HARRY RUSSO

Geelong has been one of the most consistent teams in making the finals this century, only missing two years since 2004, but I think we will see them slide down the ladder to the point where they may miss finals in 2022. For over 15 years the Cats have been a staple for September action, but their golden era rose and will fall with their captain Joel Selwood. They won their first premiership of the era in Selwood’s debut year of 2007 and went on to win a further two in 2009 and 2011.

Winless St Kilda have produced the equal lowest score in AFLW history, failing to kick a goal in a 46-point thrashing from Carlton. The under-strength Saints started brightly and Jessica Matin hit the post from a set shot in the opening stages. But it was as close as the visitors got to booting a major in the 7.6 (48) to 0.2 (2) defeat at Ikon Park on Saturday. St Kilda’s final score matched the record-low tally posted by Gold Coast against Brisbane last year.

The Saints are sitting two games out of the top eight with half the season to go, but face a tough road to the end of the season. Last year, the Saints won their first final since 2010 and looked destined to go deeper into September this year but have seemingly gone backwards. So, what has gone wrong down at Moorabbin? Injuries have plagued the Saints early in the season and none were more frustrating than Ben Paton breaking both his fibula and tibia at training and being out for the season.