IN THE first of a new series taking a look around the country and some of the players catching the eye across the eastern seaboard, there were some absolute smashings in each of the competitions, with the QAFL Women’s boasting a 374-point combined difference between the winners and losers.

QUEENSLAND:

QAFL Women’s: Round 1

It was a one-sided round of action as the QAFL Women’s competition kicked off, with the closest game being 59 points and the highest losing team’s score being 3.4 (22). From a combined five games, the losing teams booted 5.10 (40) to a whopping 60.54 (414) with the usual suspects in Southport, Bond University, Morningside and Coorparoo all amongst the victors.

It was a tough introduction for new club Broadbeach, as the Cats suffered a 98-point loss to the reigning premiers, going down 13.21 (99) to 0.1 (1). The Sharks travelled to Kombumerri Park and took control from the outset, as Giselle Davies (four goals) and Olivia Meagher (three did a bulk of the damage. Cats skipper Ariana Reilly tried hard all game.

Bond University flexed its muscles over Aspley in front of a home crowd, beating the Hornets 12.5 (77) to 1.2 (8). New recruit Tegan Williams (four goals) starred in the win, with the likes of Isabella Iverach and Kendra Blattman also prominent on the scoresheet. Jessica Stallard kicked off her 2026 campaign with Aspley’s sole major in the contest.

Morningside also enjoyed a nice big win, defeating University of Queensland, 10.7 (67) to 1.2 (8) on the road. Mackenzie Sleep (three goals) and Indiana Williams (two) were both prominent, while Sophie Balcombe was named best-on for her side.

Coorparoo left little mercy for Moreton Bay in the two sides’ clash, storming past the Lions in a 98-point thrashing. The Blues kicked 14.15 (99) to 0.1 (1) in the clash at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex. Chelsea Chesterfield finished with three goals, while Grace Roberts-White picked up from where she left off in 2025 with a strong first-up performance for the Blues.

The other game in Round 1 was the biggest margin of the lot with Wilston Grange posting a 110-point victory over Maroochydore, 21.6 (132) to 3.4 (22). Former AFLW forward Zimmorlei Farquharson slammed home six goals in the massive win, with Kaiya Hides and Tshinta Kendall each kicking three. Former Australian netballer Gabi Simpson was named best-on for the losing team.

NEW SOUTH WALES:

AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division: Round 2

In lieu of a raft of Swans and Giants Academy members, AFL Sydney’s top women’s sides went in testing some of their depth, but there was little doubt about the key contenders in 2026.

Manly Warringah Wolves bounced back from a sheepish showing against UNSW-ES Bulldogs last week to destroy reigning wooden spooners Pennant Hills Demons, 129-0. Dominant goalkicker Isabella Rudolph slammed home half a dozen goals as recruit Bella Clarke booted four in the win and was named best afield amongst a stacked side of contributors.

North Shore Bombers were able to shake off a first quarter challenge from East Coast Eagles to come away with a 47-point victory at Gore Hill Oval as the red and black unveiled their premiership flag from 2025. Matilda Eder booted three majors, while Lucy Yates was named best afield.

Last year’s grand finalists Sydney University ground out a hard-fought win over UTS Bats at Waverley Oval, kicking an inaccurate 4.10 (34) but doing enough to knock off the home side by 21 points. Sophie Andreacchio was her side’s sole multiple goalkicker, while stars such as Emma Juneja and Amanda Farrugia impressed.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs also made it two from two with a 69-point victory over St George Dragons. The Bulldogs kept the Dragons to just one goal for the game, as Rebecca Privitelli and Taylor Smith each booted three goals in the victory.

TASMANIA:

Northern Tasmanian Football Association: Round 1

North Launceston put Longford to the sword with a 19.19 (133) to 0.1 (1) thrashing to kick off the season. The Bombers shared the goals around with five multiple goalkickers, as Dominique Giutini and Rhianna Binns were both amongst the best players on the day. Tayla Farrell battled hard for Longford in defeat.

Launceston kept Deloraine scoreless in the first half and went on to win by 17 points, 5.6 (36) to 3.1 (19) despite the Kangaroos hitting back with three goals to one in the second half. Maddie Hogarth and Zoe Kingsley stood out, while Karlee Evans was best-on for the losing side.

In the other game, South Launceston easily defeated Scottsdale with an 8.8 (56) to 0.2 (2) domination. Georgia McIntee (three goals) and Liana Freestone (two) lead the way in front of goal, while Georgia Gillow was named best-on. Mikayla Binns was an eye-catcher for the Magpies.

Southern Football League: Round 2

North Hobart produced a jaw-dropping 225-0 thrashing of Brighton with the experienced footy factory proving too good for their opponents in the Southern Football League. Overager Lily McConnon slammed home nine goals, with Emily Mifsud slotting seven in the victory.

Kingborough also flexed their muscles in a commanding 14.10 (94) to 1.0 (6) triumph over Lauderdale. The Tigers provided too strong after some early resistance as Hailee Baldwin starred and both Molly Mitchell and Georgie Bailey kicked four goals. Top-age draft prospect Stevie-Lee Johns was named best afield, while former AFLW forward Jess Wuetschner also stood out and kicked her side’s only major.

The closest game of the round saw Clarence record a 27-point win over Glenorchy on the road, 5.10 (40) to 2.1 (13). Devils top-ager Maddison Hardy was best afield for the Roos, while experienced state leaguer Jemma Webster also impressed. Rhianna Davis was one of the best for the Magpies in defeat.