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

PORT Adelaide has made an outstanding start to 2026, winning its first match under new coach Glenn Strachan and spoiling Fremantle's opening day at its new home ground with a 21-point win on Sunday. 

The Power made a statement at Cockburn ARC Oval as they look to return to finals this season, overpowering the Dockers in a defensive masterclass and extending their lead at every change to win 6.5 (41) to 2.8 (20). 

DOCKERS v POWER Full match coverage and stats

They were tougher in the contest, more efficient with their ball use, and went the distance against a Freo team that couldn't mount a meaningful charge under the Power's tackling pressure and defensive organisation. 

Defender Teagan Germech was outstanding, holding the Power backline together and then launching her team into defence with 19 disposals and a massive 16 intercept possessions. 

Forwards Lauren Young and Gemma Houghton combined for 11 marks and were powerful inside 50, while midfielder Abbey Dowrick took the fight up to the Dockers' midfield stars with 23 disposals and an equal game-high seven clearances.  

Matilda Scholz and Mim Strom went head-to-head in an entertaining ruck battle, with Scholz growing in stature as the game went on to take the points after undergoing a concussion test during the first half but returning.  

"I couldn’t have asked for much more from them, to be honest," Strachan said after his first win as coach. 

"Every coach in round one is nervous, even coaches who have been in the League for 10-plus years would be nervous. But I think nerves are just a part of a new football season. 

"It's nice now to be able to get that first one under our belt and I feel pretty confident now with what we're doing."

Fremantle had plenty of opportunities early to make a fast start, dominating through the middle and going inside 50 on 11 occasions but kicking a wasteful 0.4  

The Power, meanwhile, made the most of fewer opportunities, slinging from half-back and kicking their first goal through Katelyn Pope after a crunching tackle from Ebony O'Dea in the midfield. 

The visitors were 10 points clear early in the second term when Dowrick gathered inside 50, took a sidestep and converted on the run from 35, with former Docker Houghton growing in influence. 

Scholz left the ground after a head knock but was able to return, with the Power entering half-time with an 11-point lead and all the momentum after keeping the Dockers goalless for a half for the first time since 2024.

They kept that momentum rolling in the third, extending their lead to 23 points after back-to-back goals to Ashleigh Woodland and Emily Elkington in her club debut just five days after being signed. 

Fremantle made the adjustments it needed, however, and was able to pick out marking targets to finally hit the scoreboard through veteran Hayley Miller. It built momentum and had another goal through Matilda Banfield to cut the margin to 17 points at the final change.  

The Dockers looked exhausted in the final term, however, and continued to be outworked by the Power, who kicked the only goal of the final term through Indy Tahau to seal the win and make a brilliant start to 2026. 

Fremantle coach Lisa Webb said the team was disappointed to lose on an historic day for the club at its new home ground, and especially with the style of defeat. 

"To lose in stoppage and contest the way that we did is certainly not the way for us," Webb said. 

"It was just our composure. We didn't handle their pressure the way that we would have liked. 

"I thought their midfield did a terrific job of putting pressure on, and when we were out and able to handball or kick we just turned it over."

Germech halts Freo forwards 
There was a period through the first half where it seemed every time the Dockers went forward, their efforts were thwarted by Power defender Teagan Germech. Of Germech's 10 disposals up to half-time, nine of them came from intercepts, with the 23-year-old positioning perfectly to roll off her opponent. Port used a spare player in defence for long periods and it suited Germech's game perfectly, with the former Greater Western Sydney defender setting up the Power's match-winning lead.  

Small forward takes her Power chance 
Former West Coast goalkicker Emily Elkington was only added to the Power's list this week as an injury replacement player for Caitlin Wendland, and she was thrown straight into the action on Sunday. The 157cm forward had her moment early in the third quarter when she was held at a forward 50 stoppage, earning a free kick and converting her set shot, with teammates racing in to celebrate a fantastic story. A fierce competitor and hard tackler, Elkington had limited opportunities as the Power talls drew the football, but she only needed one to capitalise. 

Next up
The Power play their first home game for the season next Sunday at their Alberton base, where they have a 9-4 record over the past two seasons, hosting Hawthorn. Fremantle travels to take on Collingwood at Victoria Park, playing the Magpies for the first time since round two, 2023.

FREMANTLE                  0.4    0.4    2.5    2.8 (20)
PORT ADELAIDE           1.2    2.3    5.4    6.5 (41)

GOALS
Fremantle: Banfield, Miller 
Port Adelaide: Dowrick, Elkington, Pope, Tahau, Woodland, Young

BEST 
Fremantle: Bowers, Newton, McCarthy, Strom 
Port Adelaide: Germech, Dowrick, Young, Houghton, Woodland 

INJURIES
Fremantle: Nil
Port Adelaide: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 2514 at Cockburn ARC Oval