Our AFLW experts tackle some of the burning questions ahead of the first week of finals, including which match up is the most tantalising, who will be the player of the finals series, and more.
Which of this week's finals is the most tantalising?
Marissa Lordanic: While each of these finals is fascinating, Richmond's trip up north to take on the Lions is the most tantalising for mine. Brisbane has looked unstoppable all season barring their loss to the Tigers. Craig Starcevich's team has been racking up high scores, suffocating oppositions, and just generally looking like a well-oiled machine. While the Tigers will be playing in their first ever final, surely the fact that they have already beaten the Lions once this season will fill them with some confidence. Whether or not that victory was a fluke will be revealed on Saturday.
Sarah Burt: Melbourne vs. Adelaide. It's a Grand Final rematch from when Adealide broke Melbourne's hearts last season but an added layer is that the Demons got their revenge in round one, so it's anyone's guess.
Two of the most experienced sides with formidable backlines means it'll likely be a tight tousle and if we've learnt anything ti's that finals footy can see sides change their game completely.
Adelaide have won three premierships so they have the finals success under their belts but they are without star player Erin Phillips who went to Port Adelaide in the draft and trade period.
They do still have five current players facing their fifth finals series.
The winner of the clash will have a week off, before playing in a Preliminary Final, so it may not be the last time we see these sides meet this finals series.
Jesse Robinson: I've been waiting since Round 1 to see Melbourne and Adelaide match up again and this is an awesome stage for them to do it. The Dees got a small taste of revenge to start the season, knocking off the Crows in Adelaide and the Crows midfield will be looking to impose themselves early after they got pushed around easier than they would've liked in the opening week. At least one of these teams will play in the Grand Final and will be looking to stamp their authority in week one of finals.
Who will be the player of the finals?
ML: Monique Conti has been building so steadily this season. She feels like the kind of player who is built for finals -- as evidenced by her best on ground performance in the 2018 grand final when she was donning the Bulldogs' colours. Richmond will need to maximise every shred of experience they have on their list and Conti will undoubtedly feature heavily.
SB: Brisbane Lions Foundation player Ally Anderson improves every year. She was part of the 2021 Premiership and has continued on a winning trajectory since. She currently sits seventh in the league for clearances, has had a total of 36 score involvements this season, averages 10.8 contested possessions and 5.1 tackles.
JR: Anne Hatchard is built for contested finals footy and is primed to take the Crows deep into the finals series. Eb Marinoff should earn the opposition tag after the season she has had, leaving Hatchard the time and space to break the lines and dominate contested possession. If she plays the way we know she can, she should be able to propel the Crows to another Grand Final and maybe a premiership.
Has your premiership prediction changed from pre season?
ML: I had Brisbane as my premier and the Demons as my runner-up and I still stand by that prediction.
SB: No, Brisbane Lions remain my tip!
JR: I picked the Lions to knock off the Demons before the season started and I've got no reason to change it now. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Crows take one of their spots, but I'll stick to my guns.