Overview
- North Melbourne face Melbourne at Ikon Park to open the preliminary finals, with Brisbane hosting Carlton at Brighton Homes Arena later on Saturday.
- Kangaroos coach Darren Crocker confirmed defender Eilish Sheerin will return from a hamstring injury, while midfielder Mia King was ruled out after a PCL issue.
- Melbourne key forward Eden Zanker trained strongly and will play only if she completes late‑week main training to exit concussion protocols; defender Maeve Chaplin remains TBC with a hamstring concern.
- The AFL recently reprimanded Melbourne over Zanker's earlier return to play in the qualifying final loss to Brisbane after a head knock.
- Brisbane pursue a fourth consecutive grand final with a more controlled game plan, enter on an eight‑game winning streak, and face a Carlton side that beat them in round three with both squads reporting full availability.