Nine Things We Learned: A Look at the AFLW's Opening Round
The 2026 AFLW season has kicked off, and it's been an exciting start with some standout performances and intriguing storylines emerging. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways from the opening round, with a focus on personal commentary and analysis.
1. Melbourne's New Recruit: A Hidden Gem?
Mia Austin's arrival at Melbourne is a fascinating development. While she wasn't a high-profile trade, her impact could be significant. Austin's four goals against Hawthorn in her debut game showcase her potential as a goal-kicking machine. The 22-year-old's ability to step up and contribute regularly at the top level is impressive. Personally, I think her performance against Hawthorn was a sign of things to come, and the Blues might regret letting her go. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for Austin to become a cornerstone of Melbourne's success in the coming years.
2. Tyanna Smith: The Rising Star
St Kilda's Tyanna Smith is already making waves in the AFLW. Her performance against Carlton, where she was best on ground, showcased her pace and ability to break lines. Smith's value is on the rise, especially in an era where attacking clearances are crucial. In my opinion, she's a player who could push for the top 10 in the competition this year. What many people don't realize is that her impact might have been even more significant if her teammates had matched her intensity from the start.
3. Geelong's Forward Line Woes
Geelong's loss to North Melbourne by 73 points highlights a critical issue: their forward 50 entries. Despite a lopsided score, they recorded fewer inside 50s than their opponents. The dynamic of Aishling Moloney and Chloe Scheer is a work in progress, and the Cats will need to improve their mid-forward connection. If they want to return to the finals, they'll have to sharpen up their attack. This raises a deeper question: Can Mick Stinear's team find the right balance between their defense and attack?
4. Germech's Intercept Dominance
Port Adelaide's Teagan Germech is a defensive force to be reckoned with. Her intercept game is exceptional, as evidenced by her 16 intercepts out of 19 disposals against Fremantle. Germech's positioning and ability to disrupt opposition attacks are impressive. New coach Glenn Strachan's realization of her intelligence is a testament to his coaching skills. What this really suggests is that Germech could be a key player in Port's improved defense, which is a significant step forward for the team.
5. Giants' Resurgence in 2026
Greater Western Sydney's victory over West Coast signals a potential resurgence. The Giants played with renewed confidence, displaying dynamic transition play and aggressive hunting in packs. Their hard-fought win over a 2025 finalist is a positive sign. If this high-octane performance continues, the Giants could climb the ladder this season. In my opinion, their ability to adapt and improve is a testament to the team's resilience and the coaching staff's strategy.
6. Richmond's Dynamic Forward Line
Richmond's new forward line, featuring Gabby Seymour, Caitlin Greiser, and Olivia Wolmarans, passed its first test against Collingwood. Wolmarans, in particular, looked ready after three years of underage play. Greiser's body work and ability to stretch defense were notable, despite her goalkicking struggles. Emelia Yassir's speed and agility also made her a threat. This forward line has the potential to be a force, and their performance against Collingwood is a promising start.
7. Gold Coast's Reset
The Suns' decision to name 10 debutants and make a full reset is bold. While the conditions against the Western Bulldogs were challenging, Ava Usher and Sunny Lappin showed potential. The future looks bright for Gold Coast, but the present may be painful. This raises a deeper question: Can the Suns' young players quickly adapt and contribute to the team's success?
8. Positivity in New Eras
Sydney's win under Colin O'Riordan and Adelaide's performance under Ryan Davis showcase the positivity in new eras. Adelaide's grit and fight to overcome a deficit is impressive. The Crows' extensive remodeling and the emergence of Chloe Bown as a potential star are notable. This raises a deeper question: How will these new teams adapt and build upon their early successes?
9. Hartill's Opportunity in Brisbane
Brisbane's Eleanor Hartill got her chance up forward, and coach Craig Starcevich was impressed with her integration. While Tahlia Hickie's ruck responsibilities are significant, Hartill's performance suggests she could be a permanent fixture in the forward line. This raises a deeper question: Can the Lions find a balance between their forwards and the rest of the team's dynamics?
In conclusion, the 2026 AFLW season has already provided some fascinating insights and performances. These opening-round takeaways highlight the potential for exciting developments and the emergence of new stars. As the season progresses, we can expect more surprises and a deeper understanding of these teams' capabilities.
