AFLW Round 9 preview: Indigenous round promises to steal the show

Round nine of the AFLW season heats up as Indigenous round promises to be a showstopper.

First up on Saturday is GWS playing host to Walyalup (Fremantle) in Sydney at Henson Park.

Last time they met back in round two of the 2022 season, Walyalup got the chocolates over the Giants defeating GWS, 7.10 (52) to 2.8 (20).

In a sixth v 16th battle, Walyalup are going in heavy favourites with hopes of keeping their finals hopes well and truly alive. One player that has continued to provide Walyalup with stand-out performances is Exmouth’s Mim Strom.

After her best on ground performance last week in the derby, Strom and Walyalup will be hoping to carry this form over to Sydney to take on the Giants.

Saturday afternoon sees Julia Teakle’s Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) take on Gold Coast Suns away from home at People First Stadium.

Northampton’s Teakle unfortunately misses out this week again with a knee injury she sustained in the round seven game against Collingwood. The club has given her a timeline of two to three weeks before she is to return.

Last time they met, Gold Coast 7.3 (45) drew with Yartapuulti 7.3 (45), round eight, 2023.

Finishing off the Mid West local talent showcase on Saturday is Roxanne Roux and Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) as they host Geelong at Mineral Resources Park.

After a derby loss last week, Waalitj Marawar will be looking to bounce back in a do-or-die game against Geelong. With finals hopes dwindling, Waalitj Marawar, sitting in 11th position and one win and percentage out of the top eight, have nothing to lose.

Dongara’s Roxanne Roux will be looking to pull the socks up as she has done all season since returning from a hand injury and provide Waalitj Marawar with a gritty performance with hopes of building into next season.