The AFLW has once again proven just how quickly fortunes can change, with a round full of unexpected results sending shockwaves through the competition.
For Geelong, the shift has been particularly notable. After losing their opening two games, senior coach Dan Lowther had reminded everyone of the unpredictable nature of the short 12-round season. His words carried weight when he said it was well publicised that early wins were important, but "who's to say we can't win the next 10?". While that prophecy was quickly dismissed after the Cats fell narrowly to Sydney the following week, Geelong have since turned things around.
The Cats have now recorded back-to-back wins, including a commanding 30-point thrashing of Richmond this weekend. The result catapulted them to 10th on the ladder, equal on points with last year’s grand finalists Brisbane and just outside the top eight. It was a statement victory that suggested Geelong’s season may not be over yet.
Georgie Prespakis was once again the standout. The midfield star’s relentless work rate and ability to link up with teammates has been a cornerstone of the Cats’ resurgence. Commentator Abbey Holmes was quick to highlight her importance, saying, "Just her ability to link up. Mikayla Bowen's having an unbelievable year as well but just the one-two efforts, the third efforts, the fourth efforts, she never stops running, never stops competing."
Prespakis finished with a dominant stat line of 31 disposals, 413 metres gained, and six clearances. Holmes summed it up bluntly: "[She] had 31 disposals, 413 metres gained, six clearances — and it's a very big reason as to why the Cats have got consecutive wins on the board now."
The AFLW fixture system has long played a role in shaping narratives. With the schedule based on ladder positions from the previous year, clubs like Geelong often face a challenging start that doesn’t always reflect their true ability. Holmes herself pointed to this after Geelong’s win, saying the Cats "have a tough start" but noted, "it does seem like they are starting to find their groove."
North Melbourne’s streak continues
While Geelong celebrated progress, North Melbourne once again underlined their dominance. The reigning premiers remain the only undefeated side after round five, extending their remarkable winning streak to 17 games across 651 days. In doing so, they also became the first defending premiers to win a grand final rematch, toppling Brisbane in a performance that reinforced their title credentials.
For Brisbane, the defeat was sobering. Once considered the competition’s benchmark, the Lions now sit outside the top eight in ninth place. Their lack of intensity drew criticism from Holmes during commentary on Fox. "This isn't the Brisbane Lions that we know. Who's hungry? Who wants the footy? Who wants to put their head over it and win a contested ball?" she asked. "It's something that has made them such a dominant side in this competition for a long period of time and it seems to be lacking."
Adelaide bounce back, Carlton dreams rise
Elsewhere, Adelaide reminded everyone why they can never be written off. The Crows, who had managed just two wins before the weekend, stunned the previously undefeated Hawthorn by 21 points. It was a strong response from a side that has underwhelmed so far this year, with commentator Jessica Webster telling Fox it was a "reminder that the Crows are still a contender."
Carlton also enjoyed a big weekend, with inaugural Blue Gab Pound declaring the club has reached a turning point. Having not made finals since the 2020 season interrupted by COVID-19, Carlton’s positive run has sparked genuine optimism of returning to September action.
Melbourne, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the season in heartbreaking fashion, losing to Port Adelaide by just two points. The result was one of several that showed no side is safe in this unpredictable campaign.
Saints, Magpies and Giants shake things up
St Kilda were another team to make headlines. Coming into the round with just one win, the Saints demolished Essendon by 52 points, powered by the brilliance of Jesse Wardlaw in front of goal. The win elevated them to 12th, putting them ahead of Collingwood, who themselves produced one of the shocks of the weekend by toppling Sydney, who had been undefeated.
The Giants also finally had something to celebrate. Breaking a 378-day drought, GWS defeated the Western Bulldogs by 21 points. Georgia Garnett was the hero with three goals, showing leadership and quality when her side needed it most. The win may not propel them up the ladder immediately, but it will certainly boost morale within the squad.
For Richmond, however, the weekend continued a nightmare season. They remain the only side yet to register a victory, languishing at the bottom of the ladder.
Western derby drama
Over in the west, the Dockers ensured their stranglehold over cross-town rivals West Coast continued. Fremantle, despite entering the clash on a three-game losing streak, denied the Eagles a first derby victory, making it seven straight wins over their WA counterparts. West Coast had looked like the stronger side in recent weeks, having dropped just one game before the derby, but they couldn’t convert that form into a breakthrough win against their rivals.
A season of unpredictability
This round of AFLW matches highlighted just how volatile and unpredictable the season can be. From Geelong’s rise, to North Melbourne’s dominance, to the continued struggles of Richmond, every result seemed to rewrite the narrative. With more than half the season still to play, it’s clear no team can afford to be complacent.
As the ladder continues to take shape, one certainty is that momentum can be gained — and lost — in the blink of an eye.
