Each week of the 2026 AFLW season, ESPN's Sarah Burt takes a look at what's making news, raising questions, and catching the eye across the competition.
In the first of two AFLW Indigenous rounds, the contribution of Indigenous Australians was celebrated across the country. Meanwhile, Brisbane suffered their biggest loss, a stray bunny ran across a field, and North Melbourne remain undefeated at the top of the ladder remaining.
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Indigenous Round reaches all states and territories
In the first of two AFLW Indigenous Rounds, the weekend culminated in the annual dreamtime match at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Sunday night between Richmond and Essendon. In a nod to the huge participation rates throughout the Northern Territory and its cultural significance in Indigenous culture, it's a special hallmark of the AFLW season each year.
This year marked the first time a game was played in one round across every state and territory in Australia, with venues in Coffs Harbour, Launceston, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Melbourne, Darwin, Gold Coast, and Canberra all utilised.
On Saturday, proud Larrakia man Trent Bundirrik Lee conducted a traditional Smoking Ceremony at Essendon and Richmond's Captain's runs at TIO Stadium, to mark the beginning of the round. Each club wore purpose-made guernseys designed by various indigenous artists, all with strong storytelling behind it.
The issue with the AFLW Grand Final announcement
The AFLW Grand Final was announced on Friday night at 9.15pm during the men's Collingwood and Western Bulldogs wildcard final on channel seven's coverage. I have a lot to unpack around the approach to it, and the announcement itself.
Firstly, I understand the approach from the AFL to try and get as many eyes as possible on the announcement, but it did not feel like the right time to do it was during the teams' half time huddles in a men's final.
Secondly, the announcement came with a graphic, before cameras cut away to Collingwood's Nick Daicos addressing his side, while the information of the AFLW final was still being explained. If the concept of the announcement at this time was to give the women's league coverage, it was still a bad look to overlay a male player while it was still going.
🏆 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS 🏆
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 28, 2026
The 2026 AFLW Grand Final will be on Friday, November 27 🌙 pic.twitter.com/T4fyfoXUZK
Thirdly, despite the AFL's commitment to bigger venues, including in double headers with the men's league, the venues for the Grand Final that have been announced do not include any major stadiums, including the AFL's own Marvel Stadium. If the Grand Final is to be played in Victoria, it will be at Ikon Park.
The venues announced are as follows:
Ikon Park - Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Richmond, St Kilda, and Western Bulldogs
GMHBA Stadium - Geelong Cats
Norwood Oval - Adelaide Crows
Alberton Oval - Port Adelaide
Sullivan Logistics Stadium - Fremantle and West Coast Eagles
Brighton Homes Arena - Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS
Henson Park - GWS GIANTS and Sydney Swans.
No Marvel Stadium, no SCG, and no increased capacity despite a sold out Grand Final last year. It is being held on the Friday night instead of a Saturday to avoid clashing with Victoria's state election and the Matildas' opener of a two-game international friendly series against Colombia being held in Canberra.
Swans women continue to be the shining light for the club
Sydney's undefeated start to the AFLW season (sitting fourth on the ladder) is even more impressive given the injury toll already facing the Swans, and what they have been through in the last fortnight.
Under new coach Colin O'Riordan, they have defeated the Saints, Crows, and Bombers despite injuries mounting for the side. Taylor Smith's fractured forearm is the latest setback. Young star Laura Gardiner has also pulled up with foot soreness following the game, while Holly Cooper suffered an elbow injury and Ash Van Loon dealing with calf soreness.
Add this to Lulu Pullar, out for five to seven weeks with a shoulder injury, Tanya Kennedy managing back soreness, Jas Grierson on modified training for a calf injury and Amelia Martin out for five to seven weeks with a hamstring injury. The Swans will need to continue their momentum to cover the gaps.
Star ruck Ally Morphett became emotional on the sidelines post-game.
"These girls are my sisters, I love them so much, they're my best friends," she said. "This year we are just so much more connected than what we ever have been before."
My favourite stat of the week
The competition is currently operating at 43 percent accuracy in front of goal, putting AFLW on track for its most accurate season in history. The figure is another sign of the rapid development of the women's game, with improved skill levels and more sophisticated attacking systems helping teams make better use of their opportunities.
