SYDNEY will be looking to continue its strong start under new AFLW coach Colin O'Riordan when it hosts Essendon on Sunday afternoon.

After a promising come-from-behind win last week against Adelaide, the Swans will be full of confidence. 

SWANS v BOMBERS Full match coverage and stats

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 Natalie Wood's side.

Collingwood and Fremantle will both be searching for their first wins of the season when they meet on Sunday, after disappointing losses in round one.

Collingwood's 2026 campaign is off to a sluggish start after falling to Richmond last week, 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.

MAGPIES v DOCKERS Full match coverage and stats

The Dockers also struggled against an improved Port Adelaide side last week. 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.

After sending a strong message to the rest of the competition in round one, Melbourne will be out to continue its winning ways against Greater Western Sydney on Sunday afternoon.

The Giants however are fresh off an important win themselves, and will no doubt be up and about as a result.

DEMONS v GIANTS Full match coverage and stats

Plenty of Dees impressed last week against Hawthorn, with Mia Austin booting four goals in her Demons debut and Liv Purcell running amok on her return from an ACL injury, while veterans Kate Hore and Tayla Harris were also instrumental in the win. They'll all be looking to back up those strong performances again against the Giants.

In last week's upset victory over West Coast, 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. 

Top four contenders Melbourne pose a tough challenge however, but the Giants have shown they're capable of surprises.

After a strong showing in the AFLW season-opener, Carlton will be looking to make another statement when it faces Adelaide on Sunday evening.  

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.

BLUES v CROWS Full match coverage and stats

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.

Port Adelaide will be looking to bank another win when it hosts Hawthorn on Sunday evening.

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. 

POWER v HAWKS Full match coverage and stats

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.