AFLW 2026 AFLW Season

[TigermanM2]

Happy New Year to all.

Your club's biggest lesson from 2025​

What have clubs learned about themselves - and others - ahead of the 2026 season
By staff writers
Jan 5, 2026

A reset was necessary

It was a poor season from Richmond, to say the least. A 16th-placed finish, with just two wins under the belt, made fans and pundits alike ask the question of what was going on at the Tigers.

The club acknowledged the downward ebb by instigating an internal review into the program, with head of footy Kate Sheahan and coach [PLAYERCARD]Ryan Ferguson[/PLAYERCARD] both moved on as part of that process.

"Biggest lesson is one that they've already learned by acknowledging that they're going to have a review, is that they need a complete retool. It's not working, what they've been doing. It may turn out in years to come that this is the best thing that's ever happened to Richmond's AFLW program, that it's an acknowledgement of finishing eighth, ninth, 10th is not sustainable, and they weren't going to get any higher than that with the players they had on the table, with the gameplan they had, and with the fitness of the list," Black said.

 

[toenail63]

Happy New Year to all.

The club acknowledged the downward ebb by instigating an internal review into the program, with head of footy Kate Sheahan and coach Ryan Ferguson both moved on as part of that process.

"Biggest lesson is one that they've already learned by acknowledging that they're going to have a review, is that they need a complete retool. It's not working, what they've been doing. It may turn out in years to come that this is the best thing that's ever happened to Richmond's AFLW program, that it's an acknowledgement of finishing eighth, ninth, 10th is not sustainable, and they weren't going to get any higher than that with the players they had on the table, with the gameplan they had, and with the fitness of the list," Black said.

Happy New Year back

Thankfully we did jump on it as it wouldn't have got any easier for a number of reasons, Tassie Devils coming in. Older players not getting any younger starved of success, and losing relevance in the women's footy landscape are all tempered because of the club taking this action now. We have clear air in this clean sweep and rebuild that will bring positive change for our women team on field, off field, and in the list build this year and next. We'll welcome in a new era, a new coach and new footy boss, and in 2026 I look forward to see the signs that we have turned the tide and a have a plan that will bring this team future success.

 

[TigermanM2]

Happy New Year back

Thankfully we did jump on it as it wouldn't have got any easier for a number of reasons, Tassie Devils coming in. Older players not getting any younger starved of success, and losing relevance in the women's footy landscape are all tempered because of the club taking this action now. We have clear air in this clean sweep and rebuild that will bring positive change for our women team on field, off field, and in the list build this year and next. We'll welcome in a new era, a new coach and new footy boss, and in 2026 I look forward to see the signs that we have turned the tide and a have a plan that will bring this team future success.

It's going to be interesting to see what we do regarding the role overseeing our AFLW program. We made Kate Sheahan redundant so legally we can't just simply replace her or it will not be viewed as a genuine redundancy.

Normally in a redundancy situation the role is either totally eliminated or absorbed by other roles already within the organisation.

 

[Bojangles17]

It's going to be interesting to see what we do regarding the role overseeing our AFLW program. We made Kate Sheahan redundant so legally we can't just simply replace her or it will not be viewed as a genuine redundancy.

Normally in a redundancy situation the role is either totally eliminated or absorbed by other roles already within the organisation.

Just change the title and you’ve dodged any legality

 

[TigermanM2]

Just change the title and you’ve dodged any legality

Changing a job title doesn't cut it. Not legally anyway. If the new title is similar to the old role it will be viewed as a non genuine redundancy and you are open to unfair dismissal action.

You can bring it back down the track but there has to be a reasonable amount of time after the redundancy.

Of course, unfair dismissal claims are pretty much always generated by the terminated employee so if there is a sweet heart deal between Richmond and Sheahan then its less likely that there would be issues but its never 100% certain. Redundant on a CV always sounds better than sacked.

 

[Phar Ace]

It's going to be interesting to see what we do regarding the role overseeing our AFLW program. We made Kate Sheahan redundant so legally we can't just simply replace her or it will not be viewed as a genuine redundancy.

Normally in a redundancy situation the role is either totally eliminated or absorbed by other roles already within the organisation.

Correct, and she is the litigious type. Hope we are scrupulous in this regard. I'm sure there are other good models out there, and it's not too hard to create a whole new role that best fits an elite, modern football club.

 

[Phar Ace]

Just change the title and you’ve dodged any legality

Not if lawyers get hold of it.

 

[TigermanM2]

Correct, and she is the litigious type. Hope we are scrupulous in this regard. I'm sure there are other good models out there, and it's not too hard to create a whole new role that best fits an elite, modern football club.

Some smart cookies at the club. They'll work it out. Just interested to see how they do it. (and who they choose)

 

[TigermanM2]

Your club's best 21: Who's in, who's out, who's new​

Gemma Bastiani has compiled her predicted starting 21 for each team ahead of the 2026 season

Throughout the player movement period, the Tigers targeted some athleticism and speed. One inclusion along those lines is untried Roo Georgia Stubs who seems ready to take up a place at half back. Irishwoman Aoibhin Cleary will be better for her taste of the top level late in 2025, and will make the wing her own, as will Beth Lynch as she graduates from half back. In the moments Lynch played higher in 2025, she was exceptionally creative with her use, setting up plenty of attacking forays. No.1 draft pick Olivia Wolmarans will take her place at centre half forward, as nippy duo Mackenzie Ford and Emelia Yassir work at her feet, as Katie Brennan resumes her post. Caitlin Greiser remains in the side for now, but once ruck Montana McKinnon is back at full strength, there is a high likelihood that it is Greiser who makes way for her return. The evolution of Sierra Grieves, Isabel Bacon's impressive year in the middle, the addition of Dana East from Fremantle, and the likely emergence of Zoe Hargreaves from injury all makes life tough for players like Ally Dallaway, Montana Beruldsen, and Charli Wicksteed to break into the team.

B: Libby Graham, Bec Miller
HB: Sarah Hosking, Gabby Seymour, Georgia Stubs
C: Aoibhin Cleary, Ellie McKenzie, Beth Lynch
HF: Katie Brennan, Olivia Wolmarans, Mackenzie Ford
F: Emelia Yassir, Caitlin Greiser
Foll: Poppy Kelly, Monique Conti, Isabel Bacon
I/C: Sierra Grieves, Laura McClelland, Paige Scott, Dana East, Zoe Hargreaves

Depth: Charli Wicksteed, Ana Mulholland, Fina Dethfelsen, Baia Pugh, Maddie Shevlin, Kate Dempsey, Ally Dallaway, Montana Beruldsen, Montana McKinnon

 

[TigermanM2]

Your club's best 21: Who's in, who's out, who's new​

Gemma Bastiani has compiled her predicted starting 21 for each team ahead of the 2026 season

Caitlin Greiser remains in the side for now, but once ruck Montana McKinnon is back at full strength, there is a high likelihood that it is Greiser who makes way for her return.

1000% concur on her take regarding Caitlin Greiser.

Needs a very solid start to 2026.

 

[Eraser]

I don't think Greiser has much to worry about, neither Kelly or McKinnon has really shown that they have enough of another string to their bow to justify playing both of them.

 

[toenail63]

I don't think Greiser has much to worry about, neither Kelly or McKinnon has really shown that they have enough of another string to their bow to justify playing both of them.

Being a best 21 team, I think that Greiser needs to do more to be able to retain her spot in the team especially with Wolmarans in the team. Both Kelly and McKinnon when they come back from injury will ramp up the pressure on Greiser to turn her average form around or be dropped.

 

[TigermanM2]

I don't think Greiser has much to worry about, neither Kelly or McKinnon has really shown that they have enough of another string to their bow to justify playing both of them.

Given Greiser was moved into the ruck on several occasions last season because she was having zero impact in our forward line I think she has plenty to worry about.

Something needs to change. It can't be a rinse and repeat of 2025.

She'll be in the team R1 but whether she stays there is another thing. Its her spot to lose.

 

[toenail63]

1000% concur on her take regarding Caitlin Greiser.

Needs a very solid start to 2026.

Agree with her as well. We had to play Gresier in the ruck last year to bring her into games and TBH Paige Scott can also pinch hit there, and ideally we play two ruck/forwards in Kelly/McKinnon in the team.

Gemma Bastiani definitely has her favourites and Ford is one of these and not sure about her as best 21. Paige Scott would be but dependant on how she fronts up to preseason and if she does turn up fit she would be starting and Ford off the bench.

 

[Eraser]

Being a best 21 team, I think that Greiser needs to do more to be able to retain her spot in the team especially with Wolmarans in the team. Both Kelly and McKinnon when they come back from injury will ramp up the pressure on Greiser to turn her average form around or be dropped.

She lead our goalkicking. She was our best forward last season. This year hopefully Wolmarans will be but it takes some real toddler logic to think she'll directly replace the incumbent number 1 forward in the side rather than just have each player slide down one spot on the totem pole and push out one of the worse performing forwards like McClelland, Scott or Brennan.

 

[TigermanM2]

She lead our goalkicking. She was our best forward last season. This year hopefully Wolmarans will be but it takes some real toddler logic to think she'll directly replace the incumbent number 1 forward in the side rather than just have each player slide down one spot on the totem pole and push out one of the worse performing forwards like McClelland, Scott or Brennan.

She led a woeful forward line which probably wouldn't have got a game in 3/4 of the sides in the comp last year.

You are setting a mighty low bar.

As a side note, McClelland who was shifted forward late in the season probably provided the best forward highlights than every other forward combined. What odes that say?

 

[toenail63]

She lead our goalkicking. She was our best forward last season. This year hopefully Wolmarans will be but it takes some real toddler logic to think she'll directly replace the incumbent number 1 forward in the side rather than just have each player slide down one spot on the totem pole and push out one of the worse performing forwards like McClelland, Scott or Brennan.

I think you are taking a narrow view if you think that it's only a slide shift in pecking order and that most goals = best forward. Anyone using their brain would know that Wolmarans will be taking the oppo's best tall forward next year and that Greiser will then get the 2nd or 3rd defender so she will have every chance to turn her form around. Not saying that she should get dropped but she needs to lift her game to do so as other options will come into play, including the fact that Ellie Mackenzie had limited time up forward but finished up only 2 goals less than Greiser for the season and is likely to spend more time forward with our better midfield depth.

 

[Eraser]

She led a woeful forward line which probably wouldn't have got a game in 3/4 of the sides in the comp last year.

True but we haven't brought in five players to flush out the forward line entirely, we got one.

As a side note, McClelland who was shifted forward late in the season probably provided the best forward highlights than every other forward combined. What odes that say?

This forum severely overrates McClelland. I don't mind her, she has a go and has some good highlights like you said but honestly she just doesn't have the fundamentals of football that are required of a top level player. Her best claim to having a spot in the side would be as a defensive/pressure forward but even then Ford clears her in that department and it's not a player type we can afford to have multiple of.

 

[Eraser]

I think you are taking a narrow view if you think that it's only a slide shift in pecking order and that most goals = best forward.

Who was better? McKenzie sure but she's a midfielder, she doesn't take a place in the forward line. Brennan not only kicked fewer goals but was overly selfish and actively obstructive to other forwards at times. Scott struggled and barely had an impact in most games, Yassir was down this season, Ford didn't impact the scoreboard enough. Greiser wasn't great and might seem more of a disappointment considering what we expected of her, but her output is markedly more consistent than any other forward we have.

Anyone using their brain would know that Wolmarans will be taking the oppo's best tall forward next year and that Greiser will then get the 2nd or 3rd defender so she will have every chance to turn her form around. Not saying that she should get dropped but she needs to lift her game to do so as other options will come into play, including the fact that Ellie Mackenzie had limited time up forward but finished up only 2 goals less than Greiser for the season and is likely to spend more time forward with our better midfield depth.

Then why single out Greiser? Does Brennan not need to lift her game despite having a worse season than Greiser? Can Scott just take it easy and not worry about being dropped? Also I hate to break it to you but our midfield depth is probably worse than it's ever been so McKenzie is going nowhere.

 

[Cdog71]

r

Who was better? McKenzie sure but she's a midfielder, she doesn't take a place in the forward line. Brennan not only kicked fewer goals but was overly selfish and actively obstructive to other forwards at times. Scott struggled and barely had an impact in most games, Yassir was down this season, Ford didn't impact the scoreboard enough. Greiser wasn't great and might seem more of a disappointment considering what we expected of her, but her output is markedly more consistent than any other forward we have.



Then why single out Greiser? Does Brennan not need to lift her game despite having a worse season than Greiser? Can Scott just take it easy and not worry about being dropped? Also I hate to break it to you but our midfield depth is probably worse than it's ever been so McKenzie is going nowhere.

Don’t agree about the midfield depth, I think we’ve got some options moving forward.
I understand about Grieser and once again it is going to come down to Brennan how healthy she is and when she wants to walk away.
It’ll also be on the new coach and how much a priority finals will be.
Tassie is looming and we as bad as it sounds Grieser might be a player we can have on our books that we can use to protect the players we’d rather keep.

Bit surprised we don’t have a coach still.

 

[toenail63]

Who was better? McKenzie sure but she's a midfielder, she doesn't take a place in the forward line. Brennan not only kicked fewer goals but was overly selfish and actively obstructive to other forwards at times. Scott struggled and barely had an impact in most games, Yassir was down this season, Ford didn't impact the scoreboard enough. Greiser wasn't great and might seem more of a disappointment considering what we expected of her, but her output is markedly more consistent than any other forward we have.

Brennan was so selfish that she was in 33% of all our score involvements last season and a telling stat on both their roles as forwards is that Greiser had zero goal assists. Most AFLW teams have 2 talls, 1 medium and a couple of smaller ground ball pressure types with more than a few teams having one of their rucks go forward to be effective tall forwards like Emma King, Caitlin Gould & Matilda Scholz. Greiser is competing against a 2 tall structure & with addition of Wolmarans and McKinnon.

I have said on here before that Brennan is losing her impact physically with this last season confirming this as one of her worst years including scoring, and as she has called time on the captaincy at age 33 will probably just see out her contract. Scott's issue is fitness, was often just off it by a bit with her timing etc, but she's 21 and a WIP and we can carry 1 or 2 of these.

 

[toenail63]

Bit surprised we don’t have a coach still.

The closing date for applications was the 19th of December and the club basically shut down a few days later as many businesses did. I would expect things will be progressing soon if they haven't already for our selection panel to work through the first stage of informal checks & discussion from the applications to shortlist down to a few candidates who will then have their formal interviews, presentations etc. Yze's appointment took a couple of months of process before appointing him but it doesn't always take a few months, it may be under a month, but with the holiday break maybe the earliest would be end January?

 

[Phar Ace]

Given Greiser was moved into the ruck on several occasions last season because she was having zero impact in our forward line I think she has plenty to worry about.

Something needs to change. It can't be a rinse and repeat of 2025.

She'll be in the team R1 but whether she stays there is another thing. Its her spot to lose.

100% To me she is the barometer of where we are at, just as Egan was. Either of them in the side (we know Egan has moved on) spells "bleak future".

I know there are others that are lesser lights and big worries, but those two were key issues.

 

[Phar Ace]

The closing date for applications was the 19th of December and the club basically shut down a few days later as many businesses did. I would expect things will be progressing soon if they haven't already for our selection panel to work through the first stage of more informal checks & discussion from the applications to shortlist down to a few candidates who will then have their formal interviews, presentations etc. Yze's appointment took a couple of months of process before appointing him but it doesn't always take a few months, it may be under a month, but with the holiday break maybe the earliest would be end January?

Let's hope they already know the who, it's more about the when..... ie the candidate has taken the break to properly consider it.

 

[toenail63]

Let's hope they already know the who, it's more about the when..... ie the candidate has taken the break to properly consider it.

Often is but the process still seen through to its end so as to be perceived to be going through the motions for the sake of fairness.