AFLW Returns for Its 10th Season – Bigger and Better Than Ever
The AFLW is back this week for its landmark 10th season, and the competition continues to grow, reaching new heights. This year’s expansion sees an earlier start and an extended 12-round home-and-away season. With increased overlap with the AFL men’s competition, fans can now enjoy even more footy action every weekend.
Reigning premiers, the North Melbourne Roos, are entering 2025 in fine form. After a strong VFLW campaign and impressive pre-season performances, they’ve been tipped by half of the AFLW captains to go back-to-back this year.
Kiwis Continue to Make Their Mark in the AFLW
Aotearoa’s presence in the AFLW keeps growing, with three Kiwi stars now leading their respective sides. After a lengthy injury break, Ange Stannett returns to captain the Fremantle Dockers. 2024 AFLW Grand Final best-on-ground Jasmine Garner has been named captain of the North Melbourne Roos for 2025, and Lucy Single steps up into a leadership role as co-captain at the Gold Coast Suns.
While three NZ heritage players from 2024 won’t be returning this year, there’s good news with Indy Tahau back in the mix for Port Adelaide after missing most of 2023 and all of 2024 due to injury. Meanwhile, former Black Fern Grace Brooker is the newest Kiwi to join the league, signing with Essendon earlier this year. Although new to the game, she has already featured in a couple of VFLW matches and was named as an emergency for Essendon’s recent pre-season clash – a possible hint that her AFLW debut is on the horizon.
Don’t Miss the Action
The 2025 AFLW season kicks off tomorrow night at 9:15pm NZST, with Carlton hosting Collingwood. Stay tuned to our socials for updates on where you can catch all the AFLW action this season.
