AFLW Round 5: North remain unbeaten as Carlton suffers first loss of the season
By Aoife Cunningham
North Melbourne have continued their dominant run through the 2026 AFLW season, handing Carlton their first defeat with a 33–23 victory at Arden Street Oval.
The Blues entered the clash unbeaten after four rounds but faced their biggest test yet against the reigning premiers, who were looking to extend their remarkable winning streak.
Carlton got closer than any team this season to defeating the Kangaroos, threatening to challenge North throughout the contest before the reigning premiers pulled away late to maintain their perfect start to the season.
The match also featured the annual AFLW SuperClash, raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal. Both teams came together before the match for a reverse guard of honour, creating an emotional moment as players paid tribute to hospital staff, patients and their families.
Melbourne continued their flawless start to the season, with a dominant 51–point victory over Port Adelaide at Casey Fields and the Demons came out firing, with recruit Mia Austin hitting the scoreboard early and kicking the first two goals of the contest. Melbourne continued to build their lead throughout the afternoon, eventually running away with a 74–23 win to remain one of the competition’s most unbeatable sides under new coach Tom Wilson.
Sydney came back from their first defeat of the season to an emphatic 31–point victory over GWS in the Sydney Derby, 87-56. Swans player Chloe Molloy also put together a standout performance, showcasing her exceptional forward craft after kicking two behinds in the opening quarter. Molloy exploded in the last two quarters, with three majors that helped turn the contest in Sydney’s favour. She finished as the most influential player on the ground with 16 disposals, 4 goals and 361 metres gained.
Just a week after announcing themselves as premiership contenders with a convincing win over Sydney, the Western Bulldogs were brought back to earth by Hawthorn, who held on for an 11–point victory, 41–30.
The result halted the Bulldogs’ momentum after their impressive Round 4 win, while Hawthorn continued to build their own position in the competition.
The victory was soured, however, with Hawks skipper Emily Bates going down in the third quarter with what looked like a serious knee injury. The veteran’s leg became caught underneath her during a tackle, before she went to the ground clutching her knee and was stretchered from the field.
Geelong continued their strong start to the season with a hard-fought 11–point victory over Adelaide, 57–46. The Cats held off a persistent Crows outfit to claim their fourth win of the season, strengthening their position among the competition’s early contenders.
Gold Coast also continued their strong start to the season, running away from Collingwood to claim a 30–point victory. The Suns finished 62–32 winners, while Collingwood’s difficult start to the season continued after another heavy defeat.
West Coast also celebrated their first win of the season, edging out Brisbane by five points in a tense 46–41 contest. The Eagles held their nerve to secure a much-needed victory, giving their season a boost while leaving Brisbane to rue a narrow defeat.
Round 5 results
Hawthorn Hawks 41-30 Western Bulldogs
Gold Coast Suns 62-32 Collingwood
Geelong Cats 57-46 Adelaide Crows
West Coast Eagles 46-41 Brisbane Lions
Melbourne Demons 74-23 Port Adelaide
Richmond Tigers 58-43 St Kilda Saints
Sydney Swans 87-56 GWS Giants
North Melbourne 33-23 Carlton
Fremantle Dockers 37-22 Essendon Bombers
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