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.
AFLW
25th June 2026
'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.
9th June 2026
The surprise inspiration that helped Chloe step down from captaincy
Inspiration from an unlikely source helped Chloe Molloy make the decision to focus on her own comeback from injury rather than leading the Swans for another year.
AFLW Pocket Profile: Heidi Woodley
From where she grew up to the reason she carpools to training, there's plenty you might not know about Bulldogs forward Heidi Woodley.
7th June 2026
All Stars stun AFLW Academy ahead of U18 National Championships
The country's best girls fought out an attacking and tightly-fought contest.
5th June 2026
Star duo named co-captains as Cats open a new chapter
Geelong has found its captaincy replacements for the retired Meg McDonald.
The mysterious injury that tested star Magpie's resolve - and why she'll never take up ballet
Former Collingwood captain Bri Davey admits she had doubts whether her body could stand up to the rigours of AFLW again.
4th June 2026
Tigers' leadership shake-up set to usher in new era
Richmond will have co-captains in 2026 as part of a new-look leadership group.
WATCH LIVE at 11am AEST: National Academy faces off against All Stars
The Marsh AFL National Academy Girls will represent Australia when they take on a national All Stars team at Dingley’s Kennedy Community Centre on Sunday.
The players to watch in the AFLW Academy and All Stars clash
Sarah Black looks at the teams for Sunday's big game featuring best of the country's young talent.
This Tiger was contemplating her AFLW future, but is now back doing what she loves
A tough run with injuries left Tiger Sarah Hosking contemplating her future in AFLW.
3rd June 2026
Why one chat was all it took to convince ex-Blue to choose St Kilda
After falling out of favour at Carlton, Paige Trudgeon has rediscovered her confidence and love for football under Nick Dal Santo at St Kilda.
30th May 2026
The AFLW skills hothouse helping clubs and players grow
Sarah Black goes inside a program that focuses on the teaching of teaching skill.
28th May 2026
'Would have laughed': Why Tigers superstar believes she's ready to lead
Monique Conti has outlined her captaincy ambitions after Katie Brennan stepped down from the role.
27th May 2026
Dual flag coach, new Swans mentor to lead Australia and Ireland rep footy sides
A dual premiership coach and a former captain will coach Australia, while Sydney's new coach will helm Ireland's side.
No bitterness, but Gowans concedes time was right to leave Swans
Scott Gowans insists his parting ways with Sydney was amicable, and that he didn't realise it was a blessing in disguise.
Saints spearhead embraces full name, rich Maori heritage
Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw has proudly chosen to use her birth name as her cultural journey continues.
25th May 2026
Swans skipper backs star forward's decision to step down as co-captain
Lucy McEvoy has backed Chloe Molloy's decision to step down as Swans co-captain.
AFLW Pocket Profile: Sara Howley
From her greatest fear to her next-door neighbour, there's plenty you might not know about Sara Howley.
22nd May 2026
Suns veteran to miss 2026 season after announcing pregnancy
Georgia Clayden has been moved to Gold Coast's inactive list, with the club to announce a replacement player in coming days.
Mark these in your calendar: Your club's must-watch games
You won't want to miss some of these mouthwatering clashes.
21st May 2026
Fixture analysis: Who your team doesn't play, who travels most
Gemma Bastiani has run her eye over the full 2026 NAB AFLW fixture.
FULL AFLW FIXTURE: No re-match for former Dees coach, Eagles catch a break
The full fixture for the 2026 NAB AFLW season has been released.
Inaugural Saint to hand over captaincy reins after six seasons at the helm
Hannah Priest has handed over the reins after six seasons.
Contenders to open re-shaped round one to start AFLW season
Hawthorn and Melbourne will play each other on Thursday night of re-worked opening round in 2026 NAB AFLW season.
20th May 2026
Superstar forward steps down as Swans' AFLW co-captain
Sydney will have a new-look leadership group in 2026 after its long-time leader resigned the co-captaincy.
19th May 2026
Blues ruck announces pregnancy, will sit out 2026 season
Breann Harrington has been moved to Carlton's inactive list, with Kiara Bischa joining as a replacement player.
Star Hawk forced to leave Australia due to visa issue
Aine McDonagh forced to make an unplanned trip abroad, interrupting her pre-season.
Hawks to play AFLW home games at new Dingley base
After playing its home games at Kinetic Stadium last season, Hawthorn will host at its new base in Dingley.
18th May 2026
Split round to open W season, more double-headers on the cards
The first round of the 2026 NAB AFLW season will be played across two weekends in August, the League revealed on Monday.
Saints, Blues to kick off AFLW season with 'Spud's Game' double-header
St Kilda and Carlton will begin the NAB AFLW season with a double-header at Marvel Stadium.
Sign of the times: How twin draftees got a whole town talking
When three of their players were drafted to the AFLW in the same draft, one junior footy club made sure all the locals knew about it.
17th May 2026
The stars that could line up for Australia, Ireland in Origin clash
Sarah Black takes a look at what the Australia and Ireland teams could look like for August's NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match.
16th May 2026
Full focus: Irish cohort all-in as dual code era nears its end
Irish players are returning for pre-season earlier than ever as the era of juggling Gaelic football and AFLW commitments appears to be ending.
15th May 2026
Time trials, testing and lots of meetings: New Saint's jam-packed first week
St Kilda recruit Sophie Butterworth takes us through her first week of pre-season at a new club.
Three states, four sports: New Giant's convoluted road to the AFLW
Maisy Evans joined Greater Western Sydney at the pre-season draft, but her path to footy is anything but straightforward.
Australia and Ireland set for historic NAB AFLW clash
Representative football will feature on the AFLW stage in 2026, with NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland to be held on Saturday, August 1 at North Sydney Oval.
14th May 2026
League confirms details for historic AFLW Australia-Ireland blockbuster
The inaugural Australia-Ireland clash has been locked in, showcasing the AFLW's biggest stars ahead of the 2026 season.
Coaching legend Mark Williams returns in new role
Mark Williams will take on an AFLW role for the first time.
Fevola promoted at Tigers, former Pies coach returns to AFLW in new role
Richmond has added a former Collingwood AFLW coach to its ranks ahead of this season.
How Giants' big-name recruits are already making waves at the club
Greater Western Sydney's off-season acquisitions are already making an impact on the playing group.
13th May 2026
Position perfect: The players who reinvented their game after a switch
Which players at your club have found their best footy after a positional change?.
11th May 2026
Let's go girls: Players return to clubs as AFLW pre-season starts
After a long off-season, AFLW players return to their clubs on Monday for the official start of pre-season.
Hand surgery not set to derail Pies skipper's pre-season
Ruby Schleicher is adamant a hand injury won't impede her start to the AFLW pre-season.
New voice, same focus: Fresh start fuels renewed optimism for Demons
Melbourne is embracing a fresh era under new coach Tom Wilson, who took the reins from premiership mentor Mick Stinear.
7th May 2026
Sydney venue leads race to host landmark AFLW Origin clash
North Sydney Oval is tipped to be the home of this year's historic match between Australia and Ireland.
6th May 2026
Blues boss leaves the club just days before start of pre-season
Carlton's Head of AFLW, Ash Naulty, has left the club.
Once afraid to wear what she wanted, this Eagle is now modelling just that
Once afraid to wear what she wanted to wear out of fear of being perceived as too masculine, West Coast's Amy Franklin is making sure no one else has to feel that way.
4th May 2026
Who did your club choose? Every pick from the AFLW Pre-Season Draft
Eleven new players have joined the AFLW competition. Gemma Bastiani takes a look at what they can bring to your club.
Every pick of the first AFLW Pre-Season Draft
The AFLW's first Pre-Season Draft was held on Monday night.
VFLW premiership coach joins Tigers' coaching ranks
Brett Gourley joins Richmond as a full-time senior assistant in its new-look AFLW program.
Who's hanging up the boots? Your club's retiring players
Check out the latest retirees as they are announced.
1st May 2026
Full preview: AFLW pre-season draft order, players to watch
A Queensland prospect is shaping up to be the top pick in Monday's pre-season draft, while the draft order has been locked in.
Former Roos captain to coach VFLW side
Emma Kearney will take the reins of North Melbourne's VFLW side after the departure of coach Brett Gourley.
30th April 2026
What AFLW history can tell us about Monday's pre-season draft
Ahead of the AFLW's first pre-season draft on Monday, Gemma Bastiani looks at the players who have made the most of a similar opportunity.
29th April 2026
From Malaysia with love: How German-speaking Saints ruck found footy
Emmelie Fiedler defied both language and geography to land in the AFLW.
26th April 2026
Gun mid named best afield as top prospects prove too strong for Blues VFLW
Scout Semple won the best on ground medal in the AFLW Academy's 46-point win over Carlton VFLW.
23rd April 2026
Best of the best crowned at end of U16 Championships
The All-Australian team from the Marsh AFL National Under-16 Girls Championships has been named.
22nd April 2026
AFLW team of the decade: Who makes the cut?
A lot has changed in the past 10 years of the AFLW competition - but these players are the best of the best.
Eagle moved to inactive list after announcing pregnancy
West Coast will take two list spots to May 4th's AFLW Pre-Season Draft.
20th April 2026
Around the state leagues: Future draftees shine, former AFLW players star
All the action from the women's state leagues around the country.
18th April 2026
The AFLW stars part of the next wave of potential senior coaches
Current AFLW players are making their mark in the coaching ranks.
16th April 2026
Explainer: How AFLW's first pre-season draft will work as nominations open
The AFLW's first pre-season draft will be held next month.
15th April 2026
Stars of the future to face new VFLW test ahead of draft
The Marsh AFLW Academy will play against a VFLW side as preparations for the draft evolve.
Darwin sleepover club: The players who cross the country to build community
Dom Carbone's love of community football has been embraced by her super-flying sleepover club.
12th April 2026
SA's new AFLW coaches took different paths but bring same passions to their clubs
Ryan Davis and Glenn Strachan are just two of five new coaches on the AFLW scene next season.
10th April 2026
Beaches, wineries and the arts: What AFLW's new coaches love about South Australia
The new coaches of Adelaide and Port Adelaide aren't native South Australians, but they're adjusting to life in the city of churches just fine.
9th April 2026
Historic first as AFLW gears up for inaugural International Rules game
Some of the best women's talent from Australia and Ireland will square off in at least one fixture on Australian shores in either June or July.
Giants bolster coaching stocks with addition of ex-Lions premiership skipper
Emma Zielke joins Greater Western Sydney as its first full-time AFLW assistant coach, leading forwards and player development.
AFLW confirms big fixture shift for start of 2026 season
The 2026 AFLW fixture is set to feature four games played at AFL venues on the same day as men's matches.
AFLW guide to Gather Round: Players' picks for a perfect weekend
Players share their top tips on the best beaches, food spots and must-do experiences to make the most of Gather Round in Adelaide.
8th April 2026
Tagged shortlisted for Best Sport Podcast at Australian Audio Awards
THE AFL Digital Network's player-led vodcast Tagged has been shortlisted for Best Sport Podcast - Major at the 2026 Australian Audio Awards.
The new way AFLW clubs can lock away players beyond CBA's end
A new mechanism is allowing clubs are able to sign AFLW players beyond 2027.
7th April 2026
Fit for purpose: Bulldogs embrace comfort with player-led uniform design
Bulldogs players worked with the club's new supplier to design a more comfortable, better-fitting uniform tailored specifically for women.
House rules: The star Crow taking next-gen players under her wing
The end of one era means the start of another for both Adelaide and Ebony Marinoff's house.