Western Bulldogs forward Sarah Hartwig in action during the 2026 NAB AFLW Season. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

WITH the finals race now down to eight teams, we take a look at each club's most influential player heading into November. 

From X-factor forwards to classy midfielders, these are the players to watch throughout the AFLW finals series. 

Sarah Hartwig (Western Bulldogs)

A medium-sized forward who often flies under the radar, ‘Twiggy’ is a low-disposal, high-impact player. Hartwig is having a career-best year and currently leads the Bulldogs’ goalkicking with 14 majors in 2026. A heart-and-soul player, Hartwig is an important cog in the Bulldogs’ forward line, with her strong marking ability and high football IQ key to her side’s ability to score.

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AFLW R9 | Four-midable Hartwig wreaks havoc in super show

Sarah Hartwig proves a handful for the Bombers' defence all evening, piling on four majors in a superb display

Every finals team's most influential player

Erone Fitzpatrick (Carlton)
Georgie Prespakis (Geelong Cats)
Havana Harris (Gold Coast SUNS)
Lucy Wales (Hawthorn)
Tyla Hanks (Melbourne)
Eilish Sheerin (North Melbourne)
Chloe Molloy (Sydney Swans)
Sarah Hartwig (Western Bulldogs)

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