The Long Break

AFLW

15th May 2025

AFL

How art helped WA draft hopeful foster her Indigenous identity

Alicia Blizard helped create Western Australia's underage state guernsey.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

14th May 2025

AFL

Bombers, Tigers to meet again as Dreamtime returns to Darwin

This year's AFLW Dreamtime match will be played at TIO Stadium during round three.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

13th May 2025

AFL

Around the state leagues: Dogs' day out, future stars shine

All the action from the women's state leagues around the country.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

AFL

Power desperate to match it with the best, unworried by higher expectations

After a remarkable AFLW run last season, the Power are keen to go again, forward Julia Teakle says.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

12th May 2025

AFL

New colours, fresh faces, who you won't see: What you've missed in the off-season

With pre-season training about to get underway, Gemma Bastiani recaps what's been happening over the AFLW off-season.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

AFL

Draft Diaries: The special bond 'motivating' draft prospect

Mizuki Brothwell sits down with Sarah Black in her draft year to talk all things footy.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

9th May 2025

AFL

Four footballing daughters, now it's Mum's turn

With a fourth daughter set to join the AFLW next season, it's no surprise Simone Davies has taken up the sport herself. Daughters Giselle, Fleur, Darcie and Georja share how their mum has shaped their footy journeys, and how they've shaped hers.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

8th May 2025

AFL

AFLW Pocket Profile: Casey Sherriff

You'll find Casey Sherriff galloping down the wing during a game, but what does she do when she's not playing footy?.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

7th May 2025

AFL

Duo get another chance, Blues sign young ruck

The Bombers, Kangaroos and Blues have added to their AFLW lists.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

AFL

Irish AFLW stars set to be impacted by tight turnaround

Sarah Black takes a look at how the tight turnaround between the Gaelic football and AFLW seasons could impact the 2025 campaign.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

6th May 2025

AFL

Bombers leader announces pregnancy, Tigers hand veteran a lifeline

Bess Keaney will sit out the 2025 AFLW season due to pregnancy, while Richmond has signed experienced Lauren Brazzale.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

AFL

Men’s and women’s double-headers on cards as fixture call looms

League aims to foster 'one club, two teams' philosophy ahead of full AFLW fixture release.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

5th May 2025

AFL

AFLW season opener confirmed, Thursday night shift for men's fixture

One of footy's famous rivalries will kick off the AFLW season to mark the 10th season of the competition.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

AFL

Around the state leagues: Dynamic Dogs dominate, former Pie shines

Check out all the action from the state leagues around the country.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

AFL

Draft Diaries: Remember the name Ava Usher

Ava Usher has long been touted as a star of the future. Now in her draft year, Usher sits down with AFL.com.au to talk all things footy.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

1st May 2025

AFL

AFLW Pocket Profile: Emma O'Driscoll

She's one of the great entertainers of the AFLW, but there's plenty you may not know about Emma O'Driscoll.

AFL • AFLW → 1 month ago

30th April 2025

AFL

Crows and Lions join forces for scratch match against Swans

Adelaide and Brisbane may be the competition's most successful teams, but they combined on Saturday for a scratch match against Sydney.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

29th April 2025

AFL

Risk v reward: The state league dilemma facing AFLW clubs

Club are weighing up the benefits of development at state league level against the potential cost of injury as the AFLW season nears.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

28th April 2025

AFL

Around the state leagues: Draftees impress, Eagles veteran dominates

Check out all the action from the state leagues around the country.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

25th April 2025

AFL

'Not just a footy game': W stars' childhood Anzac Day memories

Bri Davey and Sophie Alexander recall their trips with family to footy's biggest day.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

24th April 2025

AFL

Blues move forward to inactive list due to medical condition

Carlton forward Tarni Brown will sit out the 2025 season.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

U16 All-Australian team revealed as SA, Sydney Academy dominate champs

Check out all the results from the 2025 Marsh AFL National Development Championships - U16 Girls.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

Trampolines, skate parks and Jason Derulo: Eagle's winding path to footy

A desire to keep herself occupied as an only child helped set Bella Lewis on the path to footy.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

23rd April 2025

AFL

Three weeks of tears, 80 phone calls: Inside Mithen's Suns move

Making the decision to move to Gold Coast was one thing for Lily Mithen, telling her teammates and coaches was another.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

21st April 2025

AFL

Around the state leagues: Saint's season-ending injury, Eagles veteran returns

Check out all the action from the state leagues around the country.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

Doing it for Doc: Crows all in on one last dance

Adelaide players knew 2025 would be coach Matthew Clarke's last at the helm, with most choosing to stick around for one last hurrah rather than pursuing interest elsewhere.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

20th April 2025

AFL

Academy stars too strong as young guns strut their stuff

The best 18-year-olds in the country showed off their skills on Sunday ahead of this year's Telstra AFL Draft.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

18th April 2025

AFL

The players to watch in National Academy v All Stars clash

Sarah Black previews the names to watch out for in Sunday's AFL National Academy v All-Stars game.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

17th April 2025

AFL

2020 vision: How one AFLW intake changed the game

The 2020 AFLW intake laid the foundation for the future of the competition, but this year's draft crop is set to rival it.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

16th April 2025

AFL

Rise of the replacements: Second-chancers taking AFLW by storm

Gemma Bastiani takes a look at how AFLW teams have used a unique list management option.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

15th April 2025

AFL

Zippy Fish lives up to her name in Swans scratch match

Sydney draftee Zippy Fish kicked an unbelievable goal on the run during the Swans' scratch match against Adelaide on the weekend.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

14th April 2025

AFL

Around the state leagues: Young gun puts on a show, Swan impresses

Check out all the action from the state leagues around the country.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

What do you do when you fall out of love with footy?

She was North Melbourne's very first AFLW draft selection but fell out of love with the game a few years later. But Daisy Bateman found a new passion, and she isn't looking back.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

11th April 2025

AFL

Watch LIVE: VFLW v SANFLW state game from 6.30pm ACST

The best women's state league players will face off in a historic clash on Friday night.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

Listen up, boys: This is how you play at Norwood Oval

Playing AFL at Norwood Oval may be a novelty that only rolls around during Gather Round, but AFLW players have been playing there for years.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

10th April 2025

AFL

Pride of South Australia: How the Crows built a football dynasty

The only club to win three AFLW premierships, Adelaide's success has come against expectation and has been built on its people, writes Sarah Black.

AFL • AFL → 2 months ago

9th April 2025

AFL

EXPLAINER: All you need to know about the first VFLW v SANFLW game

The best of best from the SANFLW will face the best players from the rebel VFLW on Friday at Alberton Oval.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

8th April 2025

AFL

Future stars put their names in lights with HUGE first-up showings

Chloe Baker-West and Bailee Martin starred in their respective round one Coates Talent League games.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

Local secrets: Matilda Scholz's guide to Adelaide

Rising Star winner shares her tips and tricks for a great weekend in Adelaide.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

7th April 2025

AFL

Around the state leagues: Draft prospects, ex-AFLW players mount their case

Check out all the action from the state leagues around the country.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

AFLW Bomber’s unique role in Gather Round

A lot goes into organising an away trip, but luckily for Essendon's AFL team, the person organising their interstate games has firsthand experience travelling as a player.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

4th April 2025

AFL

Cats appoint new head of AFLW

Dr Dominique Condo will head Geelong's AFLW program.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

AFLW clubs, players deal with move of VFLW season

An overlap of league seasons sees clubs take different approaches to dealing with the situation.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

Who's up? The contenders vying for AFLW's most attractive role

Sarah Black runs the rule over the the top candidates for Adelaide's head coaching role.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

3rd April 2025

AFL

AFL confirms dates for 2025 trade and draft periods

The League has locked in the dates for the 2025 trade and draft periods for both the AFL and AFLW.

AFL • AFL → 2 months ago

AFL

Two-time AFLW premiership coach reveals why he's stepping away

Adelaide coach Matthew Clarke speaks exclusively to Sarah Black about his decision to step down at the end of 2025.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

Trio of non-Victorian clubs lock in scratch matches

A fixture for a series of AFLW scratch matches this pre-season has now been agreed.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

Crows coach resigns in AFLW bombshell

Matthew Clarke will step down at the end of the 2025 season.

AFL • AFL → 2 months ago

AFL

Giants AFLW veteran retires ahead of pre-season

Long-serving defender hangs up the boots, citing her waning motivation.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

Future stars take centre stage as under-16 girls champs kick off

Ten teams will compete in the 2025 Marsh AFL National Development Championships U16 Girls in April.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

2nd April 2025

AFL

Another Ashcroft? Lions' sister joins Brisbane Academy

Her two brothers are taking the AFL world by storm, but Lucy Ashcroft is charting her own footy path.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

She hasn't played a game yet, but this top pick has already signed a new deal

Collingwood has re-signed Ash Centra for another year - before she's even played a senior game.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

Inaugural Docker to sit out season after announcing pregnancy

Ebony Antonio has announced she and her partner, former Docker Kara Antonio, are having a baby.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

Bombers make move to appoint new AFLW list manager

The Bombers have landed their new AFLW list manager.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

AFL

AFLW Pocket Profile: Ally Dallaway

From her greatest fear to her hopes for a future celebrity doppelganger, some of Ally Dallaway's fun facts did surprise us.

AFL • AFLW → 2 months ago

31st March 2025

AFL

Giant's journey from footy to DJing at Gather Round

Georgia Garnett's music journey started thanks to the help of a Giants teammate - now, she's DJIng at Gather Round.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

28th March 2025

AFL

Why future pick trading is the next step in AFLW evolution

Several deals fell over during the AFLW trade period last year which is why, as Sarah Black argues, it's time to introduce future pick swaps.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

27th March 2025

AFL

Why Blackburn's big injury was a blessing in disguise

It was the hardest year of her career, but Ellie Blackburn's foot injury forced her to take a step back from footy.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

26th March 2025

AFL

Saints appoint new GM of AFLW, retiree to return

The Saints have landed a new general manager of AFLW.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

AFL

Hokball, history-makers and heroics: Best AFLW matches of 2024

Heroic individual performances, team efforts and the Hollywood Hawks - 2024 was full of memorable matches. Sarah Black nominates her 10 best of the year.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

25th March 2025

AFL

AFLW Pocket Profile: Lucy Cronin

She's taken on some of the AFLW's most dangerous forwards, but there's one surprising thing Lucy Cronin is afraid of.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

24th March 2025

AFL

Why this Freo supporter feels right at home at West Coast

Ella Roberts grew up a Fremantle supporter but has resisted the pull of returning to the Dockers.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

21st March 2025

AFL

'What would Grandma say?': Dogs' female footy history stretches back to 1947

Before there was the AFLW, there were exhibition matches. Before the eh.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

19th March 2025

AFL

Scratch match plans cool as clubs grapple with off-season plans

A proposed series of scratch matches between non-Victorian AFLW teams is unlikely to go ahead as clubs grapple with how to best utilise the state leagues.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

18th March 2025

AFL

How the Tigers are already benefiting from a 'Fevolution'

Richmond's new AFLW specialist forwards coach Brendan Fevola is already making a great impression on the team, and hasn't lost his ability to kick a big goal.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

13th March 2025

AFL

Footy Shorts kicks off: Calling all filmmakers who love footy

The AFL, VicScreen and the Melbourne International Film Festival are teaming up to offer four filmmakers the chance to get their footy-based short film onto the big screen.

AFL • AFL → 3 months ago

12th March 2025

AFL

AFL appoints AFLW Umpire Head Coach

AFL Executive General Manager of Football Laura Kane is pleased to announce the appointment of Annie White as AFLW Umpire Head Coach.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

11th March 2025

AFL

AFLW Pocket Profile: Beth Lynch

She's the sister of Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch, but from working as a nurse to her greatest non-footy lesson, there's plenty you didn't know about Beth Lynch.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

10th March 2025

AFL

How the AFLW helped Alex Lahey fall back in love with footy

Musician and songwriter Alex Lahey joined the Between Us podcast to chat about her love for the Saints, and how the AFLW helped her fall back in love with football.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

8th March 2025

AFL

How Kirsty Lamb has shaped not one, not two, but many sports

She's experienced the growth of women's sport firsthand across two disciplines, but Kirsty Lamb is also working off field to bring elite men's and women's sport to life.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

AFL

How footy's bringing joy and confidence to Colombian girls

Earlier this year, a group of 10 girls aged between 14 and 16 from the conflict-zone Colombian town of Puerto Tejada came to Australia for an immersive footy experience.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

AFL

Despite a famous surname, Narelle Long is forging her own path

She may be part of one of footy's most famous families, but Narelle Long is forging her own path within the sport.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

7th March 2025

AFL

'Part of my identity': Why Swan's ACL tear was her 'hardest' injury yet

Chloe Molloy reveals her struggles during her knee reconstruction.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

6th March 2025

AFL

AFL confirms change to McClelland Trophy criteria

The League has moved to change the rules for the $1m prize awarded to the champion club across the men's and women's competitions.

AFL • AFL → 3 months ago

AFL

Bombers on the hunt for new list manager

After building Essendon's AFLW list from the ground up, list manager Georgia Harvey is moving on to a new role at the club.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

AFL

AFLW Pocket Profile: Katie Lynch

She's an All-Australian defender who's known for her courageous intercept marks, but there's plenty you may not know about Katie Lynch.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

5th March 2025

AFL

Essendon signs NZ rugby international

Black Fern Grace Brooker approached AFLW clubs and has landed at Essendon.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

AFL

Cats defender to miss 2025 season after announcing pregnancy

Chantel Emonson will be moved to the inactive list as she welcomes her first child.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

4th March 2025

AFL

Premiership Demon joins Bombers in leading AFLW role

Essendon has appointed Ben Brown as head of AFLW development.

AFL • AFLW → 3 months ago

27th February 2025

AFL

AFLW Pocket Profile: Eliza McNamara

Eliza McNamara is known as one of the best runners in the AFLW, but there's plenty you may not know about her.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

26th February 2025

AFL

INS AND OUTS: Your club's list changes ahead of 2025

There was plenty of movement over the trade and draft periods, so catch up on.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

25th February 2025

AFL

Cars, cash, contacts: Brilliant life hacks from the stars of the AFLW

In addition to starring on the footy field, AFLW players are full of good tips for life off it.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

24th February 2025

AFL

Cats assistant footy boss departs to pursue new opportunities

Geelong assistant footy manager Brett Johnson leaves the club after six years.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

AFL

Tigers end VFLW alignment, leaving second-tier future uncertain

Richmond has ended its VFLW alignment with Port Melbourne, leaving the Tigers without a confirmed second-tier program for 2025.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

21st February 2025

AFL

'Definitely challenging': How footy season in Darwin is helping Giant evolve

From playing footy to labouring to fishing and hunting, Greater Western Sydney youngster Fleur Davies is making the most of her off-season in the NT.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

20th February 2025

AFL

AFLW Pocket Profile: Kaitlyn Srhoj

Which of Kaitlyn Srhoj's teammates is she named after? The Giants midfielder is full of surprises.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

19th February 2025

AFL

'Back to work': Demons star focused on rehab after tumultuous off-season

After a failed trade request to join Hawthorn, Tayla Harris says she's now focusing on her rehabilitation from a shoulder reconstruction.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

AFL

Baby Blue: Carlton skipper to sit out 2025 season

Carlton captain Kerryn Peterson has been placed on the inactive list for the 2025 AFLW season, with the defender expecting her first child.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

18th February 2025

AFL

GALLERY: AFLW stars take on Indigenous All Stars camp

A cohort of Indigenous AFLW players attended the Indigenous All Stars camp in Perth last week.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

15th February 2025

AFL

'I'm so rapt': Clarkson full of praise for Roos' AFLW side

North Melbourne's AFLW team won a flag the right way, according to the club's AFL coach Alastair Clarkson. He's hoping the men's team can follow suit.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

14th February 2025

AFL

'Unreal experience': Strong push for women's All Stars showcase

AFLW players say they hope to one day be a part of their own Indigenous showcase in the wake of the men's exhibition game.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

13th February 2025

AFL

Blues great joins AFLW coaching ranks

Carlton legend Brendan Fevola has joined Richmond as the club's specialist AFLW coach.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

12th February 2025

AFL

Home and away: Draftee's journey across the Nullarbor with Dad and the dog

West Coast draftee Lucia Painter made the long drive from Bendigo to Perth with her dad and dog, but had to leave her two blue-tongue lizards behind. She tells Sarah Black about the journey.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

10th February 2025

AFL

How a broken phone in Bali led to Sheerin's shock trade

Eilish Sheerin's trade to North Melbourne was the shock of trade period, but she had very little idea of how it unfolded.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

7th February 2025

AFL

AFLW Pocket Profile: Kaitlyn Ashmore

From the sweet story behind her middle name to her preferred mode of transport, there's plenty you may not know about Hawthorn's Kaitlyn Ashmore.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

1st February 2025

AFL

Long-term deals, off-field shake-ups: What you missed in the off-season

While most AFLW players are enjoying a hard-earned break over summer, list managers are busy tweaking clubs' lists. Catch up on all the off-field moves.

AFL • AFLW → 4 months ago

29th January 2025

AFL

The 'loss' that galvanised rampant Roos ahead of Grand Final glory

North Melbourne pulled off an undefeated season before clinching the 2024 NAB AFLW premiership, but there were plenty of tough lessons along the way.

AFL • AFLW → 5 months ago

22nd January 2025

AFL

AFLW Pocket Profile: Serene Watson

She's the energiser bunny of the AFLW, but there's plenty you may not know about St Kilda's Serene Watson.

AFL • AFLW → 5 months ago

21st January 2025

AFL

For Shaw: Suns appoint ex-Roos coach in history-making move

Rhyce Shaw is set to take over as the Suns' AFLW coach.

AFL • AFLW → 5 months ago

AFL

Art, travel, puppies: How AFLW players are spending their time off

It was a busy season of AFLW in 2024, but some players' off-season has been even busier! From travelling all over the world to new animals, this is how AFLW players are spending their summer break.

AFL • AFLW → 5 months ago

Sources

AFL • AFLW