2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Emily Mableson
TALENTED defender-midfielder Emily Mableson has caught the eye over the last few seasons, rated incredibly highly internally at the Bloods for her work ethic and willingness to improve, while also getting it done out of the field for club and state. An MVP at Under 16s level, Mableson remains one to watch in 2026 as […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Evie Bowie
A RELATIVE latecomer to the Australian rules football code, Evie Bowie has certainly made up for lost time, drawing plenty of pundits over the last couple of seasons. Capable of rolling inside or outside the contest, the talented athlete is a name to remember out of the Sydney Swans Academy and New South Wales for […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Bridie Neale
A HARD running winger out of Eastern Ranges, Bridie Neale had a memorable bottom-age season where she played a key role on the outside to help the Ranges build towards a maiden girls’ flag. Neale anticipates a role change to greater versatility in 2026, but loves to run and will round out her game throughout […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Milly Shortal
GREATER Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels midfielder Milly Shortal earned a late call-up to Vic Country last year, playing in the final game before earning a spot with the side in the summer hub. Also a talented basketballer, Shortal thrives on the football culture and is ready to make every post a winner in 2026. We […]
2026 AFL Draft | Race to #1: Wildcards
THE EARLY consensus surrounding this year’s race to pick one suggests a pair of frontrunners have emerged in Dougie Cochrane and Cody Walker. While the likes of Harley Reid and Willem Duursma have followed through on that promise in recent times, the run isn’t always linear and new contenders stake their claims. We pitch another […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 U22 Women’s Summer Series – Academy sides
ROUND 1 of the 2026 NSW/ACT Women’s Under 22 Summer Series is in the books with both Academy sides recording impressive wins over AFL Canberra and AFL Sydney. The Swans Academy crushed the former by 138 points – restricting them to just one behind – while the Giants Academy overcame a third term fight back […]
Talent League Boys: Must-watch fixtures in 2026
A BRIMMING Talent League fixture has been revealed, with the number of landmark events continuing to expand in 2026. Northern Academies will enjoy an extended stay, while the Bachar Houli Foundation makes for an 18th team in the competition, as a grand tour of regional venues rages on. We outline the marquee matches that shape […]
2026 Player Focus: Demi Holloway (Central District)
CENTRAL District top-ager Demi Holloway was one of the Dogs’ most impressive players in their Round 1 thrashing of Glenelg in the newly named AAMI Talent League, The smart and tenacious forward had a day out, amassing 25 disposals, laying eight tackles and booting two goals to be our Player Focus for the round. With […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Isabelle Godfrey
TALENTED dual sportsperson Isabelle Godfrey is just as impressive on the basketball court as she is on the footy field, but the Oakleigh Chargers winger is focusing on the latter to try and improve herself. Godfrey cemented her spot in the side last season, and comes into 2026 as one to watch from the side […]
NTFL WPL: Tigers march into grand final
NIGHTCLIFF overcame a slightly rusty first term and some inaccuracy to advance through to the NTFL Women’s Premier League Grand Final after a commanding 41-point victory over St Mary’s. The Tigers trailed at quarter time, but kicked the last six goals of the match to storm to a 7.13 (55) to 2.2 (14) triumph and […]
Recruitment drive: Fresh Saints faces forge new path
ST KILDA will lay claim to its own reserves side for the first time since 1999 this year. After ceasing their alignment with Sandringham Zebras, who have also driven a strong recruiting campaign, the Saints have built their new VFL list with a focus on youth development and establishing culture. >> RECRUITMENT DRIVE: Sandringham | […]
EVERY CLUB | 2025 AFLW Draft team reviews
THE DUST has settled on this year’s AFLW Draft, which saw 60 players find new homes in Monday night’s event at Marvel Stadium. Across the last few days, Rookie Me Central has been unpacking each club’s respective hauls, revealing how they came together and granting a final grade. Click on the corresponding links below to […]
2025 AFLW Draft review: Western Bulldogs
COMPLETING our team-by-team review of the 2025 AFLW Draft, the Western Bulldogs also made just the minimum two selections, with a couple of draft bolters at their respective selections. One National Academy member who was gaining plenty of interest late had the trigger pulled in the first round, while a complete bolter thanks to her […]
2025 AFLW Draft review: West Coast
WEST Coast managed to secure the local young star, while also adding another exciting talent in the form of a Victorian utility in what was a relatively small draft crop after a huge one in 2024. The Eagles made finals for the first time and will be looking to build on that effort next season […]
Tasmanian AFLW list build concessions revealed
TASMANIA’S AFLW list build concessions have been revealed, with clubs informed on Wednesday of the Devils’ initial trade and draft mechanics. Set to enter the women’s competition in 2028, Tasmania will have exclusive access to local talent, on top of several draft handouts and unique free agency rules. >> SCROLL to see the full list […]
2025 AFLW Draft review: Sydney
SYDNEY managed to keep three homegrown Academy prospects despite having to let one go to crosstown rivals, GWS. The Swans had three top 20 talents within their ranks, and while Kiera Yerbury was the one left out of the three with only two possible bid matches, Sydney addressed a couple of key position spots, as […]
2025 AFLW Draft review: St Kilda
THERE was a clear focus on strength and power both around the ball and across the field for St Kilda at Monday night’s AFLW Draft. All five of the Saints’ selections boast physicality and strength, while also covering each of the three lines. >> EVERY PICK: National Draft>> 100+ PROFILES: View the 2025 AFLW Draft Guide DRAFT HAUL Pick […]
2025 AFLW Draft review: Richmond
RICHMOND traded up to Pick 1 from Pick 4 to take any fate out of the equation and select the player they felt would suit the club best from a trio of available options. While tossing up between a few names, they landed on a West Australian key forward who fits a clear need, before […]
2025 AFLW Draft review: Port Adelaide
PORT Adelaide paired up a couple of close mates in its 2025 AFL Women’s Draft haul, with two National Academy members heading to Alberton to stock up even more talent. A local high-end prospect alongside a naturally gifted West Australian saw the Power bring in a couple of A grade players at great value. >> EVERY […]
Trengove keen on Collingwood culture
EXCITEMENT was the overriding emotion for new Collingwood draftee Imogen Trengove after being selected with pick eight in Monday night’s intake at Marvel Stadium. Speaking the following morning, the South Australian expressed her gratitude in being selected for such a historically significant club. >> EVERY PICK: 2025 AFLW Draft “When my name was read out […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Emily Mableson
TALENTED defender-midfielder Emily Mableson has caught the eye over the last few seasons, rated incredibly highly internally at the Bloods for her work ethic and willingness to improve, while also getting it done out of the field for club and state. An MVP at Under 16s level, Mableson remains one to watch in 2026 as […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Evie Bowie
A RELATIVE latecomer to the Australian rules football code, Evie Bowie has certainly made up for lost time, drawing plenty of pundits over the last couple of seasons. Capable of rolling inside or outside the contest, the talented athlete is a name to remember out of the Sydney Swans Academy and New South Wales for […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Bridie Neale
A HARD running winger out of Eastern Ranges, Bridie Neale had a memorable bottom-age season where she played a key role on the outside to help the Ranges build towards a maiden girls’ flag. Neale anticipates a role change to greater versatility in 2026, but loves to run and will round out her game throughout […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Milly Shortal
GREATER Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels midfielder Milly Shortal earned a late call-up to Vic Country last year, playing in the final game before earning a spot with the side in the summer hub. Also a talented basketballer, Shortal thrives on the football culture and is ready to make every post a winner in 2026. We […]
2026 AFL Draft | Race to #1: Wildcards
THE EARLY consensus surrounding this year’s race to pick one suggests a pair of frontrunners have emerged in Dougie Cochrane and Cody Walker. While the likes of Harley Reid and Willem Duursma have followed through on that promise in recent times, the run isn’t always linear and new contenders stake their claims. We pitch another […]
Scouting Notes: 2026 U22 Women’s Summer Series – Academy sides
ROUND 1 of the 2026 NSW/ACT Women’s Under 22 Summer Series is in the books with both Academy sides recording impressive wins over AFL Canberra and AFL Sydney. The Swans Academy crushed the former by 138 points – restricting them to just one behind – while the Giants Academy overcame a third term fight back […]
Talent League Boys: Must-watch fixtures in 2026
A BRIMMING Talent League fixture has been revealed, with the number of landmark events continuing to expand in 2026. Northern Academies will enjoy an extended stay, while the Bachar Houli Foundation makes for an 18th team in the competition, as a grand tour of regional venues rages on. We outline the marquee matches that shape […]
2026 Player Focus: Demi Holloway (Central District)
CENTRAL District top-ager Demi Holloway was one of the Dogs’ most impressive players in their Round 1 thrashing of Glenelg in the newly named AAMI Talent League, The smart and tenacious forward had a day out, amassing 25 disposals, laying eight tackles and booting two goals to be our Player Focus for the round. With […]
2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Isabelle Godfrey
TALENTED dual sportsperson Isabelle Godfrey is just as impressive on the basketball court as she is on the footy field, but the Oakleigh Chargers winger is focusing on the latter to try and improve herself. Godfrey cemented her spot in the side last season, and comes into 2026 as one to watch from the side […]
