The AFLW has delivered a record-breaking start to the 2026 season, with bumper crowds and high-scoring contests dominating the headlines both on and off the field. 

AFLW Round 6 promises more of the same, with two undefeated sides looking to extend their perfect records and several mid-table clubs fighting to enter the finals conversation. 

North Melbourne and Melbourne sit atop the ladder after five rounds, both boasting perfect 5-0 records and 20 points. 

The Kangaroos proved their credentials with a statement win over Carlton last week, while the Demons continue to look ominous heading into the back half of the season. 

Below them, Carlton, Sydney, and Geelong are all locked on 16 points, setting up a fascinating chase for the top four.

Elsewhere the likes of Essendon, Collingwood and St Kilda are all still searching for their first win of the season.

For the latest news, analysis, and insights, check out our expert AFLW Round 6 tips and predictions below.

Hawthorn Women vs North Melbourne Women Prediction

Friday, September 18, 5:45pm AEST – Cazalys Stadium 

AFLW Round 6 opens with ladder leaders North Melbourne taking on the Hawks up in Cairns at Cazalys Stadium.

North Melbourne arrives in this contest as the form side of the competition, undefeated through five rounds and fresh off a statement win over Carlton. 

Hawthorn, sitting at 3-2, has shown genuine improvement this season, and with elite ruck Lucy Wales firming for a maiden All-Australian blazer, there's plenty of individual form to watch here.

However, with skipper Emily Bates set to miss the rest of the season after scans confirmed the gun on-baller has suffered a ruptured ACL, we don’t give the eighth placed Hawks much hope against the undefeated and seemingly unstoppable Roos.

Head-to-head prediction: North Melbourne Women.

Collingwood Women vs Geelong Cats Women Prediction

Saturday, September 19, 12:35pm AEST – Victoria Park

Collingwood have endured a difficult start to the season, sitting winless at 0-5, while Geelong arrive in sensational form at 4-1 and firmly in the finals conversation.

The gulf in ladder position tells the story heading into this one, though Collingwood at home always brings an added edge.

The H2H odds tell the story here with the Pies near 10/1 underdogs at the time of writing. 

Head-to-head prediction: Geelong Cats Women. 

Melbourne Women vs Carlton Women Prediction

Saturday, September 19, 1:05pm AEST – Casey Fields

This is arguably the standout fixture of AFLW Round 6. Melbourne, like their northern compatriots remain undefeated at 5-0, while Carlton will be desperate to bounce back after their loss last week to the aforementioned Roos, which snapped their own winning run. 

A win here would keep Carlton within touching distance of the top two, but we fancy the Dees to extend their unbeaten record in a tight arm-wrestle.

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Women. 

Port Adelaide Women vs Sydney Swans Women Prediction

Saturday, September 19, 2:35pm AEST – Alberton Oval

Sydney head into this match on the back of a strong 4-1 start, while Port Adelaide sit mid-table at 2-3. 

Sydney's consistency this season has been one of the competition's quiet success stories, and they'll be looking to cement their spot in the top four with a win on the road.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Swans Women. 

Fremantle Women vs Western Bulldogs Women Prediction

Saturday, September 19, 3:05pm AEST – Cockburn ARC Oval

Saturday’s AFLW Round 6 action concludes with Fremantle hosting the Western Bulldogs out in WA. 

Fremantle's home ground advantage at Cockburn ARC Oval could prove decisive in what shapes as a genuine 50-50 contest. 

The Dockers will look to their ball-winning midfielders to set the tempo early, while their key forwards will need to convert inside 50 if they're to hold off a Bulldogs side with genuine pace on the outside. 

For the Western Bulldogs, their run-and-carry game has been a feature of their best performances this season, and if their dynamic outside players can find space, they have the ability to trouble any opponent.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Women. 

Greater Western Sydney Giants Women vs Richmond Women Prediction

Sunday, September 20, 12:35pm AEST – Corroboree Group Oval Manuka

GWS have struggled this season, sitting at 1-4, while Richmond have been far more competitive at 3-2. 

The Tigers will unsurprisingly head into this one as favourites, with forward Monique Conti a consistent danger around goal and midfielder Tara Slender providing the run and carry that has powered Richmond's best performances in 2026. 

For GWS, the burden of turning their season around will fall heavily on the shoulders of their more experienced players such as midfielder Alyce Parker who will need a big game if the Giants are to spring an upset. 

GWS have shown flashes of form that could unsettle a Richmond side looking to build momentum, but they'll need to convert those moments into scoreboard pressure far more consistently than they have done in recent rounds.

Head-to-head prediction: Richmond Women. 

Essendon Women vs Gold Coast Suns Women Prediction

Sunday, September 20, 1:05pm AEST – Windy Hill

Essendon remain one of the competition's three winless sides alongside Collingwood and St Kilda, sitting at 0-5. 

Gold Coast, by contrast, have been one of the surprise packets of the season at 3-2, driven by a dynamic forward line that has caused problems for defences all year.

For the Bombers, experienced midfielder Bonnie Toogood will need to lead from the front if Essendon are to find their first points of 2026.

The Suns, meanwhile, will look to their run-and-carry players to exploit the space on the outside and if their midfield can control the tempo and deliver cleanly to their forwards, Essendon may struggle to contain them.

Head-to-head prediction: Gold Coast Suns Women. 

St Kilda Women vs West Coast Eagles Women Prediction

Sunday, September 20, 3:05pm AEST – RSEA Park

Both clubs have battled at the foot of the ladder this season, but West Coast enter this match with newfound confidence after finally claiming their first win of the season last week.

Ella Roberts has been one of the Eagles' standout performers in an otherwise grim season, delivering a stunning individual display last start that highlighted just how much talent West Coast have to offer when things click. 

St Kilda are yet to register a win in 2026, and the pressure is mounting on their leadership group.

Skipper Hannah Priest will need to drive her side forward if the Saints are to avoid a winless campaign, starting this week.

This feels like a genuine opportunity for the Eagles to build on their breakthrough result, while simultaneously continuing St Kilda’s torment. 

Head-to-head prediction: West Coast Eagles Women. 

Brisbane Lions Women vs Adelaide Crows Women Prediction

Sunday, September 20, 5:05pm AEST – Brighton Homes Arena

The final match of AFLW Round 6 sees two evenly placed sides in Brisbane and Adelaide going toe-to-toe. 

The Lions home advantage at Brighton Homes Arena could be the difference in a contest that looks tight on paper, with both clubs desperate to build a run of form heading into the second half of the season. 

For Brisbane, captain Lauren Arnell will be central to their hopes of controlling the midfield battle, while forward Courtney Hodder provides the goal threat that can hurt any opposition defence. 

Adelaide, meanwhile, will look to experienced forward Anne Hatchard to lead the way up front.

If the Crows can find her consistently, they have enough quality to cause Brisbane problems at their home fortress, while also providing some value for punters. 

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows Women. 

*Odds are subject to change.