A GRAND Final rematch headlines a bumper crop of matches in round two of the 2026 AFLW season.
Brisbane will be out for revenge when it takes on the all-conquering Kangaroos on Saturday, who look even more ominous in 2026.
Elsewhere, the Blues and Crows will clash at Ikon Park in a Sunday afternoon blockbuster, while the Hawks will be out to avoid an 0-2 start when they head to Alberton Oval to take on the Power.
Here's who and what to look out for across round two as well as a tip for each match.
Western Bulldogs v Richmond, Mission Whitten Oval
Saturday, August 22, 2.05pm AEST
Last time: Western Bulldogs 6.6 (42) d Richmond 3.3 (21), R2 2025
What it means
The Tigers began a new era under coach Jarrad Donders with a win, defeating Collingwood by 18 points to open their 2026 campaign. Star midfielder Mon Conti was her usual self, amassing 26 disposals, seven tackles and a goal to set the tone for the important win, while the likes of Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominee Sierra Grieves and Emelia Yassir also played key roles. The Tigers won just two games last year under former coach Ryan Ferguson, so a win against the Dogs would be a fantastic start to life under Donders this weekend.
The Bulldogs began their 2026 season positively, notching a 26-point win on the road against Gold Coast. It was a win the Dogs just had to bank as they strive towards a finals campaign this season. Jess Fitzgerald was busy with 30 touches, while forward Sarah Hartwig was dangerous in attack, booting three majors. To go two-from-two would lay a strong platform for Tam Hyett's troops in 2026 if they can overcome the Tigers.
Players to watch
There was plenty to like from number one pick Olivia Wolmarans against the Pies, which gave Tigers fans just a glimpse of what she could become at the top level. Whether it's clunking big grabs or kicking impressive goals, Wolmarans is the sort of player you can kickstart a rebuild around and is an impressive key forward.
Western Bulldogs young gun Rylie Wilcox might not draw the same external plaudits as some of her teammates, but she's as tough as they come. Whether it's through the midfield or in defence, Wilcox is a force to be reckoned with. A great runner who gives her all, Wilcox is just so reliable.
Tip: Western Bulldogs by 17 points
West Coast v Gold Coast, Mineral Resources Park
Saturday, August 22, 12.35pm AWST
Last time: West Coast 5.5 (35) d Gold Coast 2.8 (20), R1 2025
What it means
The Eagles were shocked by Greater Western Sydney in round one, falling to a two-goal defeat at Engie Stadium. Co-captains Charlie Thomas and Bella Lewis led from the front, while former Blue Keeley Skepper was also solid in her club debut. A win against the Suns is crucial this weekend for Daisy Pearce's side to get their season back on track if they're to march into another finals campaign.
The Suns suffered a 26-point loss to the Bulldogs in round one, but there were plenty of positive signs for Rhyce Shaw's young and developing team. Havana Harris is an absolute star and continues to shine, while their young crop of draftees also impressed in their first games for the club. The success of this year for the Suns shouldn't be dictated by wins and losses, rather the development of their young list.
Players to watch
Eagles superstar Ella Roberts was well held against the Giants on the weekend, but expect her to come out breathing fire against the Suns this weekend. Already a dual All-Australian and two-time club best and fairest winner, Roberts is too good to have two down games in a row.
How good was Ava Usher on debut? The gun youngster was so impressive, working well in tandem with the likes of Havana Harris in the front half. She's clean, powerful and could've had an even bigger game if she'd converted a couple of her shots on goal.
Tip: West Coast by 23 points
Geelong v St Kilda, GMHBA Stadium
Saturday, August 22, 5pm AEST
Last time: Geelong Cats 11.5 (71) d St Kilda 3.3 (21), R5 2022
What it means
The Cats came up against the might of North Melbourne on the weekend and while they were competitive for a quarter, the Roos proved too strong and ran out 73-point victors. It wasn't a great start to the Mick Stinear era, but they won't be the last team to feel the wrath of the Roos this year. The likes of Becky Webster, Georgie Prespakis and Nina Morrison were the Cats’ best on the weekend.
St Kilda have had the week off after kicking off the AFLW season, so should be feeling refreshed ahead of this encounter against the Cats. Tyanna Smith was ultra impressive in that season opener against Carlton, while Georgia Patrikios was also busy. They're likely to be in the finals mix again this year regardless but so too are the Cats, so it's somewhat of an 'eight point game' in many regards.
Players to watch
Seeing Chloe Scheer back after 994 days on the sidelines was a sight to behold. The dynamic forward is one of the most dangerous front half players when fit and firing, so Cats fans were certainly buoyed by her return. Scheer played just 50 per cent game time against the Roos, but expect her to be better for the run.
Tyanna Smith produced an eye-catching performance against Carlton in the season opener, regularly bursting out of stoppage to set up St Kilda's forays forward. She's a beast at the contest, but it's her damage on the outside that makes her such a vital piece of St Kilda’s on-ball brigade.
Tip: Geelong by nine points
Brisbane v North Melbourne, Brighton Homes Arena
Saturday, August 22, 7.15pm AEST
Last time: North Melbourne 9.2 (56) d Brisbane 2.4 (16), GF 2026
What it means
The Lions responded to last year's Grand Final heartbreak with a resounding 48-point win over Essendon in round one. Without Ally Anderson and Courtney Hodder, it was the likes of Jade Ellenger, Belle Dawes and Cathy Svarc that did the heavy lifting, while Dakota Davidson snagged four goals in a strong display up forward. A huge challenge awaits against the two-time reigning premiers this week.
North Melbourne began its premiership defence in style, overcoming Geelong by 73 points in a comprehensive win. It's hard to find a flaw in Darren Crocker's side this year. Debutant Claire Mahony was great on debut, while the likes of Jasmine Garner, Ash Riddell and Tess Craven were as strong as ever. Both Tahlia Randall and Blaithin Bogue picked up from where they left off last year with three majors apiece.
Players to watch
Northern Knights product Marlo Graham was terrific in her AFLW debut, booting a goal from 20 disposals. She brought so much energy and enthusiasm to Brisbane's side and importantly adds another point of difference to Craig Starcevich's team. If the Lions are to compete with the Roos, some of the fresher faces will need to shine.
Former Tiger Eilish Sheerin was a force to be reckoned with in the decider last year, earning best on ground honours. A tough competitor who can hurt opposition teams on both the inside and outside, Starcevich cannot let Sheerin off the chain again this game if the Lions are to cause an upset. That's easier said than done though, when you've got the likes of Jasmine Garner and Ash Riddell to deal with also.
Tip: North Melbourne by 29 points
Sydney v Essendon, SCG
Sunday, August 23, 12.30pm AEST
Last time: Essendon 2.2 (14) d Sydney 1.5 (11), R12 2025
What it means
The Swans got off to a strong start under new coach Colin O'Riordan, coming from behind to beat a strong Adelaide outfit in round one. New recruit Taylor Smith booted three goals on club debut, while Chloe Molloy, Zippy Fish and Sofia Hurley were also impressive in what was a tight game. The Swans have given themselves a strong base to launch into their 2026 campaign now.
The Bombers were well-beaten by Brisbane in round one, but fought back well in the second half after a poor start. Maddi Gay gave the backline a big boost after an injury-interrupted 2025 season, while Maddy Prespakis and Amy Gaylor tried hard all day in the midfield. The Lions were a tough test and the Swans won't be any easier for Nat Wood's side.
Players to watch
Matilda Scholz and Mim Strom are the rucks who often draw the headlines, but Ally Morphett is a name who could well push into All-Australian conversations this year. An athletic tall who gives her midfielders first use, Morphett was immense against the Crows in round one. Her cleanliness at ground level is also a key strength of her game, making her a threat all over the ground.
Bonnie Toogood is one of the competition's most dangerous forwards and will need a big game if the Bombers are to beat the Swans on the weekend. Toogood is strong in the air and powerful inside 50, meaning she has the ability to really break a game open for the Bombers. Alongside Emily Gough and Sophie Alexander in attack, the Dons will be hoping for some Toogood magic this weekend.
Tip: Sydney by 27 points
Collingwood v Fremantle, Victoria Park
Sunday, August 23, 12.35pm AEST
Last time: Collingwood 7.4 (46) d Fremantle 3.7 (25), R2 2023
What it means
Collingwood's 2026 campaign is off to a sluggish start, falling to Richmond in round one, a side that won just two games last year. The Pies are going through somewhat of a reset and had several players out through injury, but wins will be hard to come by in 2026. Tarni White was one of Collingwood's best that day, while youngster Violet Patterson also took some big strides forward as she continues her development.
Fremantle were also on the receiving end of a loss in round one, going down to an improved Port Adelaide side. The Dockers desperately need some others to step up this season and help the likes of Kiara Bowers, Gabby Newton, Mim Strom and Aisling McCarthy, who continue to lead from the front. In such an even competition, banking as many wins early is crucial and Collingwood looms as a must-win match for Lisa Webb's side.
Players to watch
With several Pies sidelined through injury, young Lucy Cronin stepped up and took on an increased midfield role against the Tigers. Cronin, who's largely made her name as a defender down back, attended 71 per cent of centre bounces as one of Sam Wright's primary options in the engine room. While Cronin is dealing with a shoulder injury and faces a fitness test before she is cleared to face Freo, she is a clean ball user who makes good decisions and her role as the year progresses will be an intriguing watch.
New recruit Eden Zanker managed just four disposals in round one and the Dockers simply need more out of their star addition. Zanker, who has had a disrupted pre-season due to injury, struggled to impact the game against the Power but the former Dee already has an All-Australian blazer to her name and has booted 77 goals in 87 games, so the potential is certainly there.
Tip: Fremantle by 16 points
Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney, Casey Fields
Sunday, August 23, 2.35pm AEST
Last time: Melbourne 6.5 (41) d Greater Western Sydney 3.7 (25), W6 2024
What it means
The Dees sent a strong message to the rest of the competition in round one, overcoming the Hawks in a close contest at Ikon Park. Melbourne was on fire early - and then flexed its muscles late - with big winners all over the ground. Mia Austin booted four goals on her Demons debut, while Liv Purcell was everywhere on her return from an ACL injury. Veterans Kate Hore and Tayla Harris were also instrumental in the win and it seems as though Melbourne will be a top four contender again in 2026.
The Giants caused the biggest upset of round one with a victory over West Coast at Engie Stadium. Bec Beeson was best on ground and led from the front, while Tarni Evans was also solid with three goals. Cambridge McCormick has become one of the best defenders in the competition and the return of Alyce Parker made a huge difference. The Giants will only get stronger with the likes of Zarlie Goldsworthy and Kaitlyn Srhoj to eventually return as well.
Players to watch
Mia Austin was forced out after Carlton's off-season trading spree and could make the Blues come to regret that decision. Austin was all class in round one, capitalising on her opportunities in front of goal against Hawthorn's vulnerable defence. She looks like the sort of player who will benefit from an extended run with the senior team and worked well in tandem with Tayla Harris in the front half.
Giants coach Cam Bernasconi has created a secret weapon - Grace Kos. The Irishwoman earned a couple of coaches votes against the Eagles after a strong performance in which she restricted the ever-dangerous Ella Roberts. The rising Giant held Roberts to just 15 disposals and a goal, a huge effort given the young Eagle is already one of the best players in the competition. Could Kos go to someone like Kate Hore this week, who the Hawks struggled to curtail in round one?
Tip: Melbourne by 33 points
Carlton v Adelaide, Ikon Park
Sunday, August 23, 3.20pm AEST
Last time: Adelaide 7.9 (51) d Carlton 1.6 (12), R5 2022
What it means
The Blues began their 2026 season in style, taking care of business against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium. They've had an extra week off now too, so should come into the clash against Adelaide fresh and ready to go. Captain Abbie McKay was enormous against the Saints, while Poppy Scholz also showed she's ready to take her game to the next level. Mimi Hill was busy as always and new recruit Claudia Whitfort also had a big impact in her first game for the club.
The Crows wouldn't have lost any admirers after a great battle against the Swans in round one. Captain Ebony Marinoff is a genuine star of the competition, while ex-Tiger Grace Egan and draftee Chloe Bown also impressed in their first outings in the tricolours. There's still plenty of talent for new coach Ryan Davis to work with as they enter a new era.
Players to watch
Matilda Scholz has already become a household name of the competition and younger sister Poppy Scholz is certainly on her way into that same stratosphere. The Carlton youngster has shown an ability to play across all three lines on the ground, a rare trait that makes her a serious asset to Mathew Buck and his coaching staff. Against the Saints. it was in the front half where she did her best work, providing a real aerial threat and danger around goal.
If round one was a taste of what Chloe Bown can do, she's going to be a superb player to watch throughout her career. Bown is so powerful, great around the contest and a strong decision-maker. Her endurance and speed means she can hurt opposition teams on the outside and she’s so clean with her disposal.
Tip: Carlton by five points
Port Adelaide v Hawthorn, Alberton Oval
Sunday, August 23, 4.50pm ACST
Last time: Port Adelaide 15.4 (94) d Hawthorn 8.11 (59), R10 2025
What it means
The Glenn Strachan era got off to a strong start for the Power, locking away an important win on the road in round one over Fremantle. The Power were tough in the contest, defensively really well set and applied plenty of pressure around the ground. Ruck Matilda Scholz had a fascinating battle with Fremantle's Mim Strom, while the likes of Ash Woodland and Abbey Dowrick ran riot in the midfield.
Hawthorn's start to the 2026 season didn't go as planned for Daniel Webster's troops, falling to Melbourne in an intriguing match at Ikon Park. The Hawks were jumped early, conceding five goals in the opening stanza, before steadying in the second and third terms. But the Dees rediscovered their form from there, booting three unanswered goals in the last term to come away with the win. Ruck Lucy Wales dominated that night, while the attacking duo of Jac Dupuy and Aine McDonagh also worked really well in tandem.
Players to watch
She might not draw the same accolades as some of her star teammates, but Teagan Germech was a brick wall in defence against the Dockers. Germech accumulated all 10 coaches' votes after an impressive performance which yielded a massive 16 intercept possessions, as she regularly repelled Fremantle's attacking advances.
Hawthorn midfielder Jasmine Fleming played just 50 per cent game time against the Dees after a pre-season disrupted by injury, but at her best, she's a real weapon for the Hawks. A clever ball user who bursts out of stoppage, Fleming in full flight adds another dimension to Hawthorn's engine room.
Tip: Port Adelaide by 11 points
