The 2025 AFLW season is well underway! Stay abreast of all the Round 5 fixtures, expert tips, news, results and reaction as they come to hand.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Collingwood vs. Sydney
Victoria Park, 1:05pm (AEST)
What to watch for: If there's one reason to tune into the first contest of Round 5, it's Chloe Molloy. The Sydney captain is in an unbelievable patch of form, leading the league's goalkicking tally with 14 majors, and now faces her old side in Collingwood. The Magpies are young and are coming up against a top four team, as they have for three consecutive weeks. But third time's the charm, right?
ESPN tip: Swans by 33 points.
Carlton vs. Gold Coast
IKON Park, 2:35pm (AEST)
What to watch for: Carlton are on track for their best season in some time, the Blues sisters, also known as the McKay siblings, are lighting up Ikon Park. Meanwhile, Gold Coast will look to make it two wins in a row for the first time since 2023, and after an injury hit couple of weeks, it's up to the lesser known Suns to stand up to the occasion.
ESPN tip: Blues by 25 points.
Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne
Alberton Oval, 3:05pm (AEST)
What to watch for: Port Adelaide is looking to pull off an upset at home against a firing Melbourne outfit. This will be the first interstate game of the season for the Demons and could give the opportunity for the Power to jump on that advantage. Port are searching for the form that got them into a preliminary final last year, and after a slower start to the season, there is no time to waste.
ESPN tip: Demons by 16 points.
GWS vs. Western Bulldogs
Manuka Oval, 4:35pm (AEST)
What to watch for: GWS has been the talk of the town this week, as it looks like they could go through the season winless after a disappointing display against Gold Coast. However, the Western Bulldogs are searching for a four-quarter performance, as their fadeaways in games has been notable in recent weeks. Alice Edmonds is on All-Australian watch and could be bound for a best on ground performance, as teams have been able to jump on the Giants' ruck woes.
ESPN tip: Bulldogs by 12 points.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Essendon vs. St Kilda
Windy Hill, 1:05pm (AEST)
What to watch for: The Bombers are looking to bounce back after their first loss of the season but will be without winger Brooke Walker, who suffered a season ending ACL injury against the Cats. They will, however, welcome back Captain Bonnie Toogood, who has served her two-match suspension. The Saints are in desperate need of getting another 'W' on the board. Their subpar performances have been surprising, as most analysists had them making finals at the start of the season. A game out at Windy Hill makes it a very even playing field and in the end might just be up to which forwards can kick straighter.
ESPN tip: Bombers by 5 points.
Richmond vs. Geelong
IKON Park, 1:05pm (AEST)
What to watch for: Georgie Prespakis and the Cats put on a clinic in Round 4, showing what they can be when its going their way. Richmond has been quietly underachieving so far this season. The premiership contenders from last year are one of two teams remaining yet to register a win in 2025. It starts with the forward line, last weekend their accuracy sat at just 6%, and has looked quite dysfunctional all season. Captain Katie Brennan will need to step up for her side if they want to sing their song.
ESPN tip: Cats by 20 points.
Hawthorn vs. Adelaide
Kinetic Stadium, 3:05pm (AEST)
What to watch for: Adelaide was left heartbroken after their game was decided by a free kick in the dying stages, and they'll now look to hand Hawthorn their first loss of the season. Despite remaining unbeaten, the Hawks appear to be scraping through games rather than dominating. What was once seen as their X-factor -- their fast, running game -- has been noticeably absent in 2025, leaving them looking slow and sluggish. Hawthorn's biggest test of the year awaits, can a home crowd help pull them over the line?
ESPN tip: Crows by 4 points
Brisbane vs. North Melbourne
Brighton Homes Arena, 3:05pm (AEST)
What to watch for: The 2023 and 2024 Grand Final rematch will be the game everyone's watching this weekend. North Melbourne has been demolishing teams so far this season, while Brisbane has been inconsistent, thoughtat their best, tough to beat. The Kangaroos haven't faced serious competition yet, and without Jasmine Garner for the second week in a row, they could be caught off guard. Although the Lions' record at home isn't too flash, they're yet to register a win there this season. Could this be their first?
ESPN tip: Kangaroos by 10 points.
Fremantle vs. West Coast
Fremantle Community Bank Oval, 5:05pm (AEST)
What to watch for: The Western derby awaits this Sunday, and unusually for recent history it seems West Coast are the favourites. Fremantle has been underwhelming so far, with a game style that feels a little dated. The old "kick forward and hope for the best" approach is a thing of the past, and teams are capitalising on them in third quarters, as they continually fade out. Daisy's Eagles are flying in their second season under her leadership. One thing her side has never done is beat Fremantle, but they'll be looking to rewrite history this weekend.
ESPN tip: Eagles by 11 points.