How Blues approached opener, Saints gun earns praise
The Blues wanted to impress in the season-opener, coach Mathew Buck said after the win over the Saints.
AFLW
9th August 2026
Blues hold off Saints' charge in front of huge crowd for season-opener
The Blues have withstood a comeback from the Saints in front of a huge crowd at Marvel Stadium.
Blues' book club: Inside the busy social schedule bringing Carlton together
Thrillers, fantasy and autobiographies are all on the reading list at the Blues.
Final teams in as Saints and Blues open W season. LIVE from 4.35pm AEST
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the season opener between St Kilda and Carlton.
WHO WINS R1? Sarah's big call, who's not backing the Blues?
AFL.com.au's expert AFLW tipsters are back for another season.
8th August 2026
'So much more to life than footy': The off-field lessons driving new Saints captain
Finding balance away from footy is helping Serene Watson achieve her best on the field, writes Sarah Black.
7th August 2026
AFLW TEAMS: Saints veteran to miss, three Blues to debut
The teams are in for Sunday's AFLW season-opener between St Kilda and Carlton.
6th August 2026
AFLW TEAMS: Blues shock as star duo to miss, Saints make tall call
The squads are in for Sunday's AFLW season-opener between St Kilda and Carlton.
One year on: Breakout Blue ditches viral celebrations, reflects on ADHD journey
Sophie McKay says she is giving up on the fake injury celebrations as she prepares for her second year in the AFLW.
5th August 2026
2026 Telstra AFL and AFLW Draft Combine lists announced
The AFL has today confirmed the list of players invited to the 2026 Telstra AFL and AFLW Draft Combines.
Full list of prospects revealed for 2026 AFLW Draft Combine
Forty-six up-and-coming AFLW footballers have been invited to this year's Draft Combine.
How O'Riordan gathered his flock of Swans mentors to guide Ireland
When he got the Ireland coaching job, Colin O'Riordan was straight on the phone to Tadhg Kennelly and Rhyce Shaw.
The watch list: AFLW players to keep an eye on in 2026
AFL.com.au names the player to watch at every club ahead of the 2026 NAB AFLW season.
4th August 2026
Australia v Ireland could be taken to Irish shores as AFL looks at next steps
Early talks have been held about making the Australia v Ireland clash an annual fixture.
Spud's Game gives season opener extra meaning, stars praise 'galvaniser' Fraser
St Kilda and Carlton come together on Sunday to celebrate Spud's Game with both the women's and men's playing at Marvel.
One game, many reasons: How Australia formed a bond, and why it had a point to prove
AFL.com.au spent time with the Aussie team during the sold-out Australia v Ireland game.
Power young gun's leap of faith pays off with new long-term deal
Ella Heads signs a four-year extension to remain at Port Adelaide.
3rd August 2026
Dominant Roos want more as rivals look to close the gap
Jasmine Garner says the dominant Kangaroos can still get better heading into the new season.
Around the state leagues: Finals close in, father-daughter prospects excite
All the action from the women's state leagues around the country.
W Daily: AFLW's best podcast is BACK, bigger and better than ever
AFL.com.au's AFLW podcast returns to your feeds with a daily edition in 2026.
1st August 2026
Big relief for clubs with no major injuries out of hard-hitting Aus v Ire footy game
Players didn't take a backwards step during the Australia v Ireland representative footy match, but no major injuries were recorded.
Aussies earn bragging rights over Ireland in cracking contest
Goals flowed and fans packed into North Sydney Oval to see Australia defeat Ireland in the first AFLW international game.
The Irish teammates who share a unique connection from before they were born
A connection between Jennifer Dunne or Aine McDonagh stretches back to before they were born.
31st July 2026
The little-known story of the AFLW's first Ireland game, 20 years ago
Saturday's representative footy game isn't the first time Australia and Ireland have faced off in women's footy.
WATCH O'LONG: Australia v Ireland fan watchalong LIVE from 4pm AEST
The AFL and Kayo SPORTS have teamed up for the first AFLW watch along ahead of Australia vs Ireland clash.
From Paris with love: How McCarthy's upbringing shaped her as an athlete
In foster care from three weeks old until she was a teenager, Paris McCarthy has been through more than most.
'Could be a little bit better': Australia v Ireland timing not ideal, says Crocker
Australia coach would have preferred representative clash further from beginning of AFLW season.
Golden girls: How an injury gave Lions star a chance to follow in her sister's footsteps
Bre Koenen will follow in her sister's footsteps when she gets her chance to represent Australia.
30th July 2026
National pride on the line as Australia and Ireland face off. LIVE from 4.15pm AEST
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland game.
O'DWYER: The Irish don’t do things by halves, so expect more green jerseys than gold
Despite being played in Australia, don't be surprised if North Sydney Oval sounds more like Croke Park on Saturday.
29th July 2026
Her partner may be a Selwood, but in Ireland, this AFLW player is the famous name
A trip home to Ireland was a fun role reversal for Sarah Rowe and her partner Scott Selwood.
AFLW coaches juggle double duty in packed weekend
The Australia v Ireland match is creating a coaching squeeze for several AFLW clubs.
'Super special' initiative backed by Irish gun ahead of Australia clash
Eilish O'Dowd is happy with the decision to have player surnames on the back of guernseys for Australia v Ireland.
Time and broadcast changes confirmed for Rounds 1 and 2 of 2026 AFLW Season
Changes to the opening two rounds of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season have been announced.
28th July 2026
'We have grit': Irish underdogs ready to rock 'nonchalant' Aussies
In this week's episode of Tagged the crew talk about the big international clash, and the All-Ireland championship.
National pride on show as Australia v Ireland cup, medal unveiled
Chloe Molloy talks about what it means to represent her country as international clash nears.
Jumper numbers revealed for Australia v Ireland clash
Player surnames will feature on Australia and Ireland's guernseys for Saturday's game, while seniority has won out in competition for jumper numbers.
The scars still remain but Dog moves on from horror injury
It took time for Brit Gutknecht to get back on the ground after she broke her leg but she's relishing her new role at the Western Bulldogs.
27th July 2026
Around the state leagues: AFLW players tune up, finals-shaping results across the board
All the action from the women's state leagues around the country.
Practice match recaps: Bulldogs cruise to big win, Lions edge Cats in thriller
All the action from this weekend's AFLW practice matches.
In her own hometown Irish Roo plays second fiddle to her Crock star coach
Erika O'Shea says Australia coach Darren Crocker is a big thing in Macroom.
26th July 2026
Best of the best: Dual flag Lion, premiership skipper named Aus v Ire captains
The captains for Saturday's Australia v Ireland game have been revealed.
Full-circle moments for newly minted captains ahead of historic clash
Jasmine Garner and Orla O'Dwyer have been announced as captains of Australia and Ireland respectively.
25th July 2026
AFLW PRACTICE MATCH TEAMS: New Giants named, Dogs veterans to miss
The teams are in for this weekend's AFLW practice matches.
24th July 2026
Rare neck injury rules Cats defender out of AFLW season
Georgie Rankin won't play in the coming NAB AFLW season after suffering an unusual injury after a training collision.
Australia v Ireland rivalry spills into Lions' den
An international border has been drawn on Brisbane's training ground as teammates prepare for big clash.
23rd July 2026
Morrison and Fitzpatrick called up for historic Australia-Ireland clash
Australia and Ireland have made changes to their squads ahead of their historic clash.
UK soccer powerhouse poaches Swans footy boss
Sydney's head of women's football is heading to Chelsea Football Club, leaving the Swans searching for a replacement.
7th July 2026
New score review technology locked in for 2026 AFLW season
Vision-based score reviews will be introduced in the AFLW this season, replacing the smart ball.
Former Allies, Box Hill VFLW player joins Swans as replacement player
Sydney has replaced injured defender Alice Mitchell for the 2026 season.
From Peking Duk to 'Roaming Greg', this young gun is bringing the fun to the Bulldogs
Elaine Grigg is one of the AFLW's brightest characters and she is bringing plenty of energy to the Western Bulldogs.
6th July 2026
Bulldogs name co-captains as former skipper steps down from leadership group
The Bulldogs will go into the new season with co-captains.
Around the state leagues: Bottom-agers star, Tassie turns it on
All the action from the women's state leagues around the country.
WA ruck stars, northern academy guns light up U18 championships
Western Australia claims first win while Allies clinch a close one against Queensland.
An AA squad member and B&F runner-up, this Bomber still flies under the radar
Having signed a long-term deal with the Bombers, Amy Gaylor keeps flying under the radar despite being one of AFLW's bright young stars.
5th July 2026
Bringing the spark: Who is your club's biggest gamebreaker?
Our writers look at the players that can change a game in a matter of moments through sheer brilliance.
4th July 2026
Blues set to promote from within for new AFLW head of football
Eleni Valos is set to take the helm as the Blues' AFLW head of football.
The 'Golden Girls' ready to usher Suns into new era
Havana Harris and Ava Usher are just two of a growing group of Gold Coast Academy graduates.
3rd July 2026
Hawks hand ownership to players in unique pre-season approach
Hawthorn has looked to America's NFL to learn how to handle a long off-season period.
2nd July 2026
New coaching structure has Giants looking at a better future
Cam Bernasconi has been handed a contract extension and a lot more assistance for the upcoming season.
'I never thought coaching would suit me. I couldn't have been more wrong'
As part of Women's Coaching Month, Phoebe McWilliams reflects on how she found her purpose as a coach after her playing career came to an end.
The AFL Swan helping his female clubmates reach new heights
Cynthia Hamilton says Tom Papley's forward craft lessons are helping shape her development.
1st July 2026
'Most incredible thing ever': Star Docker makes most of rare training opportunity
An All-Australian last year, Docker Gabby Newton had a rare training opportunity in China.
30th June 2026
Dawn of a new era: Why 2026 is a defining year for the Crows
Adelaide enters a new era this season with a significant chunk of games experience and leadership exiting the club over the off-season.
Tigers act fast to add pace and personnel after disappointing season
The off-field changes are many at Richmond, but there's also a new game style coming in a hurry.
29th June 2026
Around the state leagues: Plenty impress as AFLW list spots open
All the action from the women's state leagues around the country.
SA asserts dominance, bottom-ager continues to shine, Lions academy prospect stars
South Australia banked another win, while Queensland was too good for Vic Country.
'Great sadness': Crows great retires due to concussion related issues
Adelaide triple-premiership star Chelsea Randall has announced her retirement at the age of 35.
The growing trend putting AFLW players front and centre at men's games
AFLW players are having a crucial role on AFL match days that's reinforcing the 'one club' message.
28th June 2026
'I was quite emotional': Roo's heartbreak fires new hunger
Missing last year's Grand Final has Mia King determined to do all she can for another shot.
27th June 2026
Settling in Sydney, meeting Sweeney: New Swan starting to find her feet
Star forward Taylor Smith is settling into Sydney as she continues to chase her dream.
26th June 2026
How this Bombers star is planning to bounce back from frustrating season
Bombers co-captain Bonnie Toogood is hoping to put a frustrating 2025 season behind her.
25th June 2026
Countdown to 2026 NAB AFLW season continues as practice matches confirmed
The AFL has today confirmed the schedule for the AFLW practice matches and match simulation trainings as clubs build towards the 2026 NAB AFLW Season.
'All we want to do is play more': Pies skipper backs AFLW pre-season overhaul
Ruby Schleicher is still pushing for a 17-game season, saying players are begging for more matches.
AFL names Chelsea Frawley in key AFLW growth role
The new position will see her build a stakeholder network across the wider football industry.
How Australia and Ireland could line up for historic clash
AFL.com.au has predicted how Australia and Ireland could line up in their historic clash.
24th June 2026
Former Blues head of women's football set to land at Crows
Ash Naulty the frontrunner to be Adelaide's new AFLW list manager.
'I'm getting in your head already': Cats duo turn rivals for Australia v Ireland showdown
Geelong teammates Aishling Moloney and Georgie Prespakis are preparing to go head-to-head in the NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland representative game.
'A special honour': Full Australian team named to take on the Irish
Australia's 25-player squad has been unveiled for AFLW's representative game against Ireland.
23rd June 2026
'Immense pride': Full Irish squad announced to face Australia
Ireland's 25-player squad has been unveiled for AFLW's representative game.
22nd June 2026
Around the state leagues: WAFL gun raises the bat, flag Lion's daughter stars
All the action from the women's state leagues around the country.
Crows' star forward to miss season after announcing pregnancy
Adelaide's all-time leading goalkicker Danielle Ponter is to be placed on the club's inactive list this season.
WA tall dominates, bottom-agers shine, powerhouses break away from pack
Vic Metro was too good for Western Australia, while South Australia got the job done against the Allies.
Recruit a key piece of the puzzle as Blues look to take next step
After a huge rise last year, the Blues will be looking to take another step in 2026, with Brooke Boileau among their recruits.
21st June 2026
'Grown us, shaped us': Star's worlds to come together in Australia v Ireland clash
Sarah Rowe cannot wait for two worlds to come together when Ireland takes on Australia.
First batch of players unveiled for Australia v Ireland clash
The first group of 16 players selected in the 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland representative game have been revealed.
20th June 2026
Out of the Lions' den and into the hot seat, in just two weeks Zielke's dream came true
She left Brisbane to pursue her dream of becoming an AFLW head coach, but didn't expect to take the reins within her first fortnight at the Giants.
19th June 2026
Full schedule: All the details for the AFLW pre-season
See the full details of all the pre-season games ahead of the start of the 2026 AFLW season.
18th June 2026
Aye, aye, captain: Your club's 2026 leadership group
Check out who's in your club's AFLW leadership group for 2026.
The one change that took superstar Eagle from good to great
A focus on balance after marking contests has helped Ella Roberts transform from a promising draftee into a two-time All-Australian.
17th June 2026
How move north has given former Crow relief from a hidden health battle
Anne Hatchard opens up on her long-running battle with rheumatoid arthritis that at times left her unable to walk, move her fingers or catch a ball.
15th June 2026
Top prospects deliver four-goal hauls as SA midfielder stars
A pair of potential top picks hit the scoreboard and a SA midfielder starred in the Marsh AFL National Under-18 Girls Championships.
INS AND OUTS: Your club's list changes ahead of the 2026 AFLW season
Check out your club's list changes as injury replacement players are added ahead of the 2026 NAB AFLW season.
Oval, stadium, park: How AFLW venues impact game style
How do AFLW venues impact game style? Gemma Bastiani takes a look at how the dimensions of a ground can dictate how a game looks.
12th June 2026
Saints unveil new skipper as part of next-gen leadership team
St Kilda has opted for a young leadership group in 2026, led by 24-year-old Serene Watson.
From Tipperary to the top: What's driving Irish trailblazer at the Swans
Colin O'Riordan tells Gemma Bastiani about his love for coaching, Irish roots and dealing with imposter syndrome.
11th June 2026
Lucas-Rodd on feeling valued, the Giants' sell and why they walked away from Hawthorn
Tilly Lucas-Rodd says they didn't feel like they'd be valued at the Hawks going forward, prompting a switch to the Giants last off season.
10th June 2026
Young gun confident Giants are on track despite lean years
Zarlie Goldsworthy says coach Cam Bernasconi has the trust and belief of the players during the club's development phase.
'I've got to grow up here': Foundation draftees prepare to lead Cats into new era
Nina Morrison and Becky Webster were Geelong's first and third ever AFLW draft picks, and the duo will lead the club as co-captains in 2026.