It’s mixed news for Hawthorn ahead of its semi-final showdown with Carlton, while Melbourne receives a significant boost for its own crucial match. The developments come as the AFLW season reaches its climactic stages, with teams vying for a spot in the finals.
Hawthorn captain Emily Bates will make a remarkable comeback from a serious shoulder injury that required surgery, aiming to strengthen the team’s midfield as they strive to avoid a second consecutive straight-sets exit. Young talents Hayley McLaughlin and Sophie Butterworth have also been recalled to the squad. Forward Aine McDonagh has been named in the lineup despite sustaining a knee issue last week.
Strategic Changes and Player Movements
The Hawks have made some tough decisions, with controversial mid-season replacement Nat Exon being dropped. Additionally, winger Kaitlyn Ashmore has not recovered from a calf injury and will miss the game, alongside key defender Emily Everist, who is sidelined due to concussion.
Meanwhile, Melbourne faces its own challenges as Eden Zanker exits the team following a concussion sustained in Sunday’s loss to Brisbane. The club will now rely on Tayla Harris, Georgia Gall, and Alyssa Bannan to lead the attack. Despite the setback, Melbourne is buoyed by the return of dynamic Irish defender Sinead Goldrick from an eye injury, and the inclusion of young defender Laela Ebert, who replaces utility Jemma Rigoni.
Adelaide and Carlton Maintain Stability
Adelaide’s lineup remains unchanged for Saturday’s semi-final, with youngster Brooke Boileau fit to play despite a heavy knock to her leg in last week’s victory over St Kilda. Notably, premiership player Hannah Munyard is listed among the emergencies, still unable to break back into the side after an ankle injury in round one.
Carlton, on the other hand, enjoys a clean bill of health, allowing them to field an unchanged lineup. This stability contrasts sharply with Hawthorn’s situation, where the team has been forced to name a top-up player among its trio of emergencies.
Match Details and Expectations
The semi-final matches are set to take place at Ikon Park on Saturday, November 15. Melbourne will face Adelaide at 1.05pm AEDT, while Hawthorn will take on Carlton at 7.15pm AEDT.
Team Lineups
- Melbourne: In: S. Goldrick, L. Ebert | Out: E. Zanker (concussion), J. Rigoni (omitted)
- Adelaide: In: Nil | Out: Nil
- Hawthorn: In: E. Bates, H. McLaughlin, S. Butterworth | Out: E. Everist (concussion), K. Ashmore (injured), N. Exon (omitted)
- Carlton: Unchanged
As the semi-finals approach, the strategic changes and player movements highlight the dynamic nature of the AFLW season. Teams are making calculated decisions to optimize their chances of success, with the stakes higher than ever.
Experts suggest that the return of key players like Emily Bates and Sinead Goldrick could be pivotal in their teams’ performances. The balance between experienced players and emerging talents will likely play a crucial role in determining the outcomes of these high-stakes matches.
Looking forward, the results of these semi-finals will set the stage for the grand finale, where the ultimate prize of the AFLW season awaits. As teams prepare for the challenges ahead, fans can expect thrilling encounters and intense competition on the field.
