Each week of the 2026 AFLW season, ESPN's Sarah Burt takes a look at what's making news, raising questions, and catching the eye across the competition.
This week, the race for a million-dollar prize is heating up, records are tumbling and the Hawks are hitting their straps at exactly the right time.
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The race for $1 million
A few clubs are vying for a million-dollar prize in the McClelland Trophy, which is awarded to the best-performing overall club across both the men's and women's competitions. The winning club receives $500,000 to go towards the club, and the other half distributed amongst the men's and women's playing groups.
One of the best things about this trophy is when it comes down to the wire in AFLW finals, it boosts interest and puts even more on the line than just the premiership cup.
Geelong still sits at the top, with their women having a stellar season sitting second on the ladder behind the reigning premiers North Melbourne. However, Sydney has emerged as a close contender after a win against Fremantle on the weekend bumped them to 29 points, behind Geelong's 31.
The Blues, Melbourne, the Hawks, and Fremantle all round out the top six. For these clubs, all eyes will be on the AFLW finals series to see who gets their pay day.
Oh, Moy Gosh
Superstar Swan Chloe Molloy literally just keeps getting better and better.
In Round 12, Molloy set a new AFLW single-season goalkicking record, finishing her home and away campaign with 27 goals.
Geelong's Jacqui Parry led that race on Friday night, but we all knew there was a real possibility Chloe would make her presence known the next day, and did she ever.
The forward booted four goals in her side's one-point victory over the Dockers, contributing to more history-making stats including a new club record of nine wins in an AFLW season and their first home elimination final.
Speaking to AFL.com, Molloy said she has been able to play with more freedom this season, allowing herself "mental relief" by avoiding reading match reports and basing her self-worth on footy success.
Hawks fly into finals
The Hawks are the only side to have beaten North Melbourne in over two years, and now they've secured themselves a spot in finals after booting their highest ever score of 94 in a 55-point win against West Coast. This is their third consecutive season in finals. It was a tough day at the office for the Eagles with star midfielder Ella Roberts suffering an ACL rupture, which will likely see her out for the full season next year.
My favourite stat of the week
This isn't the first time her name has been mentioned in the stats section -- Georgie Prespakis finished the home and away season with a new AFLW clearance record, collecting a whopping 97. The Geelong midfielder added another eight in the final round, finishing second only to teammate Amy McDonald in that match. Her consistency around the contest has been a defining feature of her season and puts her in good stead to remain a hot favourite for the AFLW best and fairest award.