AFLW clubs face pressure to improve form before mid-season mark

With one-third of the 2026 AFLW season completed, Hawthorn, Adelaide, and Brisbane sit at 2-2 as they enter a crucial stretch of the 12-game schedule. Hawthorn dropped from a top-four position to eighth on the ladder following losses to Melbourne and Adelaide. The Crows seek to build on recent victories against West Coast and Hawthorn despite a challenging upcoming month that includes matches against Geelong, Brisbane, Fremantle, and Port Adelaide. Brisbane currently sits outside the top eight and faces difficulties with forward-line accuracy following the offseason trade of Taylor Smith and the current absence of Courtney Hodder. These clubs must improve consistency to maintain their standing in a tight finals race as the season reaches its midway point.

• 8:00 PMAFL — The four clubs facing a defining stretch as fight for finals spots heats up