Our AFLW experts, Marnie Vinall, Marissa Lordanic and Jesse Robinson tackle some of the burning questions ahead of Round 10.
What impressed you the most about Melbourne's record score?
Marnie Vinall: Probably just how classy the Demons were from start to finish, their team-first mentality really came to the fore. Admittedly, Freo were clearly depleted and I do not envy being a coach in that position with several key players pulling out on game day, but a lot of credit still needs to go the Dees' way. Almost every passage was clean, their transition work from defence to attack was slick and it showed that, with a highly skilled team, a kick-mark, high possession game style can really slice teams up in this league. And don't forget the eight goal kickers! Let's see if they can bring that style into finals.
Marissa Lordanic: What an unbelievable performance, there was already so much riding on this game and the implications were massive with a minor premiership still in reach for both clubs, but no one could have picked an 88-point margin (albeit with some context as Marnie explained). Our good friend from the ESPN Footy Podcast, Anna Harrington has said this in the past but I want to highlight just how important Tayla Harris has been to Melbourne this season, she's really added another dimension in the front half but at the same time doesn't need to be the focal point, and it just feels like she really is the missing piece to their puzzle - that was glaring to me when watching the game. I must say though, Freo have the right to an excuse here, surely?
Jesse Robinson: There was plenty to be impressed by, but for me it was watching Daisy kick five. We could go on about their defence, or their young midfield or Tayla Harris's contested marking, Kate Hore's efficiency but watching the original face of the competition kicking a bag was too good to look past.
What are your initial takes on reports of an August season start?
MV: My initial reaction, probably like most people, was clearly one of shock. Four months is just. Such a short period of time! With such a drastic decision like this there are always going to be winners and losers which I think is important to keep in mind. A 'perfect' solution won't be coming out of AFL house so of course, it's important to weigh up the pros and cons. My biggest concern is for those players who have made agreements with employers or taken annual leave to be able to play out this season, as having to do it all again could cause a lot of problems and the sad reality is it could drive some players out of the competition.
The other one is the hope for all those players that have suffered ACL injuries this year will be quashed by the introduction of an August start time; missing another entire season of the sport you sacrifice so much for would just be heartbreaking for them and their teams. Not to mention the lack of time for expansion clubs to not only hire a coach (if they haven't yet), but construct a list and build camaraderie. But hey, at least we won't be playing in the height of summer! There's so much to unpack, but I'm sure the decision makers are taking everything they should into consideration (I hope so, anyway).
ML: All clubs still need to approve this and there is a lot to consider, and I'm in full agreeance with Marnie about holding concerns about players having to back up another season in the same calendar year - I don't imagine players have oodles of annual leave to actually call upon for the second time in a year so let's pray it doesn't lead to a mass exodus of talent due to unavailability. I will say that August is a great start time, it's smart, and hopefully the energy and momentum of the men's finals campaign can be transferred into the new women's season which in turn creates more attention and media coverage that they deserve.
My big question for this whole proposal is this: What's better, short term pain by making them play two seasons in a calendar year, or the pain of having to wait over a year for the next season to begin in August 2023? I'm in the 2023 camp, thus allowing players we've lost to injury to fully rehab and it gives plenty of time for new clubs to get their houses in order and existing clubs the space to build their lists. Also, can we bin the argument of 'clean air'? No matter where you put the competition, there will always be something else on.
JR: Love the idea, not so sure about the execution. As the others have touched on, the players have burnt so much leave from work, energy, and effort already that the turnaround is going to be brutal. I'm sure it also came as a shock to the new clubs who now have significantly less time to get organised. I've got no doubt that in the long run it will be good, but I feel for the players who will struggle with the turnaround -- and those with long term injuries -- who will now miss two seasons of footy. On the flip side, does it mean we get to see another season of Daisy? There's lots to play out.
What's one thing you will be keeping your eye on this weekend?
MV: I'll very much be watching the percentage battle at the top! With the Dees-Blues clash taking place the night before the Saints host the Crows, Adelaide will know exactly what they need to do to claim the minor premiership. Melbourne could provisionally sit atop the ladder for one night which would certainly make things interesting.
ML: For me it's the battle for sixth. The Pies are in a win and you're in situation but a Tigers upset is not out of the equation, thus making room for the Doggies to pounce on Sunday - albeit in a tougher assignment against Brisbane.
JR: It has to be the fight for the last finals spot and if the Dogs can snatch it from the Pies at the last minute - of course, if Collingwood wins they're in, but if they lose it'll be a massive slash between the Dogs and Lions. The Blues are also a VERY outside chance, but never count them out - we've seen some massive, percentage-swinging results in recent weeks!