<p>The AFLW season is reaching its mid-point, and the ladder is starting to separate itself.</p> <p>It was another positive week for the Huddle. More hits than misses as we continue to search for perfection.</p> <p>On the field, the condensed fixture block is starting to take its toll with more injuries to key players, putting prominent issues further back into the spotlight for head office.</p> <p>But there’s no real time to sit and dwell over it all, as the action kicks off again on Tuesday night for the next round of games.</p> <p>The headline acts are the public holiday women’s footy carnival around Melbourne before the two top-four clashes on Sunday!</p> <p>Catch up on our expert AFLW Round 5 tips and predictions below!&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs Port Adelaide Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Tuesday, September 24, 7:15pm AEST – Ikon Park</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Tigers have settled into a nice grove and have shot back into the top four.</p> <p>Reigning competition best and fairest Monique Conti is showing no signs of slowing down after collecting another best on ground against the Blues last Thursday night.</p> <p>Conti and the Tigers roll on back to Ikon Park to take on the Power, who are coming off a battering from the Kangaroos in wild and arctic conditions last Friday night.</p> <p>The Power were simply no match for the Roos and Tuesday will seem like another bridge too far. At least they were afforded the embarrassment of not becoming the latest team to not kick a goal in a game this season after a late goal from Teakle in the last quarter.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Richmond.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Caitlin Greiser (Richmond) 2 + goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton vs North Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><strong><em>Wednesday, September 25, 7:15pm AEST – Ikon Park</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Blues came crashing back down to earth as they were easily brushed aside by the Tigers.</p> <p>Even worse, they became one of the latest entries of sides failing to kick a goal in a game this season. They created plenty of chances but couldn’t find their radar in an inconsistent game.</p> <p>It doesn’t get any easier as they dust themselves off to take on the Kangaroos who are going about their ‘Revenge Tour’ with little fuss or trucks to give.</p> <p>All their guns are firing. They’re on the same page. This should be another W chalked up for the Roos.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> North Melbourne.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Mia King (North Melbourne) 20 + disposals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Geelong vs Hawthorn Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, September 26, 7:15pm AEST – GMHBA Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Geelong went up to the Gold Coast on Saturday and played as if their season was on the line. If only their opposition got the same memo, we might have had an interesting game.</p> <p>Nonetheless, a big win has lifted the Cats off the canvas, but they face another stern test this week. Yes, they’re back at home, but coming up against the high-flying Hawks who are continuing to take the competition by storm.</p> <p>Six goals from star Greta Bodey powered the Hawks to a big win over the Saints – ending their unbeaten start to the season. New coach Dan Webster would be loving the output from his stars and his Irishwomen converts Eileen Gilroy and Anie McDonagh, the latter who has continued to hit the scoreboard in a meaningful way.</p> <p>Hokball keeps on rolling on.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Hawthorn.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Amy McDonald (Geelong) most disposals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Gold Coast Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, September 27, 12:05pm AEST – Swinburne Centre</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Pies and the Suns kick off the pre–Grand Final public holiday women’s footy carnival.</p> <p>It’s another chance for both sides to record their first win of the season. Maybe the Suns will get the memo this week that they’re coming up against a winless side and show up for the first half.</p> <p>The Pies blew a quick start against the Dogs. They will miss their skipper Bri Davey again through concussion protocols as they continue to manage their threadbare squad. It gives them another look with Ruby Schleicher and Sarah Rowe playing on the ball this week, who provided something different.</p> <p>It's now or never for the Pies this year I feel.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong>&nbsp;Gold Coast Suns.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Eliza James (Collingwood) anytime goalscorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, September 27, 2:05pm AEST – Windy Hill</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This is an eight-point game if there’s ever been one this year.</p> <p>After both sides made the finals last season, both the Dees and the Dons have been in freefall this year and are in a scrap to save their seasons.</p> <p>The Dees will be smarting after giving up a lead to lose to the Dockers after the siren out West while the Dons became the latest team to be brushed aside by the Crows.</p> <p>The Dees have more firepower across the board and should have enough to get it done. But can Maddy Prespakis put her side on her back and deliver another epic performance to save the Dons season?</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Melbourne.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Maddy Prespakis + Georgia Nanscawen (Essendon) 20 + disposals each.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>St Kilda vs Fremantle Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, September 27, 4:05pm AEST – RSEA Park</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Saints' first blemish of the season came on the same day that the Dockers continued to build some momentum into theirs.</p> <p>Now they meet on Friday in a match that sees the winner stay in touch with the top four and the loser back in the pack of teams fighting for the top eight.</p> <p>Ex-Pie Jamiee Lambert celebrated her 75th game last week in style, winning a heap of the ball, and is tipped to be prominent once again. Gabby O’Sullivan was the star for the Dockers with three majors and 16 touches in a best-on-ground display but will miss this week after being handed a one-week ban for striking. The Dockers are also set to be without star Irishwomen Anie Tighe with an injury, which should be enough to swing the advantage to the Saints.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> St Kilda.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Olivia Vesely (St Kilda) 20+ disposals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, September 27, 7:15pm AEST – Whitten Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rejoice Dogs fans! Finally, at last, there is a win on the board!</p> <p>The effort earlier in the week against the Lions proved that this team, despite missing their superstar Ellie Blackburn, had some bark left in them. Collingwood on Sunday was the layup they needed to record a much-needed first win of the season.</p> <p>And not just any win, a big win on the scoreboard, and it looked as if their game and connection on field were starting to come together.</p> <p>It’s a short turnaround to Friday night though, where they come face to face with the Swans who have gotten their season back on track following a see-sawing battle against crosstown rivals the Giants.</p> <p>The returning Cynthia Hamilton was just the tonic for the Swans to get back on the winners' list. They should keep rolling on against the Dogs, but you’d love the Dogs to keep on building.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Sydney.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Jess Fitzgerald (Bulldogs) 15+ disposals &amp; 1 goal.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Richmond Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, September 29, 1:05pm AEST – UTAS Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>While it's not the heavyweight battle that follows it, this is a sneaky game of the-round contender between two top-four clubs.</p> <p>The Roos and the Tigers suit up against each other from the quick turnarounds and with both sides on a roll, it promises to deliver the goods.</p> <p>Formidable matchups everywhere. Riddell, Garner, Bruton, and King against Conti, Sheerin, Egan, and McKenzie- who will be there after getting her one-week ban downgraded at the tribunal.</p> <p>Kate Sheirlaw at one end and Caitlin Greiser at the other both in goalkicking form. And what about the story of Tamara Luke? Coming out of retirement at 36 years of age to fill a hole in the ruck for the Tigers in place of injured star Poppy Kelly and looked like she hadn’t missed a beat.</p> <p>The Tigers could pinch this one. If they do, then look out.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Richmond.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Sarah Hosking (Richmond) anytime goalscorer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide Crows Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, September 29, 3:05pm AEST – Brighton Homes Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The perennial two best sides in the competition do battle in the regular season.</p> <p>If you’re looking for a footy fix the day after the Grand Final, tune into this one the day after. It’s sure not to disappoint.</p> <p>Gun players everywhere you look. Both teams continue to evolve and be the pacesetters in the fledgling competition. The Lions played twice last week so perhaps the only question mark on them is how they continue to manage their squad. Although their fixture has been kind to them to be able to get through reasonably unscathed.</p> <p>The Crows will be without Brooke Smith who injured her collarbone against the Dons.</p> <p>I’m picking the Lions at home, but this is a genuine 50/50. We could see some high scores and some big numbers through the middle Cannot wait for this.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Brisbane Lions.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> SGM. Ally Anderson + Ebony Marinoff 25 disposals plus &amp; Danielle Ponter + Dakota Davidson anytime goal.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>GWS Giants vs West Coast Eagles Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, September 29, 3:05pm AEST – Henson Park</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I wouldn’t quite call it a reality check for the Eagles and Daisy Pearce on Sunday. That was just the best team in the competition showing an up-and-coming team what the standard is.</p> <p>The Eagles have already beaten their best-ever win tally in a season this year and get another chance to add another chapter to their remarkable season against the Giants on Sunday.</p> <p>The Giants are still in the fight this year and welcomed back some big names last week as they fought late to just fall short against the Swans. They need to be close to perfect from here though if they want to stay in the fight this season.</p> <p>They should be good enough to get over the Eagles in Sydney. Or does the magic of Daisy continue to rub off on the Eagles?</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> GWS Giants.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Aliesha Newman (Giants) first goal</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Port Adelaide vs Carlton Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, September 29, 5:05pm – Alberton Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Power has an opportunity to do something amazing here.</p> <p>While they only have the one win to their name, and aside from being blown off the park against the Roos, they haven’t been bad this year at all.</p> <p>So, returning home, and coming up against a Carlton side who have been up and down and still yet to be that consistent team, presents an opportunity for the Power to claim their first big scalp.</p> <p>These two sides have already played out a draw in their only meeting thus far, and both coming off a short break as they take their turn with the condensed fixture.</p> <p>The Blues simply have to win this one. No ifs, buts, or maybes if they want to stay alive.</p> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Carlton.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Julia Teakle + Ashleigh Saint (Port) anytime goal scorers.</p>