No Oppo Supporters 2026 general discussion

[Callipygian]

There is an announcement about future changes to the structure for salary payments to AFLW players, with a move to a salary cap (like in the men's competition) and away from the current, tiered system to be fast-tracked: https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1464376/aflw-to-fast-track-salary-cap-introduction

In the article this excerpt caught my eye:

The exception to the rule is Brisbane, where it is understood the Lions employ a self-described "communist" mentality, with all players in tier three, which is allowed as long as total player payments fit under that year's cap.

I find it really fascinating that the Lions have taken this approach, and it's obviously worked well for them given the amount of success they've had. However, it probably made it a lot easier for us to poach Taylor Smith, so I'm not sure how sustainable it is. Overall it's just really radical and provocative. I like it! (But I'm not saying we should emulate it.)

 

[Callipygian]

Tigers set to appoint Ranges premiership coach to lead turnaround

Eastern Ranges premiership coach Jarrad Donders is set to take the helm at the Tigers

www.afl.com.au

Another piece falls into place as Richmond selects its new coach. Only Port and Melbourne to go.

 

[Callipygian]

Premiership assistant turns down rival approaches, lands new role at Roos

Rhys Harwood will remain at the Roos despite interest from rival clubs

www.afl.com.au

Looks like Rhys Harwood wasn't for the having, whether we, or anyone else, wanted him. Good for him, even better for NMFC.

 

[Callipygian]

Four rule alterations announced ahead of 2026 AFLW season

Four rule alterations have been confirmed for the 2026 AFLW season

www.afl.com.au

Nothing especially eye opening.

Double-headers, big stadiums back on AFLW fixture agenda

The League has plenty to consider ahead of next season as clubs submit fixture requests

www.afl.com.au

 

[Adnico26Parker]

Tom Morris reporting this morning that there'll be 4 AFL/AFLW double header games later this season.

 

[joeykanga]

Tom Morris reporting this morning that there'll be 4 AFL/AFLW double header games later this season.

I wouldnt mind seeing a Swans AFLW at the SCG if only for nostalgia for the games early in our existence in W. I wonder how it would work. Id imagine youd have to buy a ticket ti both games. They wouldnt have time to clear the one ticketers out.
From memory a vfl game a few years back was played at the Scg before the afl game and im sure i couldnt get into the vfl without the main ticket or am i just imagining that.
I do think wed lose a little magic in such a big ground if we take it away from the Henson experience. Id probably prefer not too personally

 

[joeykanga]

Bec Privitelli development coach at GWS
Giants bolster coaching stocks with addition of ex-Lions premiership skipper - https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1493365

 

[Kiama Chris]

Bec Privitelli development coach at GWS
Giants bolster coaching stocks with addition of ex-Lions premiership skipper - https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1493365

Also Mumford. Certainly boosting the coaching stocks.

 

[joeykanga]

Our AFLW girls away at a retreat having some bonding time in what looks like Robertson and the Southern Highlands

 

[Arwib]

I wouldnt mind seeing a Swans AFLW at the SCG if only for nostalgia for the games early in our existence in W. I wonder how it would work. Id imagine youd have to buy a ticket ti both games. They wouldnt have time to clear the one ticketers out.
From memory a vfl game a few years back was played at the Scg before the afl game and im sure i couldnt get into the vfl without the main ticket or am i just imagining that.
I do think wed lose a little magic in such a big ground if we take it away from the Henson experience. Id probably prefer not too personally

Hate the idea of Swans losing home games to this. We've got the best home game situation in the league and are setting the example for others. Let the double headers focus on teams with bad stadium situations, like GWS women's team being homeless and some of the Vic teams having grounds in the middle of nowhere. Would be negligent not to give GWS the full gameday at the Showground as often as possible, in particular.

 

[Callipygian]

Haven't the Giants muscled in on our action at Henson and started having their home games there too?

 

[Callipygian]

The AFLW stars part of the next wave of potential senior coaches

Current AFLW players are making their mark in the coaching ranks

www.afl.com.au

Not a current player but I can add to the players mentioned in that article that Brooke Lochland, who has been involved with the Academy since her retirement (I believe), was running on and off the ground with the Swans VFL coaching group when we played the Giants last week. She could be one of the line coaches - I think Adam Kennedy

40

Adam Kennedy

Age

33

Ht

183cm

Wt

80kg

Pos.

D/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.9

4star

K

8.4

3star

HB

6.5

4star

M

4.4

4star

T

1.8

4star

MG

245.6

4star

D

1.0

1star

K

1.0

1star

HB

0.0

1star

M

0.0

1star

T

0.0

1star

MG

10.0

1star

D

18.6

5star

K

9.8

4star

HB

8.8

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

1.4

4star

and Dean Kelly are others - although I didn't spot DK at the SCG on Friday night. Did anyone else notice? I might post this in the VFL reserves thread too.

 

[Kiama Chris]

The AFLW stars part of the next wave of potential senior coaches

Current AFLW players are making their mark in the coaching ranks

www.afl.com.au

Not a current player but I can add to the players mentioned in that article that Brooke Lochland, who has been involved with the Academy since her retirement (I believe), was running on and off the ground with the Swans VFL coaching group when we played the Giants last week. She could be one of the line coaches - I think Adam Kennedy and Dean Kelly are others - although I didn't spot DK at the SCG on Friday night. Did anyone else notice? I might post this in the VFL reserves thread too.

I'd be very surprised if we're not trying to encourage more near past players into coaching. Hopefully with some success. Certainly Brooke had a great mentoring relationship with the younger girls and if she can coach guys as well - fantastic!

 

[Ticky009]

 

[liz]

I bet GWS steal Wain from us…

 

[joeykanga]

I bet GWS steal Wain from us…

I watched Wain against the Lions Academy and she was good but not as much of a standout. If GWS do take her thatd be 2 rucks theyve nabbed from us. Janschek is an interesting conversion to their Academy before her drafting last year. It sounds like she committed full time to AFL over netball in that overage year in the Giants Academy. Its a curiosity considering shes also very much a Swans fan. I guess we were flush with ruck prospects and we thought Maddie Quinn was the main one that we would eventually have plans to draft.

Match practice the key for determined Janschek

Yasmeen Janschek is an athletic ruck who aspires to reach the top level of football since crossing from netball.

central.rookieme.com

When i was thinking who we could have afforded to lose to open up a spot in this preseason draft the only one i could think of was Sarah Steel Park. Im aware we had a spot and signed the new Irish defender
If Wain doesnt go now in the pre season draft i dont think wed nab her in the draft at seasons end anyway before someone else would take her. We are going to struggle to get Tideman or Rara or any other options with our current draft picks.
On the GWS bigfooty AFLW forum theres mention of needing a small forward and this girl is highlighted as an overager from their Academy. Sophia Gaukrodger listed in this article.

NSW's Over-Age Standouts: Swans and Giants Pushing for Preseason Draft

The Sydney Swans Academy and GWS Giants Academy have a number of prospects looking to push their case to make it onto AFLW lists on May 4.

central.rookieme.com

 

[joeykanga]

Amaia to the Bulldogs at pick 4. I wonder if she plays any more of the talent league games or Allies. Probably not.
Who did your club choose? Every pick from the AFLW Pre-Season Draft - https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1513030

 

[Callipygian]

Amaia to the Bulldogs at pick 4. I wonder if she plays any more of the talent league games or Allies. Probably not.
Who did your club choose? Every pick from the AFLW Pre-Season Draft - https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1513030

Gee, Essendon cast the net wide. Having travelled halfway around the world to Ireland, they came back with a basketballer!

"Following a scouting trip to Ireland by Essendon's recruiting staff, 25-year-old Emma Dineen has made her way to Windy Hill. With a basketball background and a sense of composure, she is handy overhead and thinks her way through congestion with ball in hand."

Happy but sad to see Amaia get drafted. Delighted for her but sad because I was really taken with her when I saw her live and it's a pity to see quality from our Academy go elsewhere. I hope becomes a superstar, and possibly gets homesick just when we need her.

 

[joeykanga]

2026 AFLW Preseason Draft wrap

ATHLETICISM, footy IQ or versatility were the key features of the 2026 AFLW Preseason Draft last night with 11 players earning their chance to test themselves at the elite level. Of the 11 players taken, just four remain in the state they are currently playing in, bucking the trend that was...

central.rookieme.com