THE AFLW is back in a big way with a plethora of exciting matchups across the weekend as round one continues. 

The 2026 season started with a bang last week, as the Blues prevailed over the Saints in an exciting double header at Marvel Stadium for Spud’s Game.

Top four aspirants in Hawthorn and Melbourne do battle on Thursday night, while there’s a big watch on the Crows and Swans on Sunday given both clubs have new coaches this season.

Can anyone stop the rampaging Roos this year? Geelong gets first crack at Darren Crocker’s side who have won the past two premierships and are on a 27-match winning streak. 

Here's who and what to look out for across round one as well as a tip for each match.

Hawthorn v Melbourne, IKON Park
Thursday, August 13, 7:15pm

Last time: Hawthorn 3.5 (23) d. Melbourne 2.5 (17), W9 2024

What it means

The Hawks have been knocked out of the finals series in straight sets two years running now, so it’s fair to say Daniel Webster’s troops have a point to prove in 2026. Former Sun Jacqui Dupuy will add some much-needed strength to the front half, while Irishwoman Niamh Martin has speed to burn. 

Meanwhile, Melbourne is set to usher in a new era, following long-time coach Mick Stinear’s departure to Geelong. Tom Wilson is now the man in charge and will be looking to improve on last year’s preliminary final exit. In terms of new additions, youngster Mia Austin has impressed over pre-season after her trade from the Blues, while youngster Jordyn Allen has made waves since being drafted to the club.

Players to watch

Hawthorn’s boom recruit over the off-season was ex-Sun Jacqui Dupuy, who is set to add plenty of firepower in the front half. The Hawks have been in need of someone to partner Aine McDonagh in the forward line and Dupuy looms as a great option for Daniel Webster and his coaching staff. Keep an eye out for her strong aerial ability and footy IQ as she adds another dimension to Hawthorn’s attack.

Melbourne captain Kate Hore is one of the most watchable players in the league and will be at the forefront of the Dees’ premiership push once more. The Dees skipper is a beast at the coalface, but is also one of the most lively players in the front half, making her an extremely difficult matchup for opposition sides. 

Tip: Melbourne by 13 points

North Melbourne v Geelong, Marvel Stadium
Saturday, August 15, 1:00pm

Last time: North Melbourne 8.3 (51) d. Geelong 3.3 (21), R1 2025

What it means

The Cats have plenty of potential but have struggled to deliver in recent seasons, finishing 13th last season and missing the finals for the second straight year. Coach Dan Lowther has since moved on and the Cats managed to land premiership coach Mick Stinear from Melbourne. Stinear has been one of the most successful coaches in AFLW history and Geelong will be hoping to surge up the ladder once more with the ex-Dee at the helm.

The Kangaroos have become one of the greatest teams we’ve ever seen on the football field, winning 27 games straight as the two-time reigning premiers. Coach Darren Crocker has this side humming and there’s no shortage of superstars to watch for the Roos. The Cats were the last team to take points off the Roos, after a draw in the 2024 season. Can anyone find a way to beat the Roos this year? They’re the competition benchmark once more.

Players to watch

If the pre-season practice match against Brisbane was anything to go by, then Mikayla Bowen is in for a huge campaign. Bowen was everywhere in that fixture, amassing a whopping 40 disposals in an eye-catching display. Her speed and run and carry will be a valuable asset to Stinear this year.

North Melbourne skipper Jasmine Garner is putting together one of the great footy resumes and she’s showing no signs of slowing down. The star Roo is an eight-time All-Australian, five-time club champion and is one of the most decorated players in the competition. Finding a way to curb Garner will be crucial if Geelong are any chance to end the Roos’ winning streak.

Tip: North Melbourne by 33 points

Richmond v Collingwood, IKON Park
Saturday, August 15, 5:05pm

Last time: Richmond 7.4 (46) d. Collingwood 5.3 (33), R10 2025

What it means

The Tigers are one of several clubs to have a new coach in charge in 2026, with former Eastern Ranges mentor Jarrad Donders taking over from Ryan Ferguson. The Tigers are hoping to play with more speed and confidence this season, improving on their two-win season in 2025. No.1 pick Olivia Wolmarans is the sort of player you can build a forward line around, while Georgia Stubs and Dana East (injured) are other new recruits.

Collingwood had plenty of change over the off-season, with about a dozen fresh faces set to make their mark in the black and white. Like the Tigers, 2025 was a season to forget for the Collingwood faithful, winning just three matches for the season. It was a tough year on the injury front last year and coach Sam Wright will be without a handful of key players for the Magpies' round one clash against the Tigers yet again.

Players to watch

With Ellie McKenzie sidelined through injury, more responsibility will fall to promising youngster Sierra Grieves in the early rounds of the season. Grieves can impact the game both on the inside and outside, where her neat ball skills and cleanliness really shine. The likes of Monique Conti and Katie Brennan have been stars of the competition for a long time, but the Tigers will need steady improvement from their next batch of talent if they’re to climb the ladder once more. 

Captain Ruby Schleicher spent some time forward during the pre-season, booting two goals from 22 disposals against the Eagles. She’s been used in a variety of different roles during her career so far, but more time forward of centre will allow the Pies to get maximum impact from their star player. 

Tip: Collingwood by eight points

Gold Coast Suns v Western Bulldogs, People First Stadium
Saturday, August 15, 7:15pm

Last time: Western Bulldogs 10.12 (72) d. Gold Coast 0.6 (6), R10 2025

What it means

While the Suns only managed to win two games last season, they’re starting to build something special under Rhyce Shaw and they’ve now got AFLW trailblazer Erin Phillips involved as well as general manager of women’s football. The Suns cashed in on their incredible Academy program once more, adding a host of talented youngsters to their list including Sunny Lappin, Ava Usher and Georja Davies. Alongside the likes of Charlie Rowbottom and Havana Harris, all of a sudden the Suns have a plethora of young talent. Don’t forget former Crow Anne Hatchard has joined the fray as well.

The Bulldogs made some big strides last year under coach Tam Hyett, narrowly missing out on a finals berth. Mikala Cann arrives at the Kennel from Collingwood and will add some grunt to the on-ball mix, while Mizuki Brothwell has impressed over pre-season, too. The Dogs are on the upwards trajectory, which means finals should be the goal in 2026.

Players to watch

It won’t be long until Havana Harris becomes must-watch week in, week out. Last year we saw glimpses of brilliance in her first season at the top level and with another pre-season under her belt, she’s going to get even better. She can play literally any position on the ground making her the ultimate swiss army knife for Shaw and his coaching staff. Whether it’s a huge mark of an incredible goal, Harris will definitely deliver some highlights this year.

Speaking of looming breakouts, keep an eye on Western Bulldogs livewire Elaine Grigg. Having played the majority of her career as a small forward at the Bulldogs, Grigg has spent some more time in the midfield throughout the pre-season, where her speed and aggression has added another dimension to the Dogs’ midfield mix. Grigg loves a celebration or two and always seems to make something happen.

Tip: Western Bulldogs by 17 points

Essendon v Brisbane Lions, Windy Hill
Sunday, August 16, 12:35pm

Last time: Brisbane Lions 7.12 (54) d Essendon 2.4 (16), R10 2025

What it means

After finishing in the top 8 in 2024, the Bombers struggled last year, accumulating just four wins. In terms of off-season moves, the Bombers won the race for ex-Crow Zoe Prowse during the trade period and draft duo Maggie Johnstone and Nalu Brothwell haven’t put a foot wrong during their first pre-season. Dons fans should be optimistic heading into a new season.

Brisbane once more looms as the biggest threat to North Melbourne’s dominance this year, but can the Lions knock the Roos off their pedestal? Key forward Taylor Smith has moved to the Swans which is a huge blow, while Poppy Boltz and Ellie Hampson were also traded. That means there will be opportunities for some of Craig Starcevich’s youngsters to make their mark this year as the Lions hunt ways to improve once again.

Players to watch

Madison Prespakis certainly isn’t a fresh face in the AFLW world, but she’s primed to make a big impact in 2026. Prespakis has had a big off-season, going to work on her speed and endurance so that she can once again be a dominant force in Essendon’s midfield unit. Still only 25 years of age, it’s easy to forget just how good Prespakis can be at her best. 

Whether it’s courageous marks or electric goals, Courtney Hodder is as exciting a player as you’ll come across. The best part about Hodder is that she isn’t just an excitement machine, her defensive pressure and ability to run through the midfield makes her a real weapon for Starcevich and his coaching staff. 

Tip: Brisbane by 33 points

Adelaide Crows v Sydney Swans, Unley Oval
Sunday, August 16, 12:35pm

Last time: Adelaide Crows 6.5 (41) d. Sydney Swans 6.3 (39), R7 2025

What it means 

There’s been plenty of change at the Crows over the off-season, headlined by the departure of premiership coach Matthew Clarke, who has been replaced by newcomer Ryan Davis. Elsewhere, club legend Anne Hatchard made the move to the Suns, while veterans Chelsea Randall and Stevie-Lee Thompson called time on their decorated careers. Brooke Boileau and Zoe Prowse were also traded, which means a new era really is about to commence for the Crows. Draftee Chloe Bown looks ready to make an immediate impact, while former Tiger Grace Egan is another who is set to play a vital role in the engine room.

The Swans narrowly missed out on a finals campaign last year, but their list profile is still really solid, which means they’re primed for another rise up the ladder in 2026. Colin O’Riordan has taken the reins from Scott Gowans and they managed to land key forward Taylor Smith over the off-season as a boom recruit. A forward line featuring Smith and former captain Chloe Molloy will keep more than a few opposition coaches up at night this year.

Players to watch

Remember Hannah Munyard’s awesome running goal back in 2024? That’s exactly what the talented Crow is capable of. Munyard missed the bulk of last year’s campaign due to a nasty ankle injury, so she’ll be like a new recruit for the Crows this year. A hard runner who is creative around goals, Munyard’s return will be a welcome boost in 2026.

Montana Ham has steadily improved year on year, but all signs point towards a big breakout in 2026. Ham spent some time over the off-season with captain Lucy McEvoy in the USA, training at some of the best facilities in world sport. She’s one of the most athletic players in the AFLW competition and now at 22 years of age, it feels as though she’s ready to become a household name and start ripping games apart. 

Tip: Crows by two points

Fremantle v Port Adelaide, Cockburn ARC Oval, Perth
Sunday, August 16, 2:35pm

Last time: Fremantle 7.4 (46) d. Port Adelaide 3.6 (24), R1 2025

What it means

The Dockers finished on the fringes of the top four in 2024, but couldn’t back it up in 2026 with just six wins. There’s been a fair bit of change at the Dockers since then, headlined by the inclusion of key forward Eden Zanker. The ex-Dee has had a disrupted pre-season due to a foot issue, but when available, will add plenty of firepower to Fremantle’s front half. Lily Johnson also made the move from the Dees, while Mia Anderson is a youngster who should see some senior opportunities this year.

Port Adelaide made a barnstorming run to a preliminary final in 2024, but couldn’t reach those same heights last campaign, finishing in 10th on the ladder despite winning its final three matches. The Power are another club with a change in leadership this year, Glenn Strachan taking over the role following the departure of inaugural coach Lauren Arnell. A change of leadership will see the Power play a different game style in 2026 and there’s no doubt they’ve got some seriously talented players to make another big splash.

Players to watch

Gabby Newton may not draw the same amount of headlines as others in the competition, but that’s no knock on her ability and importance to Fremantle’s side. Newton relished the opportunity to spend more time in the engine room last year, thriving with added responsibility alongside the likes of Kiara Bowers and Aisling McCarthy. Fresh off her maiden All-Australian blazer, expect Newton to have a huge say in Fremantle’s fortunes again this year.

Port Adelaide ruck Matilda Scholz is a genuine star, both on and off the field. A mobile ruck who can do damage both in the air and on the ground, Scholz’s skills and athleticism has seen her win two club best and fairests and an All-Australian blazer over the past two seasons. Leads from the front and is capable of winning games off her own boot.

Tip: Fremantle by five points

Greater Western Sydney v West Coast, Engie Stadium
Sunday, August 16, 4:45pm 

Last time: West Coast 11.9 (75) d. Greater Western Sydney 5.3 (33), R7 2025

What it means

The Giants hardly fired a shot in 2025, but have had a busy off-season as they look to turbocharge their rebuild. Tilly Lucas-Rodd is a great addition from Hawthorn, while ex-Lion Poppy Boltz will also fill a key position role. The Giants also landed a pair of talented youngsters at the draft in Scarlett Johnson and Kiera Yerbury, but Giants fans will have to wait a little longer to see Johnson in action after she suffered an ACL injury. Excitement machine Zarlie Goldsworthy will also miss the opening weeks of the season with a leg injury.

The Eagles have been one of the most enjoyable teams to watch under Daisy Pearce and all signs point towards more improvement this year. Former Roo Ella Slocombe and ex-Blue Keeley Skepper have arrived at the club in search of more senior opportunities, but it’ll be natural progression with some of their young stars where the Eagles can really improve in 2026.

Players to watch

Alyce Parker’s 2025 campaign was cruelled by injury, but after a strong pre-season, she’s fit and firing ahead of the season opener. A tough on-baller who never stops working, Parker’s addition to the midfield group will alleviate some of the pressure on the Giants’ young midfielders, who have been thrown in the deep end in recent times. 

Already a two-time All-Australian and club best and fairest winner, Ella Roberts is one of the best players in the competition. The scary part? She’s only 21 years old. The sky is genuinely the limit for the Eagles star. Whether it’s in the midfield or in attack, Roberts is a serious player.

Tip: West Coast by 27 points

THE WESTERN Bulldogs have started 2026 on a winning, if wet, note, downing Gold Coast 6.4 (40) to 1.8 (14) on Saturday night.

Rain fell heavily throughout the second half at People First Stadium, making it tough for the young Suns line-up to close a four-goal deficit at half-time, with some wayward finishing not helping their cause.

SUNS v BULLDOGS Full match coverage and stats

Most of the damage was done in the first quarter as Gold Coast's 10 debutants got their first taste of football at the highest level, finding themselves trailing by 25 points at the first break.

But while they hadn't hit the scoreboard to that stage the Suns showed they were up for the fight as a scuffle broke out on the siren.

The rain started tumbling not long after play recommenced, seeing just three more goals kicked in any direction for the rest of the night.

While only one of those goals belonged to the Suns, they fought their way back into the contest and enjoyed patches of dominance that may have turned serious momentum their way in better weather conditions.

Jess Fitzgerald led the way for the Bulldogs with 29 disposals, four clearances and 433 metres gained, while Sarah Hartwig gave her teammates a focal point and finished with a career-high three goals.

Havana Harris was a force for the Suns up forward with a game-high seven marks in conditions that made it hard to pick the ball up, let alone catch it.

However, she could only manage one goal.

Charlie Rowbottom was busy with 25 disposals and four clearances, while Lucy Single racked up 20 possessions and eight tackles.

Ava Usher (16 disposals) and Sunny Lappin (14) were the best of the first-gamers, with Usher in particular looking like a ready-made top-level player.

Up next
The Western Bulldogs head hope to Mission Whitten Oval to face fellow first-round winners Richmond on Saturday afternoon. Gold Coast will head across the country to take on West Coast at Mineral Resources Park, also on Saturday afternoon. 

Young Suns
With 10 debutants in the Gold Coast side there was always going to be a lot needed from the young brigade, and they didn't disappoint. No.7 draft selection Ava Usher had one touch in the first quarter but got better as the game went on to be the pick of the bunch, finishing with 16 disposals and three behinds that could have swung things in a different direction on a dry night. Sunny Lappin was also strong with 14 touches, while the other eight will be better for the tough initiation.

A video review oversight
With goal-checking technology being introduced into the AFLW for the first time, it seemed strange it wasn't called upon early in the last quarter as Havana Harris swung a boot at the ball on the goalline. Replays seemed to show the footy making contact with the bottom of Harris' boot before it had fully crossed the line, but the goal umpire called a behind and play was allowed to resume with an immediate kick in.

GOLD COAST                   0.0    1.3    1.6    1.8 (14)
WESTERN BULLDOGS      4.1    5.3    6.4    6.4 (40)

GOALS
Gold Coast: Harris
Western Bulldogs: Hartwig 3, Woodley, Smith, Pritchard

BEST 
Gold Coast: Harris, Rowbottom, Single, Usher
Western Bulldogs: Fitzgerald, Hartwig, Blackburn, Wilcox

INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: TBC at People First Stadium