ALREADY one game down with reigning premiers North Melbourne producing a knockout blow against Carlton earlier today, Rookie Me Central takes a look at the remaining 10 teams, who some of the new faces are and names to look out for in season 2025.

BOX HILL HAWKS:

2024 Record: 8-5-1 (3rd)

The Hawks have brought across Carlton VFLW equal second best and fairest winner Isla Baldwin while adding some serious speed to its lineup. The likes of Amy Cariss-Brett and Ruby Murdoch (Essendon), Natasha Furjanic (Tasmania Devils) and Olivia Fogarty (Ainslie) all have terrific outside qualities who can move the ball which fits with the added speed and athleticism the Hawks took at the draft. Box Hill also brought in some height including Sandringham’s Maddison Torpey who will provide a key recruit.

CASEY DEMONS:

2024 Record: 5-8-1 (8th)

Casey has brought in a few high quality recruits who can make an impact including AFLW-experienced Charlotte Hammans and Tasmanian former National Academy member Mackenzie Williams. Another past National Academy member in Bianca Lyne has moved across from Port Melbourne, while Zahri Burn is a ruck who will juggle her time between VFLW and Coates Talent League with Gippsland Power.

COLLINGWOOD:

2024 Record: 6-8 (7th)

The Magpies have definitely bolstered their list considerably and it would be a shock if they did not contend for the flag in 2025. Their past AFLW core includes Madeleine Boyd, Dominique Carbone, Lily-Rose Williamson, Lauren Szigeti and Tahlia Fellows just to name a few, while adding the versatile Bella Clarke, key defender Millie Lang and former Hawk talent Annie Muir. Oakleigh goalsneak Amelie Gladman alongside premiership teammate Abbey Vicino have also signed on for 2025.

DAREBIN:

2024 Record: 5-9 (10th)

Darebin has kept it local in terms of bringing in talent, with the majority of players coming from the Falcons’ catchment area or south eastern suburbs. There is some known quantity on board for season 2025 however with Lulu Beatty (Carlton) a former Falcon, while Eleanor Cornish (Western Bulldogs VFLW) and Sarah King (North Melbourne VFLW) bolstering the list. One name to keep an eye on could be Lucy Kimpton who was highly touted at local level last season.

ESSENDON:

2024 Record: 7-6-1 (5th, lost in elimination final)

Essendon has recruited a stack of capable players who will be very competitive at the level and provide a hard edge around the contest. Abbey McDonald comes over from Geelong alongside Brooke Plummer, with Tasmanian Lucy Thompson, another Allies representative Megan Mifsud and Southport’s Maggie O’Connell all quality inclusions for the Bombers. With Murray Bushrangers’ over-ager Madison Ibrahim tied to the club and capable of creating some run, she will be one to watch at the level, while Maddison Albrecht was an ultra-consistent performer for Calder Cannons the last few seasons.

GEELONG:

2024 Record: 3-11 (12th)

Geelong actually recruited its new captain over the break with former National Academy member Mel Staunton making the jump from the Blues. She is joined by AFLW experienced tall Simone Nalder and one of East Coast Eagles’ premiership stars in Brooke Bailey who have all joined the club. The Cats finished on the bottom last season, but should be able to turn that around, having also brought in some local Geelong talent with established Williamstown prospect Camryn Tyrrell.

PORT MELBOURNE:

2024 Record: 6-7-1 (6th, lost in semi-final)

New Port Melbourne coach Tom Chitsos arrives with the winds of chance at Port Melbourne following Richmond severing ties with the Borough. It gives opportunities for the club as it returns to being a standalone side once again. While there are a lot of local talent coming into the club, some players with VFLW experience include Southern Saints duo Georgia Foran and Meg Ginnivan, Williamstown’s Isabella Robson and Carlton’s Madison Katerelos. With a lack of AFLW experience, it will be a tough year though Port Melbourne still has quality state league talent.

SANDRINGHAM:

2024 Record: 4-10 (11th)

A new name and a new coach with Lachie Harris replacing Michelle Densley at that Saints-turned-Zebras. Last year was a challenging season for the club, though if the recruits are anything to go by, expect the Zebras to be right up there when the whips are cracking. Sandringham has recruited no less than eight AFLW experienced players and a host of state league competitors to bolster its list. Collingwood has supplied a fair few with Imogen Evans, Erica Fowler Lauren Brazzale and Eleri Morris all arriving at the club. Some fascinating watches will be East Fremantle defender Natasha Entwistle, Port Melbourne star Isobel Hartog and athletic Sandringham Dragons utility, Ash Patton.

WESTERN BULLDOGS:

2024 Record: 10-4 (2nd, lost in grand final)

Coming off a VFLW Grand Final last season, the stakes are high for the Dogs to continue that run, though they have lost a fair bit of talent off last year’s list. While Collingwood defender Sarah Sansonetti is one coming in with AFLW experience, it will mostly be internal improvement for the Dogs. Leah Swain adds some height crossing from Casey, while GWV Rebels over-agers Isabella Davies and Brook Ward are made for VFLW footy.

WILLIAMSTOWN:

2024 Record: 10-2-2 (1st, lost in preliminary final)

Williamstown showed that you do not need an AFLW alignment to be successful, as the Seagulls topped the ladder at the end of the regular season. while bowing out in the preliminary final, the Gulls still gave their fans plenty to cheer about in teh year. In 2025, Williamstown has brought in some ready made midfiel talent with Carlton’s Isabelle Khoury, Essendon’s Ruby Mahony and Sandringham’s Jemima Wrigley. Veteran forward Phoebe McWilliams will provide great leadership, while dangerous forward Gabriella De Angelis could be the beneficiary of a strong on-ball group.

PREDICTION

Finalists: North Melbourne, Collingwood, Sandringham, Williamstown, Box Hill, Essendon