AFLW round eight: Blues prevail in torrential rain, Hawks’ banner destroyed

October 1, 2026 — 10:05pm10.05pmBlues beat torrid conditions as Hawks’ AFLW woes worsenBy Carlton have weathered wet and wild conditions to leap into the AFLW’s top four with a 12-point win over Hawthorn at Ikon Park, 5.6 (36) to 3.6 (24).On a day when profiting from key moments would define the clash, four minutes of first-quarter magic set the Blues up for victory.Carlton fired three scintillating goals in unrelenting rain while keeping the Hawks scoreless until midway through the second term. Ominously, the Hawks’ pre-game banner was destroyed by the weather before they could even run through it.Sophie McKay, Tamara Smith and their Blues and Hawks teammates played in at-times monsoonal conditions on Thursday night.Getty ImagesBut the visitors suddenly found themselves firmly in the contest when forward Poppy Stockwell and midfielder Kaitlyn Ashmore kicked back-to-back third quarter majors to level the scores.10.05pmAFLW round eightBy THURSDAYCarlton v Hawthorn, Ikon Park, 7.15pm (AEST)FRIDAYRichmond v Geelong, Ikon Park, 7.15pm (AEST)SATURDAYGWS v Essendon, Henson Park, 1.05pm (AEST)Western Bulldogs v St Kilda, Mars Stadium, 3.05pm (AEST)Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast, Brighton Homes Arena, 5.05pm (AEST)Port Adelaide v Adelaide, Alberton Oval, 7.15pm (AEST)SUNDAYNorth Melbourne v Sydney, Arden Street Oval, 1.05pm (AEDT)Collingwood v Melbourne, Victoria Park, 3.05pm (AEDT)West Coast v Fremantle, Sullivan Logistics Stadium, 5.05pm (AEDT)10.05pmWelcomeBy Hello everyone, and welcome to our AFLW live blog for round eight.We will house game stories, AFLW news and other developments for the round right here in this blog.Enjoy the round to come.1 of 1