<p>Four rounds into the 2025 AFLW season, and things are starting to take shape.</p> <p>But once again, the main talking point across the competition is the gap in competitive balance — the haves and the have-nots.</p> <p>The usual suspects, North Melbourne and Melbourne, are setting the pace, and good luck to anyone trying to stop them.</p> <p>The Swans and Hawks have also made strong starts, remaining unbeaten through the first quarter of the season. Meanwhile, perennial contenders Adelaide and Brisbane are fighting to secure their spots in the top eight. Both sides sit just outside the top eight, yet still boast percentages of 134.</p> <p>Carlton and West Coast have been the big improvers, continuing their upward trends with impressive wins. Gold Coast and Geelong finally got on the board, leaving just two teams still searching for their first wins of the year.</p> <p>With eight games to go and finals spots at a premium, can any teams string together a run with favourable fixtures ahead? Let’s find out.</p> <p>For all the latest analysis, odds, and betting tips for this week’s action, check out our AFLW Round 5 tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Sydney Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, September 13, 1:05pm AEST - Victoria Park, Melbourne</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Chloe Molloy returns home to take on her former side and her childhood club.</p> <p>After producing what might be the most nonchalant Goal of the Year contender last week, you can't help but wonder what trick she’ll pull out of the playbook to mark the occasion.</p> <p>As much as she is the drawcard, this Swans side is far from just ‘The Molloy Show”. Scotty Gowans is pulling the strings magnificently with his forward line rotation, all getting their moments and proving to be points of difference.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Pies were admirable in their effort against the Roos, holding up defensively for much of the contest. They’re showing promising signs of growth in their second year under Sam Wright.</p> <p>It probably won’t be enough to take down the flying Swans, though.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/collingwood-w-v-sydney-swans-w--9602378">Swans by 13 points&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Ally Morphett 15+ disposals &amp; 6+ marks</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton vs Gold Coast Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, September 13, 2:35 pm AEST - Ikon Park, Melbourne</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Joy at last for Rhyce Shaw! A win on the board in his return to coaching!</p> <p>Yes, the Giants were god awful, but to get a win with an injury list that long, you have to dip the lid to the Suns for just getting the job done.&nbsp;</p> <p>They get another opportunity to keep exposing the youth when they travel to take on a Blues side who they would love to get one back on following last year's shenanigans in Mackay.</p> <p>In that one, Maddy Guerin was awarded a late goal after new ball tracking technology confirmed the ball wasn’t touched as it sailed through, and the Blues held on by a point.</p> <p>The Blues have won all their games this year in different ways, which has pleased no one more than their coach, Matthew Buck. Their eye-catching brand of footy makes them one of the most exciting teams to watch.&nbsp;</p> <p>They will be sweating on the fitness of star midfielder Mimi Hill, though, after she came off late with a knee concern.</p> <p>With a tricky block of games looming, A win here to solidify their place in the top eight is a must for the Blues.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/carlton-w-v-gold-coast-suns-w--9602379"> Blues by 21 points&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Harriet Cordner 25+ disposals&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Port Adelaide vs Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, September 13, 3:05 pm AEST - Alberton Oval, Adelaide</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The ruthless Dees are back — and in a big way.</p> <p>They put the foot down against Richmond at Casey last week, and with Kate Hore and Tyla Hanks running riot in the midfield, there’s not much opponents can do when both are firing.</p> <p>Port Adelaide started strong against the Eagles before being reined in and overrun. But their long, direct ball movement toward key targets up forward paid dividends. If they can maintain that attacking flow to the likes of Heads, Tahu, Houghton, and Woodland, they’ll at least give themselves a fighting chance against one of the competition’s pace-setters.</p> <p>It’s a huge week for Port’s defensive unit, with Melbourne’s powerhouse forward line set to give Lauren Arnell and the match committee plenty to think about.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/port-adelaide-w-v-melbourne-w--9602380">Demons by 41 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Alyssa Bannan 15+ disposals &amp; anytime goal&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>GWS Giants vs Western Bulldogs Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, September 13, 4:35 pm AEST - Manuka Oval, Canberra</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Boy, did the Giants really miss a chance to get a win on the board last week against the Suns.</p> <p>And with a clash against the Bulldogs coming up, it’s getting harder to see where that breakthrough victory might come. The Dogs — another side doing it tough — at least have a win to their name, but they’re still struggling for consistency.</p> <p>They were gallant in Ellie Blackburn’s milestone match last week but ultimately fell short against the Blues.</p> <p>Still, there are signs of hope. The Bulldogs are quietly building. Their crop of young talent continues to grow, and while the school of hard knocks has been tough, it could pay dividends as they develop under Tam Hyett.</p> <p>They should get the win here.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/gws-giants-w-v-western-bulldogs-w--9602381">Dogs by 8 points&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> SGM: Bec Beeson 15+ disposals, Issy Prithard 25+ disposals &amp; Izzy Huntington anytime goal</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs St Kilda Prediction</h2> <p>Sunday, September 14, 1:05 pm AEST - Windy Hill, Melbourne&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dons' unbeaten start to the season came to a grinding halt last Sunday at the hands of the Cats. But perhaps more concerning is the growing injury toll at Tullamarine.</p> <p>Brooke Walker has unfortunately ruptured her ACL, and co-captain Steph Cain was also forced off with a knee injury, with growing concerns around her availability for this week and beyond.</p> <p>The Dons will get skipper Bonnie Toogood back after serving her two-week ban, in a boost for the Dons.</p> <p>As for the Saints, they were comprehensively outclassed by the Hawks in Cairns. Yes, conditions were tricky with the wind in the tropical north, but going goalless until halfway through the final quarter is a serious concern. That Round 1 upset over the Crows is starting to look more like a fluke with each passing week.</p> <p>They’re running out of chances to turn it around.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/essendon-w-v-st-kilda-w--9602382">Dons by 17 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Serene Watson + Tyanna Smith - 25+ disposals each</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs Geelong Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, September 14, 1:05pm AEST - Ikon Park, Melbourne</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It had been building, but the Cats finally got themselves on the board!</p> <p>The courageous call to drop their skipper, Meg McDonald, was amplified by the late withdrawal of fellow key back Claudia Gunjaca in the warm-up. But, luckily, the Cats' defence was barely tested against the Bombers.</p> <p>Their draw opens up now to give them a chance to square the ledger and get their season back on track. Starting with the winless Tigers at Ikon Park.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Tigers are struggling to get going and are struggling to keep their best players on the park in the early parts of the season. They desperately need their skipper on the park, and there are concerns around key ball winner and superstar Ellie McKenzie as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ash Moloney might be setting herself up for a big day in front of goal as the Cats look to claw their way back into the season.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/richmond-w-v-geelong-cats-w--9602383">Cats by 32 points</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Jacqui Parry 2+ goals&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawthorn vs Adelaide Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, September 14, 3:05pm AEST - Kinetic Stadium, Frankston</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Good game in the offing this.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Hawks are still unbeaten and, after a scratchy opening fortnight, are starting to hit their straps.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Meanwhile, the ever-competitive Crows are stumbling in Doc Clarke’s final season as coach. They suffered their seventh straight loss to the Lions last week and, now at 2-2, suddenly need a win to turn things around.</p> <p>All eyes will be on the midfield battle in the heart of Frankston: Bates, West, and Lucas-Rodd versus Hatchard, Marinoff, Charlton, and Goodwin.</p> <p>The Chelsea Randall vs Anie McDonnagh matchup is another intriguing battle worth watching.</p> <p>The Hawks are favourites, but if we’ve learned anything in 10 seasons of AFLW, it’s to beware a Crows side with their backs against the wall!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/hawthorn-w-v-adelaide-crows-w--9602384">Hawks by 8 points&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Eloise Jones 15+ disposals &amp; Chelsea Randall 6+ Marks&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane vs North Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, September 14, 3:05 pm AEST - Brighton Homes Arena, Ipswich</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Genuine blockbuster.</p> <p>We’ve been waiting for the Grand Final rematch from last year, and now it’s here — a crucial game for the Lions as well.</p> <p>The Lions sit at 2-2, enduring a frustrating yo-yo start. Notably, they’re yet to register a home win this season. Next up, they host the Roos in the Sunshine State, who are riding a record 16-game winning streak.</p> <p>While the Lions’ best players remain among the league’s elite, the Roos are currently an unstoppable juggernaut, steamrolling through opponents once again.</p> <p>Can the Lions rally at home and halt the Roos’ dominance?</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/brisbane-lions-w-v-north-melbourne-w--9602385">Roos by 5 points&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Taylor Smith 2+ goals + Jade Ellenger 25+ disposals&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Fremantle vs West Coast Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, September 14, 5:05pm AEST - Fremantle Oval, Perth</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A Western Derby to finish off a big day of AFLW footy.&nbsp;</p> <p>The rise of Daisy’s Eagles has been the story of the season, and if the last two weeks are anything to go by, they won’t ever die wondering in a game.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ella Roberts is a superstar, Bella Lewis is an amazing young leader, and their young talent everywhere is showing signs that they have ‘It’.&nbsp;</p> <p>While they’re on the way up, after a long period of being on the AFLW canvas… are the Dockers heading on the way down?</p> <p>Tipped to be one of the underrated teams in the competition pre-season and franked those thoughts in Round one, but then conceded a ton two weeks in a row.&nbsp;</p> <p>They were better against Sydney last week, but something still feels off with Freo this year, which is surprising given their list.</p> <p>At 1-3 with a percentage under 50, it’s desperation time for the Dockers. There’s no better place than a derby to get your season off the canvas.</p> <p>But these Eagles are flying high—and heading up!</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/womens-afl/fremantle-w-v-west-coast-eagles-w--9602386">Eagles by 10 points&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Emma Swanson 25+ disposals &amp; anytime goal&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>AFLW 2025 Premiership Odds:</h2>