without their team winning but I'm not sure that's going to matter a lot.
ML: Conti continues to just do Conti things, but that's really unsurprising. She's a star. I've been thinking after Richmond's Round 1 win and a flurry of losses that followed, does she still factor? She's their best player and is doing so much work around the ground for her team, I dare say the umpires are also noticing her output.
JR: If Richmond were slightly better she'd be right up there with a chance, but given how Richmond have struggled in previous weeks, it's tough to see her polling enough votes to get the job done. That takes nothing away from what an incredible season she's having and proof of the level she can play it with a real preseason behind her. All that said, I hope I'm wrong and she wins it!
Which Round 6 game are you most looking forward to?
MV: Gold Coast-Geelong definitely tickles my fancy. Coming into the season they were both touted as wooden spoon contenders but have surprised most of us with how competitive they've been in matches. The Suns go equal on points with the Lions and Magpies if they win this game so there is a fair bit riding on it, so coupling that possible outcome with the fact I expect this to go right down to the wire has me jumping out of my seat. Can't wait.
ML: I keep looking at Suns-Cats too. I feel like it's going to be a coin flip as to who ends up winning this - it's going to be a cracking game. I'm also keen for West Coast's home match against a struggling, inaccurate, and currently vulnerable Collingwood. If the Pies produce their recent brand of footy and the Eagles, who come into the game with ample confidence after recording their first win, can translate their energy into another solid on-field performance, then I wouldn't be shocked if we see another upset.
JR: I had huge doubts about whether Fremantle would contend this year, but they've become must-watch footy every week. They'll be stinging after their first loss last week and finally being back home they should put on a show, while the Blues are in desperate need of a bounceback game after three big losses in a row. This fixture was also one of the games of the season last year.