Dees pick same 21

Melbourne will be fielding an unchanged line-up for the first time this season, taking on Carlton with the same 21 girls that beat the Eagles last Sunday.

The Dees made it through their Round 5 win unscathed, but with none of the injured girls fit for selection, top-up player Sarah Perkins was able to be picked once again.

What it means

This match will play a big role in shaping the AFLW finals series.

With the Conference B ladder tightening right up, and just three teams set to advance to the final six, a win this weekend will give the Dees a major edge ahead of the last two rounds.

Melbourne and Carlton currently sit in second and third position on the ladder with four wins each, allowing the winner to go a game clear inside the top two of its conference.

Look out for

The Demons have been the best defensive side in the league so far this season, restricting their opposition to a combined 84 points across the first five weeks.

But they will be challenged this weekend, coming up against the third highest scoring side of 2020.

With Meg Downie still out of the side, expect Harriet Cordner and Libby Birch to step up in the back-half of the ground as they look to restrict the Blues’ dangerous forward line.

Oppo watch

Carlton are one of the in-form sides of the competition, coming off three consecutive victories.

Madison Prespakis, last year’s AFLW Rising Star winner, has been one of the league’s best performers this season averaging 22 disposals and will be one for the Dees to watch around stoppages.

Match info

Melbourne’s Round 6 clash will take place in its second home, Alice Springs.

It’s an exciting opportunity for the club to put on a show for the locals at TIO Traeger Park, with the match kicking off at 7:40pm AEDT.

For more information, take a look at the full GAME DAY GUIDE.

Full team