The top spot might be claimed temporarily—or if Roar Women have anything to do with it, permanently—but round nine is all about spots two to seven. Specifically a potential reshuffle of them.
Roar Women are on a bye, but as they're four points ahead of their nearest rival, Sydney, their Premiership intentions remain on track. While a win won't see Sydney reclaim first place, it will consolidate their place in second, and enable them to stay within striking distance (one point), of the Roar.
Fourth-placed Perth will have similar goals, though, as they sit on nine points, just two points behind third-placed Canberra and one ahead of fifth-placed Melbourne, a win will see them stay in the finals race. A loss might see them slip down the ladder.
Melbourne and Canberra will be all business when they meet in Geelong on Saturday in the round's live broadcast match. Four points and two table positions separate the teams, but both know that a win is a must in this the backend of the season. Melbourne will be buoyed by their round eight win, while Canberra, the league's consistent, dark-horse performers will look to eke out a victory as they aim to finish the season strongly and attempt to tackle main rivals Brisbane and Sydney.
Winning and wooden spoons will be on Newcastle and Adelaide's minds on Sunday, with the sixth- and seventh-placed teams meeting on Newcastle's home turf. The home team have been unlucky not to be higher up the ladder after some strong performances throughout the season, but in the back of their minds will be the confidence-boosting memory of defeating Sydney in round four.
Adelaide haven't recorded a win in a record number of matches and their season-four future is uncertain, but they've been improving steadily by the round. With nothing to lose and the knowledge that they're facing their nearest ladder rivals, they might just find the back of the net that's proved so elusive all season.
There could be some surprise results or upsets in any three of the round's matches.
