The first generation raised on AFLW has arrived – and they are taking over

August 6, 2026 — 9:45am

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There’s something special about the start of every footy season.

Every club believes this could be its year. Every player begins with a clean slate, and every supporter allows themselves to dream a little bigger.

I still get that feeling heading into my 11th AFLW season.

One of the things I’ve loved most about being part of this competition is that no two seasons have ever felt the same. New players emerge, rivalries deepen, clubs evolve, and the game continues to grow in ways that couldn’t have predicted.

The moment Daisy Pearce broke the ice inside the Australian camp

Libby BirchAFL columnist

This season has the ingredients to be one of the most memorable yet.

As players, we’re so focused on preparing for round one that we don’t often stop to appreciate what lies ahead. So here are 11 things I’m looking forward to most.

1. The game never stands still

Every pre-season, coaches arrive with new ideas, players return stronger and clubs search for the smallest competitive edge. I’ve watched those changes unfold every year since 2017.

At North Melbourne this pre-season, one of the biggest conversations has been around how quickly the game is changing and how we need to keep evolving. More teams are looking to move the ball with speed, linking together handball chains to break through defences and create overlap. It demands quick decision-making and relentless running, and it’s forcing every club to adapt.

That’s the beauty of football. Just when you think you’ve mastered it, the game evolves again. The teams that innovate are usually the ones setting the pace.

2. History is still being written

One of the unique things about AFLW is that history still feels close enough to touch.

This season we have already experienced the........

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