The 10th season of the AFL Women’s (AFLW) league kicked off with a thrilling opening round, packed with spectacular performances, stunning goals, and inspiring comebacks. If you missed any of the action, we’ve got you covered with the standout moments from the weekend.
Remarkable Goals and Stellar Showdowns
One of the top contenders for ‘Goal of the Year’ emerged early as Sydney Swans’ Cynthia Hamilton danced her way through traffic during Friday’s game against Richmond. Hamilton, who recently overcame a pre-season knee injury, notched this remarkable goal right before the half-time siren, leaving fans and commentators in awe. Her performance also helped the Swans secure a 20-point victory over Richmond.
In another unforgettable moment, Collingwood’s No.1 draft pick, Ash Centra, made an impressive AFLW debut with a pre-game skill maneuver that had the internet buzzing. Centra’s move, bouncing the ball between her legs like a pro basketballer, captivated fans—including notable figures like Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell and other players who attempted to replicate the trick. Although Collingwood fell to Carlton, Centra still managed to score a goal, leaving a lasting impression on fans and analysts alike.
Surprising Wins and Redemption Stories
St Kilda shone brightly this week, pulling off a stunning 22-point victory over Adelaide. This marked their first-ever win against the Crows since entering the AFLW in 2020. Skipper Hannah Priest expressed pride in the team’s hard work during pre-season, while new talents, including Zoe Besanko and Ella Forbes, proved the future is bright for the Saints.
Meanwhile, Brisbane suffered their third consecutive opening-round loss in a surprising four-point defeat to Hawthorn. Despite the loss, Lions forward Dakota Davidson made history, reaching her 70th career goal. Though Brisbane’s unwelcome streak continues, history shows they’ve reached the grand final in past seasons when losing their openers.
Injuries and Courageous Comebacks
Tayla Harris of the Melbourne Demons had a mixed start to her season debut after suffering an eye injury in Saturday’s game against the Western Bulldogs. Harris, who showcased her All-Australian skills with a trademark “speccy” moments before her injury, assured fans that she’s “100% good to go” after medical treatment. Despite her early exit, the Demons dominated the Bulldogs with a 48-point win, powered by Olivia Purcell’s masterclass performance with 33 disposals and one goal.
Chloe Molloy, co-captain of the Sydney Swans, made an extraordinary return after a year-long absence due to an ACL injury. Molloy slotted four goals and led the Swans to a 20-point victory against Richmond, cementing her comeback story as one of the round’s highlights.
Debutants Delivering Excellence
Essendon showcased their new era with debutants Holly Ridewood, Maggie MacLachlan, and Taya Chambers leading the charge in a record-breaking 56-point victory over GWS. The Bombers’ 85-point game set a new scoring milestone in AFLW history, highlighting their promising prospects as the season unfolds.
Across the competition, other debutants such as North Melbourne’s Irish star Blaithin Bogue and Sydney’s Zippy Fish turned heads. Fish, known for her blistering pace, racked up 25 disposals—just shy of the debut record. Meanwhile, Bogue’s final-quarter heroics helped North secure a 30-point triumph over Geelong despite challenging conditions.
Controversy Surrounds Grand Final Performer
In off-field news, the AFL faced criticism over their choice of Snoop Dogg as the pre-game performer for the grand final. Advocates like Respect Victoria’s chair Kate Fitz-Gibbon expressed concern about the rapper’s past comments, which they argued undermined the AFL’s advocacy for gender equality. While AFL executives highlighted Snoop Dogg’s global appeal, the debate sparked conversations about the entertainment industry’s influence on cultural settings like sport.
The opening round of the AFLW was nothing short of spectacular. With top-tier performances, gripping contests, and no shortage of drama, fans can expect an exhilarating season as the league celebrates its milestone year.
