Saturday night’s AFLW Dreamtime clash is shaping to be season-defining for both Essendon and Richmond.

Coming in at 4-2 off the back of a stirring comeback win over the Cats in Warrnambool, the Bombers are full of confidence with a chance to surpass their win tally from last season.

The Tigers (3-3) will be keen to bounce back after falling to a behind on the siren in last week’s one-point loss to the Suns.

Last time they met

Round four, 2022

Richmond 3.8 (26) d. Essendon 3.6 (24) at ETU Stadium

00:55

AFLW Rd 4 | Clarke's first to get us within a goal

Watch as Amber Clarke kicks her first AFLW goal to leave us a point behind the Tigers in the last minutes of our round four match.

The inaugural Dreamtime clash last season saw fans treated to a thriller in tough Port Melbourne conditions.

Despite trailing for the majority of the second half, a late rally saw the Bombers come close to a big upset, with a late Amber Clarke goal cutting the margin to just two points.

The Tigers would eventually hold on to secure the win, closing the first chapter in a brewing rivalry between the two clubs at AFLW level.

Unsung Dons leading charge

While the form of star forward Bonnie Toogood has been integral to the Bombers’ strong start to season eight, they’ve also been propelled by some underrated links in recent weeks.

Daria Bannister has been an important presence up forward, booting a critical goal against the Cats and laying seven tackles, while Georgia Nanscawen continued her terrific return campaign with a 25-disposal outing.

00:37

AFLW Rd 6 | Bannister gifts Bombers lead after Morrison brain fade

Daria Bannister receives a 50m penalty and kicks a crucial goal after Nina Morrison's rare error.

A blistering second half saw co-skipper Steph Cain finish with 14 disposals, seven tackles and four clearances, providing some big contests in the Bombers’ surges forward.

Ellyse Gamble and Georgia Clarke combined for nine marks in defence, while a breakout two-goal performance from Amber Clarke saw the 18-year-old receive a Rising Star nomination.

Key matchups

The midfield battle, particularly between Maddy Prespakis and Tigers gun Monique Conti, will go a long way in determining Saturday’s result.

Conti is averaging 26 disposals and seven clearances per game this season, Prespakis similarly dominant with averages of 28 disposals and six clearances.

01:40

Highlights | Maddy P notches up 50

Maddy Prespakis will play her 50th AFLW game this weekend as we look back at her journey to this milestone.

The presence of Toogood and Katie Brennan in each forward line presents healthy challenges for defenders, so don’t be surprised by a high-scoring encounter on Saturday.

The Bombers and Tigers will face off at 7:20pm this Saturday at IKON Park.