EASTERN Ranges have had a stacked list for a number of seasons, and heading into 2026, it looks much the same again. With a host of prospects across all lines but particularly through the middle, the Ranges will be flag favourites for the year, even with coach Jarrad Donders now at Richmond AFLW.

LAST SEASON

Played: 14
Wins: 11
Losses: 3

After two near-misses with grand final losses in 2023 and 2024, Eastern Ranges finally tasted sucess last season, defeating Dandenong Stingrays in the decider. With a stacked team of players and a host of AFLW Draft prospects both last year and this year, the Ranges began their own dynasty, with more success – at least from a draft perspective still to come.

FIXTURE

Round 2: vs. Oakleigh Chargers | April 12 @ Kennedy Community Centre
Round 3: vs. Northern Knights | April 18 @ Preston City Oval
Round 5: vs. Gippsland Power| May 2 @ Morwell Recreation Reserve
Round 6: vs. Sydney Swans Academy | May 10 @ Kennedy Community Centre
Round 7: vs. Brisbane Lions Academy | May 17 @ Brighton Homes Arena
Round 9: vs. Dandenong Stingrays | May 30 @ Kinetic Stadium
Round 11: vs. Sandringham Dragons | June 13 @ Box Hill City Oval
Round 13: vs. Oakleigh Chargers | June 27 @ Kennedy Community Centre
Round 15: vs. Tasmania Devils | July 12 @ TBA
Round 17: vs. Bendigo Pioneers | July 26 @ Queen Elizabeth Oval
Round 18: vs. Calder Cannons | August 1 @ Highgate Recreation Reserve
Round 19: vs. Western Jets | August 8 @ Avalon Airport Oval
Round 20: vs. Northern Knights | August 15 @ Preston City Oval
Round 21: vs. Oakleigh Chargers | August 22 @ TBA

The reigning premiers tackle their rivals Oakleigh at either end of the season amongst three fixtures against the Chargers, while also taking on both the Swans Academy and Lions Academy, the latter in Queensland. They play at at least 10 different grounds, potentially up to 12 depending on two of the fixtures, which means they never stay in one place for too long.

TOP-AGE PLAYERS TO WATCH

There is every chance Eastern’s starting midfield could be Vic Metro’s starting on-ball group. National Academy pair Brylee Anderson – sister of Hawthorn’s Cody – and Scout Semple can play in a couple of positions, with the former tending to drift back and the later more a forward threat. Anderson won Vic Metro’s MVP at Under 16s level, and both players can do a lot of damage all over the ground.

Clean and tough inside midfielder Emily Rankin is one of a number of players to be unlucky to miss out on the National Academy, though the Ranges’ skipper will have plenty of chances to impress in 2026. Also in the mix but seemingly has found her place off half-back after being a forward is Lara Williams, while winger Bridie Neale has cemented her place as one of the better players in that position.

From a talls perspective, Maeve Gill will lock down a key position spot and looks like one to watch once more, while Adelaide Caldicott and Amber McDermott can provide marking targets as well. While having her injury interruptions over the last couple of years, Vic Metro Under 16s representative Paisley Stock is naturally gifted.

FUTURE NAMES TO REMEMBER

Eastern blooded a number of Under 16s players last season despite the strength of the overall squad, and if the Vic Metro Under 16s contingent is anything to go by, the Ranges’ dynasty is only just beginning. Perri Goulding has some series X-factor and will work well with Alira Barnard-Rossely over the next two seasons. They will look to work under ruck April Dye, while Mackenzie Ackland and Kyra Simmons also showed some top traits.

SUMMARY

Eastern Ranges look the team to beat again and they have a stack of players across all three lines who will provide no shortage of highlights to spectators. Watch forr the Ranges to pose plenty of problems for the opposition with depth and versatility on their side.