Adelaide vs Melbourne
Saturday, Norwood Oval, 3:10pm AEDT
Another top four clash in round four takes place on Saturday afternoon as the Demons head to Adelaide to take on the Crows. Looking to atone for last year’s Grand Final defeat, the Crows have been on a tear to kick off 2022. The Crows have registered five goal wins over the Lions and Eagles, as well as a win over fellow contenders North Melbourne. The Demons were slow out of the blocks but produced a stunning six goal final term to overrun the Saints last weekend to move to 3-0.
Both sides possess star studded midfields, with the Crows ranking 2nd for disposals and the Demons 3rd. Both teams possess the ball well, with the Crows preferring to maintain possession by foot, whereas the Demons do it by hand. Whoever can gain ascendancy in the midfield will go a long way to winning this match.
The home ground advantage will play a huge role in this clash, with the Crows winning their last five games at Norwood Oval by an average margin of 41 points. Melbourne has never beaten Adelaide in South Australia, and face a tough challenge at Norwood. This is set to be one of the games of the season, but the Crows will come out on top and extend their undefeated streak.
Brisbane vs Geelong
Saturday, Maroochydore Sports Complex, 7:10pm AEDT
After a disappointing round one loss and their round two fixture being postponed, the Lions sent a statement with a 35 point win over Carlton on Tuesday night. The Lions will play their second game in five days when they take on the Cats in Maroochydore. Despite being 0-3 the Cats have shown huge improvement this season, with their losses against North Melbourne, Carlton and Collingwood all coming by margins of under 14 points. The Cats went 1-8 last season with six losses above 28 points.
Brisbane got back their attacking best in the win over Carlton, moving the ball on at all costs in their typical high speed style. The Lions laid 17 tackles inside forward 50, allowing them to retain the ball inside 50, winning the inside 50 battle 49-29. If they can bring that same pressure against the Cats, then it could be a riot.
The humid Queensland conditions will be a major advantage to the Lions, and will be a tough adjustment for the Cats given their three games this season have been played at GMHBA Stadium and Arden Street. Geelong have definitely taken a step forward this season, but an interstate trip to take on the reigning premiers is a huge task. The Lions will be far too good for Gellong in this clash.
Tip: Brisbane, Odds To Be Posted
Carlton vs North Melbourne
Sunday, Ikon Park, 3:10pm AEDT
Round four keeps delivering with another entertaining clash instore on Sunday afternoon. Carlton will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Lions on Tuesday, as they host North Melbourne at Ikon Park. The Roos moved to 2-1 with a 27 point victory over the Giants last week, and will be looking to keep the pressure on the sides in the top four.
It’s early in the season, but this looms as a season defining clash for a Carlton outfit that has continuously failed to live up to expectations across the history of the AFLW. A 1-3 start with clashes against the Crows and Dockers to come in the next two weeks, would all but end Carlton’s finals hopes. North Melbourne are one of the most complete sides in the league, ranking 1st for disposals, 6th for tackles, 6th for scoring. Their midfield bats as deep as any, and they have plenty of experience across all lines.
Carlton’s inability to score has been a major issue this season, failing to register more than four goals in a game so far in 2022. North Melbourne kicked 7.12.54 in just three quarters last week, and if they can be more efficient in front of goal, the Blue don’t stand a chance. North Melbourne have never lost to the Blues, and they’ll continue that streak on Sunday afternoon.
Tip: North Melbourne, Odds To Be Posted
Gold Coast Suns vs Richmond
Sunday, Metricon Stadium, 5:10pm AEDT
Round four concludes on Sunday evening with the Tigers taking on the Suns at Metricon Stadium. Both sides have one win and sit just outside the top and will be looking to keep in touch with the finals race. The Suns have a 1-1 record with a win over West Coast in their last match, while the Tigers have lost consecutive games to the Demons and Dockers after winning the opening game of the season.
They didn’t get to play last week due to the Bulldogs Covid issues, so it will be a challenging ask for the Suns to take on a Richmond side that has played with a distinct attacking brand of football. Monique Conti has starred for the Tigers this season, averaging 21 disposals, 4 tackles and 295 metres gained per game this season.
Richmond took it right up to Fremantle last week for three quarters, if they can bring that intensity against the Gold Coast, it will hold them in good stead. The Tigers defeated the Suns at Metricon Stadium last season, and will be full of confidence heading into Sunday’s clash. The Tigers are the third highest scoring team in the AFLW, and will have too much firepower up forward for the Suns to contain.
