The Long Break

AFLW

24th September 2026

AFL

Red-hot Cats bring Hawks back down to earth with thumping win

Geelong flexed its muscle with a big win over Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium.

●AFL • AFLW → 11 hours ago

AFL

AFLW TEAMS: Key Don back, young Eagle returns, Roos load up

The teams for round seven's AFLW games are in, plus squads for Sunday.

●AFL • AFLW → 14 hours ago

AFL

Star-studded on-ball battle to shape season-defining clash

League heavyweights Melbourne and North Melbourne will go head to head on Friday night at Ikon Park.

●AFL • AFLW → 16 hours ago

AFL

Why having women on coaching panels is a clear competitive advantage

Diversity is too often seen as ‘the right thing to do’, rather than the clear competitive advantage that it is, writes Hawthorn assistant coach Steph Binder.

●AFL • AFLW → 19 hours ago

AFL

AFLW R7 preview: Cats-Hawks open bumper round, can Dees hand Roos another loss?

Geelong and Hawthorn kick off a huge round of football, while a public holiday on Friday in Victoria means there's plenty of action to enjoy.

AFL • AFLW → 1 day ago

AFL

Who wins latest chapter of football's great rivalry?

Geelong and Hawthorn have taken their heated personal issues to the AFLW and its no less passionate.

AFL • AFLW → 1 day ago

AFL

WHO WINS R7? Dees favourites over Roos, who's tipping the Hawks?

Our footy experts have made the call on AFLW round seven.

AFL • AFLW → 1 day ago

23rd September 2026

AFL

AFLW TEAMS: Huge Cats boost, Hawks drop veteran

The teams for the Thursday night's round seven game between Geelong and Hawthorn are in.

AFL • AFLW → 2 days ago

AFL

'Don't want to see that': AFLW concern for winless trio

Three AFLW clubs - Essendon, Collingwood and St Kilda - are winless halfway through the season and the league is concerned.

AFL • AFLW → 2 days ago

AFL

AFLW injury list, R7: Huge boost for Cats, timeline given for gun Tiger

Check out how your AFLW team is tracking ahead of round seven.

AFL • AFLW → 2 days ago

22nd September 2026

AFL

'It really sucks': Blues young gun's candid admission after injury-hit start

Sophie McKay opens up on her injury frustration on this week's episode of Tagged.

AFL • AFLW → 3 days ago

AFL

AFLW power rankings: Who's the best side in the comp?

Who's the strongest AFLW side half-way through the season?.

AFL • AFLW → 3 days ago

21st September 2026

AFL

'Poking the bear': Shock Kangaroos loss sparks ominous warning

Kate McCarthy is tipping North Melbourne to bounce back hard after its surprise loss to Hawthorn.

AFL • AFLW → 4 days ago

AFL

Match review: Star Saint banned for rough tackle on Eagles gun

The match review for round six's AFLW games is in.

AFL • AFLW → 4 days ago

AFL

No.1 pick nabs Rising Star nom after three-goal haul

Olivia Wolmarans is the Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominee for round six.

AFL • AFLW → 4 days ago

AFL

Irish players ready to craic in for Jim's Game double-header

Friday's AFLW double-header at Ikon Park will have a distinctly Irish flavour.

AFL • AFLW → 4 days ago

AFL

Coaches' votes, R6: Another perfect 10 for Sun, pack gaining ground on Garner

The coaches' votes for the round six games are in.

AFL • AFLW → 4 days ago

20th September 2026

AFL

Dal Santo questions umpire's call before defender's injury

An ankle injury to Paige Trudgeon has left her coach confused.

AFL • AFLW → 5 days ago

AFL

Crows hold off arch-rival Lions in fiery finish

Adelaide defeated Brisbane for the first time in seven matches.

AFL • AFLW → 5 days ago

AFL

Eagles master windy conditions to keep Saints waiting for first win

West Coast has kept its season alive while St Kilda is yet to get on the winners list.

AFL • AFLW → 5 days ago

AFL

Wayward Tigers hold on against dead-eye Giants in a thriller

GWS couldn't miss as they almost hauled in a massive half-time deficit against Richmond.

AFL • AFLW → 5 days ago

AFL

Rising Suns flex their muscles against winless Dons

Gold Coast kept Essendon to one goal at Windy Hill for a third-straight win.

AFL • AFLW → 5 days ago

AFL

Sticking to their Suns: Why Gold Coast's rise is no surprise for some

The Suns may be young, but their group of new recruits are setting the standard.

AFL • AFLW → 5 days ago

19th September 2026

AFL

'We have to adjust': Wright pinpoints area costing Pies after bright start

Collingwood was blown away in the third quarter against Geelong, continuing a worrying trend.

AFL • AFLW → 6 days ago

AFL

Molloy lifts Swans to shake off dogged Power

Port Adelaide kept in the contest until the final term but Sydney star's three goals prove the difference.

AFL • AFLW → 6 days ago

AFL

Dees take top spot with strong win against Blues

Melbourne's undefeated start to the season has continued against Carlton, lifting the Demons above North Melbourne on the ladder.

AFL • AFLW → 6 days ago

AFL

Classy Cats crank it up to blow away winless Pies

Collingwood levelled scores in the third quarter before Geelong ran away to a big win.

AFL • AFLW → 6 days ago

AFL

Collingwood, should, could: The list decisions that are haunting the Pies

The Magpies are struggling in 2026, but it may be the product of years of list problems rather than a coaching issue.

AFL • AFLW → 6 days ago

AFL

Austin's powers: Former Blue's red-hot season all due to Demons' 'love and care'

Mia Austin was heartbroken when her time at Carlton came to an end. But the care Melbourne took in welcoming her to the fold has reignited her love - and talent - for the game.

AFL • AFLW → 6 days ago

18th September 2026

AFL

Roos' run done! Hawks' stunning upset ends North's amazing record

North Melbourne's streak has ended at 32 as Hawthorn fights to the finish in Cairns.

AFL • AFLW → 7 days ago

AFL

AFLW TEAMS: Tiger spearhead returns, key Sun out, Don injured again

The teams for the Sunday games in NAB AFLW round six are in.

AFL • AFLW → 7 days ago

AFL

WHO WINS R6? Leading tipster predicts two upsets, four teams get no love

Our footy experts have made the call on AFLW round six.

AFL • AFLW → 1 week ago

AFL

The lesson from two Hawks greats that has McDonagh in rare form

A chance encounter with two Hawthorn AFL greats paved the way for Áine McDonagh to play the blockbuster footy she's playing now.

AFL • AFL → 1 week ago

AFL

AFLW R6 preview: Heavyweight contenders collide, Lions seek redemption

It's Hawthorn's turn to try break the North Melbourne stranglehold, while a number of finals hopefuls face defining tests.

AFL • AFLW → 1 week ago

17th September 2026

AFL

AFLW TEAMS: Star Dog returns, Blues load up, three Roos out

The teams for round six's AFLW games are in, plus squads for Sunday.

AFL • AFLW → 1 week ago

AFL

'Their eyes lit up': How the Bombers are helping to open doors for Tiwi talent

Essendon players welcomed students from the Tiwi Islands into their inner sanctum on their recent trip to Darwin.

AFL • AFLW → 1 week ago

AFL

This Saint's AFLW dream was hanging in the balance. Now, she is making a name for herself

A serious shoulder injury threatened Jade McLay's AFLW dream, but she is now making her mark at the Saints.

AFL • AFLW → 1 week ago

16th September 2026

AFL

'Regather' round: Lions not licking their wounds despite rocky start to season

Despite player availability affecting the first few weeks of Brisbane's season, the Lions are hopeful the short-term pain will result in long-term gains.

AFL • AFLW → 1 week ago

AFL

AFLW injury list, R6: Blues trio in frame, Roos stars in doubt, Hawks sidelined

Check out how your AFLW team is tracking ahead of round six.

AFL • AFLW → 1 week ago

15th September 2026

AFL

Swans gun sent for surgery, but prognosis not yet known

Sydney won't know how bad Sofia Hurley's ankle injury is until after surgery.

AFL • AFLW → 1 week ago

AFL

Why a 'big fish' could start a Devils domino effect

Sarah Rowe and Jordyn Allen say the chance to help shape Tasmania's inaugural AFLW list will be a big drawcard for players.

AFL • AFLW → 1 week ago

AFL

Eagle's stunning game was huge, but it's not the biggest of the year

Ella Roberts lifted her side to victory yet her performance only ranked sixth on this year's player ratings.

AFL • AFLW → 1 week ago

14th September 2026

AFL

MATCH REVIEW: Heads handed big ban for head-high bump, Eagle, Tiger suspended

The match review for AFLW round five is in.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Big crowds, bigger scores: Record-breaking start for AFLW on and off field

The 2026 AFLW season is the highest scoring on record, while crowds are up across the board.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Young Saint earns Rising Star nom after four-goal outing

Jade McLay is the Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominee for round five.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Coaches' votes, R5: Gun Roo moves four votes clear, FIVE perfect 10s

The coaches' votes for the round five games are in.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

'She's looking at three to four weeks': McCarthy expects big ban for bump

Power mid could be handed biggest penalty AFLW has seen, says Kate McCarthy.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

13th September 2026

AFL

Zanker stands tall as Dockers survive injury chaos to overcome Dons

Fremantle notched their first-ever win at Cockburn ARC Oval.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Blues' best threatens but falls short as Roos' winning streak continues

Carlton looked good early and led in the second term but couldn't keep up with North Melbourne.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Swans swamp Giants behind Molloy masterclass

Sydney kicked their highest score of the season against GWS.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Tigers take the points but Saints get consolation through an emerging young star

Richmond controlled much of the game but a Jade McLay-led charge kept St Kilda in the contest.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Dees dominate Power, remain undefeated in 2026

Melbourne moved to 5-0 with a commanding victory over Port Adelaide.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Around the state leagues: Seagulls stand between Roos and three-peat

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

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

This No.1 pick was called a flag chaser. Her real reason for joining North runs deeper

Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner reveals the real reason she left the Western Bulldogs and what drew her to the Kangaroos.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Taking 'the scenic route' makes Swan's arrival all the more impressive

Sydney didn't draft Emma Juneja straight out of its Academy but she's landed at her true home eventually.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

12th September 2026

AFL

WHO WINS R5? Blues run to end, SEVEN teams get no love

Our footy experts have made the call on AFLW round five.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

11th September 2026

AFL

AFLW TEAMS: Huge Tigers boost, boom Swans recruit in, key Bomber back

The teams for Sunday's round five NAB AFLW games are in.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

'Pros and cons' for Giants facing depleted Swans in Sydney Derby

Sydney has some stars sidelined, but Cam Bernasconi says that can only make it harder to plan ahead.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Scheer will: How star Cat fought back from 'darkest times' to love footy again

Chloe Scheer lost two seasons to injury, but never the hunger to compete.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Emily Bates dreamt of being an athlete. Now, she is leaving a lasting legacy

AFL.com.au's Dylan Bolch found out more about Hawthorn star Emily Bates from those who know her best.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

AFLW R5 preview: Spicy Sydney Derby awaits, can Blues bring down the Roos?

An undefeated Carlton will be out to bring an end to North Melbourne's incredible winning streak when they meet on Sunday.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

The 25, September edition: AFLW's best players, ranked by our experts

Welcome to 'The 25', where AFL.com.au's team of experts rank the best players in the game.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

10th September 2026

AFL

AFLW TEAMS: New Roo to debut, Eagles drop four, key Lion returns

The teams for round five's AFLW games are in, plus squads for Sunday.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Tassie's $800k war chest revealed as list build rules ticked off

Tasmania's list rules were ratified by the AFL this week.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

After 99 games, there's still one thing eluding this star Crow

As she approaches game No.100, Sarah Allan is still yet to kick a goal at AFLW level.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

This Demon knew she had a glaring weakness in her game. This is how she fixed it

Eliza McNamara explains what has changed to have become one of the most improved players in the game this season.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

The four clubs facing a defining stretch as fight for finals spots heats up

We take a look at the four middle-rung teams that need to lift as the halfway point of the season approaches.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

9th September 2026

AFL

AFLW list sizes back in spotlight as clubs feel injury squeeze

Mick Stinear says he'd support a move to a 32-player team list to help mitigate the need for top-up players.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Morphett 'disappointed' for teammates, Swans sweat on key duo ahead of Derby

Colin O'Riordan says Ally Morphett feels like she's let her side down after being suspended for one match.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Can the Blues' handball-happy game be key to cracking North?

Carlton's slick handball game has emerged as a genuine weapon as the Blues prepare to face the powerhouse Roos.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

AFLW injury list, R5: Boost for Lions, key Docker a test, Tiger still sore

Check out how your AFLW team is tracking ahead of round five.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

8th September 2026

AFL

Why the Eagles' winless start is a 'big surprise'

After a run to the finals last year, the Eagles have made a winless start to this season.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

Around the state leagues: Sharks' QAFLW reign comes to an end, Blues' season over

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

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

AFL

The Fish tank: The incredible stat proving Zippy is an endurance beast

It's an honour usually reserved for key position players, but Zippy Fish is bucking the trend in one key area this year.

AFL • AFLW → 2 weeks ago

7th September 2026

AFL

Demons young gun's red-hot start rewarded with Rising Star nom

Jordyn Allen is the Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominee for round four.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

'It's your job': McCarthy calls for improved understanding of rules

AFLW players must improve their understanding of the game's rules, according to Kate McCarthy.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Match review: Two Swans banned for striking

The match review for AFLW round four is in.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

How Swans saga has brought the women's and men's teams closer together

A simple text message has been the catalyst for joint sessions that are bringing Sydney's AFL and AFLW programs together.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Coaches' votes, R4: Roo bounds ahead, FIVE perfect 10s

The coaches' votes for the round four games are in.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

6th September 2026

AFL

Demons crank up claims as genuine contender after accounting for Eagles

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AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Blues train rolls on at full steam over Magpies

Carlton has ticked off a 4-0 start to the season while resigning Collingwood to the polar opposite 0-4.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Cats keep wins coming downing Bombers for three on the trot

Essendon started strongly but couldn't keep up as Geelong continued on its winning ways.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Crows crash Hawks' Dingley debut with a powerful win

It was meant to be a big day for Hawthorn and Emily Bates but Kuwarna took the glory with a 28-point victory.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Injury to AA ruck mars Dockers' strong win over Tigers

Walyalup secured a crucial victory but it could come at a high price with Mim Strom out of the contest early.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

'His cooking's actually really good': Tigers' No.1 pick on living with Fev, inheriting Richo's number

Olivia Wolmarans was nervous to make the move from WA to Victoria, but all that vanished once she was met at the airport by Brendan Fevola and a homemade sign.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Raising Nell: How Morris-Dalton grew up, and then grew into herself

Being picked up by Carlton as an injury replacement player is just the latest chapter in Nell Morris-Dalton's rollercoaster AFLW journey.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Matthew Lappin wasn't ready to move for footy. He made sure his daughter was

Despite some heated discussions, Sunny Lappin's choice of club was an all-family affair.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

The dads making it their mission to include AFLW in the footy conversation

Most mornings you'll find Joe Tripodi and Vinnie Brancatisano at Melbourne's fruit markets dissecting the weekend's AFLW games.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

5th September 2026

AFL

Lions bounce back with clinical win over Giants

Brisbane is back on the winners list with a comprehensive win over Greater Western Sydney.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Suns outshine Power in Alberton Oval thriller

Gold Coast leapfrogged Yartapuulti to ninth on the ladder.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Kangaroos stay perfect with Saints demolition

Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner combined for 77 disposals and a goal.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Brilliant Bulldogs hand Swans first loss of the season

The Bulldogs announced themselves as contenders against fourth-ranked Sydney.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

'Doing it for Indy': The moment that steeled Power's newest Rising Star

Lauren Young's clutch goal came amid some heartbreak for the Power.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

The prodigal Sun: AFLW great returns to SA as the enemy

After a storied career as an Adelaide and Port Adelaide champion, Erin Phillips heads home working with Gold Coast.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

More than a number: Why this Saint is going back to the future

Everything old is new again for Bianca Jakobsson as she dons a familiar jumper for the first time in years.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

WHO WINS R4? Gemma's big call, FIVE teams get no love

Our footy experts have made the call on AFLW round four.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

4th September 2026

AFL

AFLW TEAMS: Blues drop veteran, Eagles' big call, livewire Cat returns

The teams for Sunday's round four NAB AFLW games are in.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

'Mini crisis': Starcevich backs Lions to respond after record defeat

Brisbane's depth will be tested amid an early-season stumble.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

How fresh approach helped Fitzgerald lift Dogs to positive start

The Bulldogs have won two of their first three games and it's a refreshing change for Jess Fitzgerald and her teammates.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

AFL

Double vision: Clubs back AFL/W double-headers but juggling act remains

The push for more double-headers for the women's and men's games is building, but there is a logistical catch, writes Sarah Black.

AFL • AFLW → 3 weeks ago

Sources

AFL • AFLW