The opening round of AFLW’s historic 10th season delivered an action-packed weekend full of thrilling moments and unforgettable performances.
Ash Centra Creates Buzz in Her Debut
Collingwood rookie and last year’s No.1 draft pick, Ash Centra, may have had only three touches in her debut, but she made them count by kicking a goal. However, the buzz surrounded her pre-game antics—she dazzled fans with a basketball-style bounce between her legs, inspiring teammates and rivals alike. Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell and Collingwood men’s players attempted to mimic her skill, showcasing her growing cult status.
“She’s got a cult following,” said Collingwood coach Sam Wright. “The long sleeves make her standout—you can see her coming from a mile away. She’s got serious talent, and kicking that goal will do wonders for her confidence.”
Tayla Harris’ Resilience Shines Amid Setback
Star Melbourne ruck-forward Tayla Harris reaffirmed her strength during the clash against the Bulldogs, pulling off a trademark high-flying speccy before suffering an eye injury that cut her night short. Despite an initial scare, Harris assured fans she’s “100% good to go” for the remainder of the season, confirming her recovery plan.
“Thankfully, I avoided anything major,” said Harris. “If I need to wear a helmet or a ski mask to play, I will.”
Sydney’s Chloe Molloy Returns in Spectacular Fashion
Co-captain Chloe Molloy made an emphatic return for the Sydney Swans after recovering from an ACL injury. She led the Swans to a 20-point victory over Richmond, slamming home four goals and proving she’s back to her best form.
Swan debutant Zippy Fish also impressed, narrowly missing the record for most possessions in a debut match after racking up 25 disposals and nine intercept possessions. The speedy defender showcased her blistering pace and sharp decision-making.
St Kilda Shocks Adelaide with Landmark Win
In a stunning upset, St Kilda defeated powerhouse Adelaide by 22 points to secure a perfect start to the season. The Saints, who hadn’t beaten Adelaide since entering the competition in 2020, dominated around the ball.
“Just incredibly proud of our group,” said Saints skipper Hannah Priest. Standout performances by Tyanna Smith (24 disposals, seven clearances) and Zoe Besanko, who kicked two goals on debut, highlighted St Kilda’s drive for success in 2025.
Brisbane Falls Short Against Determined Hawthorn
The Lions extended their streak of opening-round losses to three, falling to Hawthorn in a nail-biting finish. Despite Dakota Davidson clinching her 70th career goal, a last-minute attempt to level the score hit the post, handing Hawthorn a four-point victory.
For Hawthorn, the win was redemption following last year’s finals heartbreak. “We used our energy from the fourth-quarter huddle to power through,” said Hawk Tilly Lucas-Rodd.
Essendon and Melbourne Dominate the Weekend
Essendon’s new era kicked off with a massive 56-point win over GWS. The Bombers showcased their depth with draftees like Holly Ridewood and Grace Belloni making impactful debuts.
Meanwhile, Melbourne crushed the Bulldogs in a stunning 48-point victory, as Olivia Purcell delivered a clinic with 33 disposals, seven clearances, and a goal. Despite losing Tayla Harris early to injury, the Demons retained the Hampson-Hardeman Cup in dominant fashion.
What’s Next?
The opening round of the AFLW’s landmark 10th season has set a high bar for what’s to come. With spectacular returns, debutant highlights, and underdog victories, fans are eager to see what the rest of the season holds. Be sure to follow all the action as the competition heats up!
