It’s Round 5 of the AFLW season and there are still three sides that remain undefeated and four sides without a win in 2026.

We’ve had our own ups and downs at the Huddle, with a regrettable week on the tipping in Round 4. We only managed 5/9 after scoring a perfect 9/9 back in Round 3.

The main question to emerge so far from the AFLW season has been, can anyone beat North Melbourne?

The Roos gave an absolute hiding to Saints’ ladies last week, ending in a 99-7 scoreline in what was a dour affair for the St Kilda club.

Surely, they can’t go unbeaten in 2026?

Only one way to find out, on we go to Round 5.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our expert AFLW tips and predictions for Round 5 below.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Western Bulldogs AFLW Prediction

Saturday, September 12, 1:05pm AEST - Kennedy Community Centre, Dingley Village

Hawthorn played their first official match at Dingley Village last week, doubling as Emily Bates' 100th game in the AFLW.

Things didn’t go to plan… It ended with Adelaide routing the Hawks on their special day and walking out 28-point winners. This was not how the script was meant to read.

Aine McDonagh remains the reason to keep believing. She leads the comp outright with 12 goals from just four matches and gives Hawthorn strike in the forward line.

The Bulldogs arrive with momentum after their 60-33 boilover against the Swans. Rylie Wilcox, Emma McDonald and Jess Fitzgerald were amongst the best performers, but can they back it up again this week?

Hawthorn at home, with the taller forward line and something to prove – we reckon they get the win.

Head-to-head prediction: Hawthorn Hawks.

Gold Coast Suns vs Collingwood Magpies AFLW Prediction

Saturday, September 12, 2:35pm AEST - People First Stadium, Gold Coast

Gold Coast finally look like they know who they are. The 17-14 win at Alberton was gritty, played in some seriously grim conditions at Alberton Oval.

 The rookie Suns’ ground out an upset win, with nine first-year players scrapping hard for the W.

Daisy D'Arcy was the difference with 34 disposals and 694 metres gained. Alongside Charlie Rowbottom, averaging 28 touches, and Niamh McLaughlin, the Suns suddenly have a midfield that holds up for four quarters.

Collingwood are 0-4 with a percentage of 51.8 and no obvious way out. The Pies aren't getting belted every week, but they aren't scoring either, no offence and an okay defence isn’t a recipe for a winning record.

Home ground, better midfield and a Suns side with momentum that has won two of their last three.

Drinks on Cavill Ave. after this one!

Head-to-head prediction: Gold Coast Suns.

Adelaide Crows vs Geelong Cats AFLW Prediction

Saturday, September 12, 3:05pm AEST - Unley Oval, Adelaide

Two on the trot has Adelaide back to 2-2 and back to their winning ways again in 2026. The 67-39 win over the Hawkies was their most complete performance this season.

Ebony Marinoff is averaging 26.8 disposals and is one of the best in the comp at the contest. The difference lately is the support around her, which was the missing piece through the opening fortnight.

Geelong come in at 3-1 off an 83-51 win over Essendon. Jacqueline Parry sits third in the goalkicking with nine majors and Georgie Prespakis has developed into a genuine all-round on-baller at 28.8 disposals a game.

But the Cats have won their three at home and been found out on the road.

We'll take the Crows to win in a close one.

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows.

West Coast Eagles vs Brisbane Lions AFLW Prediction

Saturday, September 12, 4:35pm AEST - Mineral Resources Park, Perth

Brisbane have found their feet again. The 55-24 win over GWS in Ipswich was the response the Lions needed after Melbourne put them to the sword a week earlier.

Shanae Davison kicked two, Orla O'Dwyer collected 21 disposals and a goal and Belle Dawes had 20 touches and eight clearances. Dakota Davidson has six goals for the season and keeps benefiting from the chaos Courtney Hodder creates ahead of her.

West Coast are 0-4 and running out of runway, though effort has rarely been the issue. Ella Roberts is one of the more watchable young players going around and versatile enough to be thrown anywhere.

A long trip west is the only argument for the Eagles here and it isn't enough of one.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions.

Melbourne Demons vs Port Adelaide AFLW Prediction

Sunday, September 13, 12:35pm AEST - Casey Fields, Melbourne

Melbourne are 4-0 with a percentage of 223.1 and haven't been seriously troubled all season. The 81-44 win in Perth was their fourth straight comfortable afternoon.

Kate Hore is still the hardest forward in the competition to hold and Olivia Purcell sits third in the league for disposals at 32 a game.

When the Dees get on top through the middle, the scoreboard moves quickly and doesn't stop ticking over.

Port arrive off a three-point loss in which they managed 14 points for the afternoon. Matilda Scholz was again their best and remains one of the premier rucks going around, but that won’t be enough.

Scholz will win her share. Melbourne will win everything else.

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Demons.

Richmond Tigers vs St Kilda AFLW Prediction

Sunday, September 13, 1:05pm AEST - Windy Hill, Melbourne

St Kilda are 0-4 on 25.4 per cent and coming off a 99-7 beating from North Melbourne, safe to say it’s been a rough start to 2026 for Saints. It may sound counterintuitive, but we’re seeing signs of life here.

Georgia Patrikios keeps winning the football, but the forward line needs to step up, not one St Kilda player has kicked more than 1 goal all season.

Richmond have lost two straight and sit 13th at 2-2, with the 60-35 defeat to Fremantle at Ikon Park their heaviest of the year. Monique Conti is doing everything asked of her, averaging 27 disposals and seven inside 50s and it still isn't translating.

Windy Hill feels neutral for both. This shapes as the sort of low-scoring scrap where St Kilda could rally.

Unlikely though. Richmond are the play.

Head-to-head prediction: Richmond Tigers.

Sydney Swans vs GWS Giants AFLW Prediction

Sunday, September 13, 2:35pm AEST - Henson Park, Sydney

Sydney Derby V, and the Swans arrive with their first blemish of the season.

The Bulldogs got them 60-33 despite a Chloe Molloy burst that produced two third-quarter goals, six coaches' votes and a Goal of the Year nomination.

Sydney had opened with wins over Adelaide, Essendon and St Kilda, so one loss in four is hardly cause for alarm, though the injury list is starting to bite with Taylor Smith out for at least another fortnight.

GWS have lost three straight and sit 14th, but they were better than the scoreline in Ipswich. Alyce Parker was enormous with 31 disposals, five clearances and 501 metres gained, and Bec Beeson added 25 touches and seven clearances.

The Giants come home with no fresh injury concerns and a derby to sink their teeth into. Sydney have too much class and a full house at Henson Park.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Swans.

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Carlton Blues AFLW Prediction

Sunday, September 13, 3:05pm AEST - Arden Street Oval, Melbourne

The game of the round and possibly the season.

North have won 31 consecutive matches, a competition record extended by a 92-point demolition of St Kilda. Jasmine Garner polled a perfect 10 from the coaches, Tahlia Randall added eight votes and sits second in the goalkicking with 11 majors, and Ash Riddell leads the league at 37 disposals a game.

Kate Shierlaw has seven goals of her own. It is, frankly, an unfair spread of talent.

Carlton and the Dees are the only sides matching their 4-0 record this season and the Blues have earned it the hard way.

Mimi Hill is averaging 27.5 disposals, Abbie McKay 24.8 and Darcy Vescio still knows exactly where the goals live after a 68-29 win over Collingwood.

The Blues will test them further than anyone has so far this year. North Melbourne at Arden Street, has a ring to it, doesn’t it?

North to continue their streak.

Head-to-head prediction: North Melbourne Kangaroos.

Fremantle Dockers vs Essendon Bombers AFLW Prediction

Sunday, September 13, 5:05pm AEST - Cockburn ARC Oval, Perth

Fremantle remain the hardest side in the competition to read, but the 60-35 win over Richmond at Ikon Park was their best away performance of the year and lifted them to seventh.

Kiara Bowers is the engine, rarely wasting a disposal, and Mim Strom gives the Dockers first use at the ruck contest more often than not. When those two get on top, Freo look like a finals side.

Essendon are 0-4 in their first AFLW season and have been competitive without ever quite landing the finish, though the 32-point loss to Geelong was their heaviest yet.

Madison Prespakis is averaging 30 disposals in a winless team, which is both remarkable and slightly heartbreaking.

A long trip west for a young side against a settled ruck and midfield. The Dockers to win and win well in both of their matches this weekend.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Dockers.