Fresh off a stirring one-point win, the GIANTS will mark their 100th home and away AFLW fixture when they head to Ikon Park to face a finals-chasing Carlton outfit.
AFLW - Round 11
Blues v GIANTS
Sunday, October 25 at 5:05pm
Ikon Park, Melbourne | Wurundjeri
What it Means for the GIANTS
The GIANTS head to Melbourne with renewed belief after producing one of the upsets of the year, holding on for a thrilling one-point win over Hawthorn at Henson Park. In a performance built on grit and composure, the GIANTS made the most of their opportunities and showed the sort of resilience they will be eager to carry into their final fortnight of the season.
Alyce Parker was central to the result, booting three goals, including two in the first half and another at a crucial stage in the final term, to help seal the club’s second win of the season. Around her, the GIANTS’ backline stood up under repeat pressure, while the midfield group continued to give the side strong contests and territory at important moments.
Sunday’s clash also carries extra significance, with the GIANTS set to play their 100th home and away AFLW match. Against a Carlton side pushing for finals berth, the GIANTS will be looking to back up last week’s breakthrough with a competitive showing on the road.
The Opposition
Carlton enters the penultimate round firmly in the finals mix, sitting inside the top eight with seven wins from its opening 10 matches. The Blues are four points outside the top four and will be desperate to respond after falling to the Western Bulldogs last weekend, with every result now important in a tight race for finals.
The Blues have been one of the competition’s more consistent sides across the season, with a midfield that can win territory quickly and a forward mix capable of converting momentum into scoreboard pressure. Their ability to apply pressure around the contest and generate repeat inside 50s has been a feature of their best football, making the battle for field position a key part of Sunday’s match-up.
With only two games remaining in the home and away season, Carlton will arrive at Ikon Park with plenty to play for.
Recent History
The GIANTS and Blues have met three times previously, with Carlton holding a narrow 2-1 advantage. The GIANTS claimed the first meeting between the two sides in 2023 by two points, producing a memorable result.
Carlton has since taken the past two encounters by 21 and 46 points respectively, using those matches to control territory and put the GIANTS’ defence under sustained pressure. Returning to Ikon Park presents another tough test, particularly against a Blues side still chasing a strong finish to the home and away season.
For the GIANTS, the challenge will be to absorb that early intensity, stay connected behind the ball and take confidence from the way they handled pressure moments in last week’s win over Hawthorn. With the overall record still close, they will be looking to square the ledger and make their milestone match one to remember.
Key Match-Up:
A key battle on Sunday will come through the midfield, where Irishwoman Erone Fitzpatrick’s influence is one the GIANTS will need to curb. Fitzpatrick, who signed a four-year extension this week, has enjoyed a standout season for the Blues, averaging 20.5 disposals, collecting a career-best 30 against Adelaide in round two, and laying a career-best eight tackles in round three.
A midfielder capable of impacting the scoreboard, the star has also kicked 12 goals this season, adding another layer to Carlton’s attacking mix. Her ability to push forward from stoppage and finish her work makes her more than just a ball-winner, with the GIANTS needing to be sharp both at the contest and when she rolls into dangerous space inside 50.
Further highlighting her damage, Fitzpatrick is averaging 4.6 inside 50s per game and has 51 score involvements so far this season, leading Carlton in both categories.
That places extra importance on the GIANTS’ midfield group of Parker, Rebecca Beeson, Zarlie Goldsworthy, and Grace Kos, who will be central to matching Carlton’s intensity around the ball. If the GIANTS can deny Fitzpatrick clean exits, force hurried entries and make Carlton defend the other way, they will give themselves a far better chance of registering another huge upset.
GIANTS Player to Watch: Daisy Walker
Daisy Walker is set to celebrate her 50th AFLW match against her former side on Sunday, adding an extra storyline to the GIANTS’ trip to Ikon Park.
After joining the GIANTS at the conclusion of the 2023 season, Walker was forced to wait for her club debut after sustaining an ACL injury in her first pre-season in orange and charcoal, before going on to feature in 10 games in 2025.
Known for her football IQ, toughness, and her defensive pressure, Walker enters the clash off arguably her best performance for the club following a brilliant showing in the win over the Hawks. Despite at times being undersized, her grit and determination helped repel repeated Hawthorn attacks, with her willingness to compete in the air and at ground level proving important in the GIANTS’ ability to hold on late.
Against a Carlton side that can generate repeat forward-half entries, Walker’s ability to read the play, support teammates and launch the GIANTS out of defence will again be crucial.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name this week’s extended squad at 6:20pm on Thursday via their socials and at gwsgiants.com.au, and the final team at 5pm on Friday.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of Sunday’s match here.
