The AFLW Season Starts Today, And Here’s Five Things To Look Out For This Season

It’s gonna be a big, big year.

While the men’s season might be over, with finals just around the corner, footy’s not over just yet.

The AFLW kicks off it’s seventh season tonight, when Carlton takes on Collingwood at Ikon Park.

it’s AFLW eve please celebrate accordingly pic.twitter.com/0b8coebnYH

— andie (@anndeejam) August 23, 2022

It’s a huuuge season for the AFLW.

It’s the first time the league has a full roster of 18 clubs like the men’s comp, and for the first time, the AFLW will be starting its season in August, rather than playing over the summer.

We chatted to Dem Panopoulos, footy writer and stats analyst for The Roar and Stats Insider about what he’s looking out for in AFLW Season 7.

Four brand new teams.

This season marks the first time the AFLW will have a full roster of 18 clubs, the same amount as in the men’s competition.

This weekend, we’ll see the club debuts of the Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, and Sydney sides.

Dem says two of those teams have the potential for a great season.

“I think Essendon and Port Adelaide are the two teams that we’re probably looking at to be more competitive.”

But why these teams? Dem says it all comes down to the way they’ve built up their team lists.

“If you’re looking at Essendon, who recruited really smartly, they’ve got good players at all positions on the ground.”

 He also said Port Adelaide, with recruits like Adelaide’s Erin Phillips, could push high on the ladder this year “if they can pull off a couple of upsets”.

The reigning premiers – Adelaide.

Adelaide is just about the most successful AFLW club in the league, with three premierships under their belt and Dem said their success isn’t ending anytime soon.

“They’re going to be as strong as ever.”

Adelaide have lost a few of their strongest players this season, with Erin Phillips going to Port Adelaide and Nikki Gore going to Fremantle, but Dem isn’t worried about their chances.

“Adelaide just goes from strength to strength despite losing some real talent, and it’s just really a good opportunity.”

The runner up – Melbourne.

After a disappointing end to last season, losing the Grand Final to Adelaide, Dem said Melbourne are primed to have a great year.

“I think the Demons are the favourites for the Premiership.”

He said Melbourne’s come out of the trade period on top, “not really losing anyone”.

He said they’ve added a strong list of players that will only improve the side, including Carlton’s Charlotte Wilson and Geelong’s Jordan Ivey.

Overall, Dem reckons Melbourne’s list is fully realized, and he’s predicting a top-of-the-ladder finish and a premiership to their name.

#AFLW season 7 predictions:

Melbourne
Adelaide
Brisbane
Richmond
North Melbourne
Collingwood
Essendon
Fremantle
—————-
Port
Bulldogs
Carlton
Geelong
Saints
Gold Coast
GWS
WCE
Hawthorn
Sydney

Flag: Melbourne
B&F: Mon Conti
Goalkicker: Tayla Harris
Rising Star: Cynthia Hamilton

— Dem Panopoulos (@DemPanopoulos) August 21, 2022

A rise from Richmond.

After finishing 11^th on the ladder and missing finals, Dem is predicting a big year from the Tigers.

“Richmond is a team that might be able to take a step up.”

After COVID and injuries rocked their last season, he said through some clever recruiting, Richmond has the capacity to finish high on the ladder.

Richmond have brought on players like Grace Egan from Carlton, Libby Graham from GWS, and Geelong’s Steph Williams.

“If you’re looking at finalists, Richmond’s an unexpected top four contender.”

Dem’s placed Richmond fourth in his ladder prediction, which would give them a huge boost come finals time.

The league will improve as a whole.

As we said earlier, it’s a big year for the AFLW.

With 18 clubs and an August start, there’s a lot of excitement in the air.

Dem said although four new clubs debuting this season will cause some “short-term pain” for other clubs, the long-term gains will be great for the league.

“I think August is always the right time because it means there's no break from footy overall. And we're talking about men's and women's and maybe it's easier for people to stay interested in footy.”

Entering it’s seventh season, the AFLW really seems to be coming into its own as a league, and not just an off shoot of the men’s competition.

The game has grown so much in popularity this year that this weekend’s game between Essendon and Hawthorn had to be moved to Marvel Stadium to accommodate a huge crowd.

“Hopefully the interest and the crowds keep growing and growing and it becomes the powerhouse it should ultimately be,” Dem said.

Tonight’s opening clash between Carlton and Collingwood will be live across the country on Channel 7 and Fox.

So chuck on your scarves and beanies, because the AFLW is back and better than ever.

GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY GAME DAY 🙃#AFLW

— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) August 24, 2022

Header image: AFLW.