The 2026 AFLW finals series kicks off with a huge Saturday afternoon double-header, with Geelong and Melbourne clashing before North Melbourne take on Carlton in a massive day of qualifying finals.
Here's everything you need to know about the weekend, including the fixture, team news, tips, results, and more as it comes to hand!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Geelong vs. Melbourne
IKON Park, 1:05pm [AEDT]
Result: Geelong 8.4 (52) def. by Melbourne 8.8 (56)
Melbourne have stormed home with the last five goals of the game to beat Geelong by four points in their AFLW qualifying final.
After Demons star Paxy Paxman put them in front with a snapped goal, Chloe Scheer marked and had a shot at goal for Geelong with 20 seconds left.
But the Geelong forward missed and the Demons won 8.8 (56) to 8.4 (52) on Saturday at Ikon Park.
Melbourne kicked the only three goals of the last quarter after looking well out of the game in the third term.
Geelong onballer Georgia Prespakis was easily best afield in the first half, but Melbourne midfielder Liv Purcell helped spark their comeback and they had 34 possessions apiece.
It was the first time Geelong's Mick Stinear has gone up against his old club since the 2022 premiership coach left Melbourne at the end of last season.
Melbourne have the week off, while Geelong's semifinal opponent will be the winner of the Sydney versus Western Bulldogs elimination final on Sunday at Henson Park.
-- AAP
North Melbourne vs. Carlton
IKON Park, 4:05pm [AEDT]
Result: North Melbourne 7.7 (49) def. Carlton 1.7 (13)
Two-time North Melbourne premiership player Alice O'Loughlin is a significant casualty out of their comprehensive AFLW qualifying final win.
O'Loughlin was emotional on the bench after she hurt her knee in the last quarter of Saturday's 7.7 (49) to 1.7 (13) win over Carlton at Ikon Park.
She was in agony and needed two trainers to help her off the field after Gab Pound caught her in a tackle.
It was the one negative for the two-time defending premiers, who withstood a game challenge from the Blues in the first quarter.
North were held scoreless, but Carlton only managed two behinds as the Blues kicked with a strong, swirling breeze.
Kangaroos forward Kate Shierlaw kicked their first goal five minutes into the second term and they were away.
They kicked another three goals and led by 23 points at the main break.
North great Jenna Bruton marked her 100-game milestone by kicking the only goal of the third quarter.
The usual suspects starred for the Kangaroos -- Jasmine Garner racked up 31 possessions, and fellow midfielder Ash Riddell had a game-high 33.
-- AAP
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Sydney vs. Western Bulldogs
Henson Park, 1:05pm [AEDT]
Result: Sydney 7.4 (46) def. Wester Bulldogs 2.5 (17)
AFLW superstar Chloe Molloy has once again lifted Sydney to victory, with the Swans defeating the Western Bulldogs by 29 points in an elimination final.
League-leading goalkicker Molloy pulled off a surprise cameo down back to help the Swans claim a 7.4 (46) to 2.5 (17) win at a wet and windy Henson Park on Sunday.
Sydney will next play Geelong in an away semifinal. The Bulldogs' season is over.
Molloy's leadership in a wet-weather scrap proved the difference for the Swans, with the former Swans co-skipper finishing with one goal, 12 intercepts, and 14 contested possessions as a swingwoman.
Tanya Kennedy was just as crucial for the Swans, locking down Bulldogs co-captain and gun midfielder Isabelle Pritchard.
-- AAP
Gold Coast vs. Hawthorn
People First Stadium, 3:05pm [AEDT]
Result: Gold Coast 6.3 (39) def. by Hawthorn 8.9 (57)
Hawthorn have laid their post-season ghosts to rest, breaking through for their first AFLW finals victory in an 18-point defeat of Gold Coast.
A commanding third quarter paved the path for the Hawks to prevail 8.9 (57) to 6.3 (39) in the elimination final at People First Stadium on Sunday.
Hawthorn, who bombed out of the finals in straight sets in 2024 and 2025, will face Carlton in the first semifinal next Saturday night at Ikon Park.
-- AAP