Women's Footy AFLW 2025

[MelbourneGWS]

Started this thread as I couldn’t find one for our 2025 AFLW season. Apologies if I missed it.

We are starting the season with almost all players available. The fixture should also be released soon as well.

Veteran Chloe Dalton missed last year with a back complaint, but her current status is yet to be confirmed. Daisy Walker looks set to finally make her GWS debut this year after rupturing her ACL in July, 2024. Meghan Gaffney (ACL, Nov 24) is inactive this year.

AFLW injury update: How your club is tracking this pre-season

Check out how your AFLW team tracking at the start of pre-season

www.afl.com.au

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Our 2025 AFLW fixture which had just been released! We have 6 home matches, with 4 at Henson and 2 at Manuka.

The 2025 AFLW Season Fixture has Landed

The countdown is on as the AFL confirm the fixture for season 10 of AFLW.

www.gwsgiants.com.au

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Analysis of the 2025 AFLW fixture. We have an “easier” draw, but like the men’s team will be among the most travelled teams (unlike Collingwood’s women’s team!).

Relevant extracts for us:
- bottom-six finishers Greater Western Sydney and West Coast will face just one top-four finisher of 2024

• With Henson Park being shared between both GWS and Sydney, it will host the second-most matches with eight.
• Essendon, GWS, Port Adelaide, Richmond and Sydney will travel the furthest, slated to play in five different states/territories, while Collingwood, Geelong and Hawthorn will play in just three over the season
• GWS will play the fewest games in its home state of New South Wales with five, but this is by virtue of its two home games at Corroboree Group Manuka Oval.

AFLW fixture analysed: Full set complete, who your team doesn't play

Gemma Bastiani takes a look at how each club's draw stacks up following the release of the 2025 NAB AFLW fixture

www.afl.com.au

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Not sure why the AFL didn’t agree to our club’s specific requests to fixture double headers with our men’s team. You would think the AFL would do all they could to promote our club and the code in non heartland states.

The Giants particularly thought it would work for their round-24 men's home match at the Sydney Showground against St Kilda.

However, their women's team were scheduled to play in Melbourne that weekend against Collingwood instead.

GWS's executive general manager of AFLW and football operations, Alison Zell, said while she understood double-headers might not work for all clubs, it would have been feasible from the Giants' perspective and helped grow their fanbase.

"We're a young club with a new audience, a new fan base, and we want to be able to build that across our men's and women's program," Zell told ABC Sport.

"We think we've got this great prospect and a unique proposition to be able to bring new fans in by showcasing the men's and women's games together.

"That's why we're really disappointed to not get the opportunity to do that this season."

Why AFLW clubs and players are disappointed in no double-headers - ABC News

amp.abc.net.au

 

[Cmarsh]

Another season of mediocrity from our Women's team I presume?

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Another season of mediocrity from our Women's team I presume?

Hope doth spring eternal, but the market currently has us 15th favourite for the premiership.

 

[captainMyCaptain]

 

[Giant Strides]

Triple-sport icon, AFLW gun calls time on glittering career

"Chloe’s impact both on and off the field for the GIANTS has been profound, and she’ll leave a lasting legacy with her teammates, coaches and staff."

www.zerohanger.com

"On behalf of everyone at the GIANTS, we congratulate Chloe on everything she has achieved during her time as an AFLW athlete and we wish Chloe and her family all the very best with what comes next," Giants EMG of AFLW and Football Operations Alison Zell said.

"Chloe's impact both on and off the field for the GIANTS has been profound, and she'll leave a lasting legacy with her teammates, coaches and staff.

"While her AFLW playing career comes to an end, she will always be a GIANT and we are excited about what lies next for Chloe as she continues to promote and advocate for women in sport and help inspire the next generation of young female athletes."

 

[Giant Strides]

MSN

With a sporting career inspired by Cathy Freeman, fellow Olympic gold medallist and multi-sports star Chloe Dalton has been forced to retire due a back injury. Part of the champion women's sevens rugby team at the 2016 Rio Games, Dalton also played AFLW for both Carlton and GWS over seven seasons, running out for 32 games.

Demonstrating her versatility and skill, she also played in the WNBL before switching her focus to rugby sevens.
Requiring back surgery after an injury ended her 2024 season with the Giants, Dalton said she's failed to recover sufficiently to resume her career.

"Retired. After a second back surgery nine months ago, my body hasn't bounced back to the point where I can play footy again," the 31-year-old posted on social media. "It's been a tricky process trying to come to terms with the fact that my sporting career has finished through injury."

 

[captainMyCaptain]

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Our AFLW team spreading the AFL message in Canberra, and nice to see them inspiring the next generation with their school visits whilst here.

Smith told CD the club has visited the nation’s capital for the camps for several years. She joined GWS in 2021.

“As long as I’ve been here (in GWS), we’ve been community camping in Canberra, so it’s always very familiar and it’s really nice, that local home feeling to be around in Canberra,” she said.

She said this year’s trip to Canberra included visiting local clubs on Thursday night, 26 June, and school visits the following day.

Smith said she loved playing at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.

“I think the oval itself, it’s a great deck, it’s a really good surface,” she said.

“There’s obviously a lot of Giants supporters in the crowd, which makes it easy for us because we get the momentum.

Special Canberra visit for GIANTS AFLW players | Canberra Daily

Grade six students at Saint Clare of Assisi Primary School in Conder had some special guests at their school on Friday: GIANTS AFLW players.

canberradaily.com.au

 

[MelbourneGWS]

the AFLW jumper numbers for our 8 new players

2025 AFLW Jumper Numbers Revealed

Jumper numbers have been revealed for eight new GIANTS in the AFLW program.

www.gwsgiants.com.au

 

[Giant Strides]

Brodee Mowbray

GIANTS fans have every reason to be excited about Brodee Mowbray in 2025. One of the standouts of the pre-season, Mowbray brings relentless forward-50 pressure, a fierce tackling game and a natural ability to trouble opposition defences. Strong both in the air and at ground level, she’s a versatile medium forward who can push further up the ground when needed.

Zarlie Goldsworthy

Already labelled a future superstar of the competition, Zarlie Goldsworthy delivered a breakout season in 2023, winning the Gabrielle Trainor Medal, claiming the AFLW Rising Star Award, and making history as the youngest-ever player to kick five goals in an AFLW game. Her explosive athleticism, goal sense and ability to play on ball or up forward make her one of the most exciting young talents in the AFLW.

Grace Kos

GIANTS fans should keep a close eye on Irish recruit Grace Kos in 2025. Drafted out of Dublin, Kos arrives at the club with an impressive Gaelic football pedigree. Following in the footsteps of fellow Irish star Eilish O’Dowd, Kos brings elite athleticism, toughness and a winning mentality to the GIANTS.

Sara Howley

There is a lot of hype surrounding the GIANTS’ first pick in the 2024 draft and for good reason. Sara Howley arrives at the GIANTS with a glowing resume and the tools to make an immediate impact. A dual U18 All Australian and Coates Talent League standout, she’s a lightning-quick, high-IQ midfielder who consistently finds the footy and uses it well. Her elite running power and versatility make her a perfect fit for the GIANTS and we don’t think the GIANTS faithful will have to wait long to see her in action.

Eleanor Brown

The entire competition will be eager to see Eleanor Brown back at AFLW level in 2025. A versatile defender, Brown brings valuable experience and composure to the GIANTS backline and will reunite with former Bulldogs teammate Izzy Huntington in orange and charcoal this season. A former top 10 draft pick, Brown’s ability to match up on a variety of opponents, paired with her elite ball use and work rate, makes her a key asset. After time away from the game, the 24-year-old is ready to make her long-awaited return — fitter, hungrier and ready to make an impact.

 

[Giant Strides]

2nd AFLW Pre-Season Match:

CARLTON wrested control of its match against Greater Western Sydney, kicking four last-quarter goals to secure a 21-point win.

Recruit Tara Bohanna and draftee Sophie McKay kicked two goals apiece, including a single each in the final term, while tenacious forward Keeley Skepper bobbed up for two final-quarter majors. With Abbie McKay (12 disposals, two clearances) rested in the second half, Maddy Guerin (27, three clearances) and Mimi Hill (23, five inside 50s) led the way through the midfield for the Blues, while second-year forward Lila Keck found plenty of the ball with 19 touches.
Veteran Darcy Vescio (15) started in defence before being swung into attack in the second half.

Saturday's game at Blacktown International Sportspark was played in slippery conditions, but nothing could stop Alyce Parker on her way to 30 disposals and eight clearances. Eleanor Brown made a successful return to footy after two years on the sidelines for personal reasons, lining up in defence to finish with 11 touches and three marks, while backline teammate Katherine Smith was a consistent performer with 22. Draftee midfielder Sara Howley didn't look fazed at the top level, recording 22 touches of her own on the wing, while Cambridge McCormick provided plenty of drive out of defence, with 18 disposals.

FINAL SCORE
Greater Western Sydney 3.0 4.2 5.3 6.3 (39)
Carlton 2.3 3.7 4.10 8.12 (60)

GOALS
Greater Western Sydney: Garnett 2, Eva, Srhoj, Brazendale, Davies
Carlton: Skepper 2, S.McKay 2, Bohanna 2, Keck, Harrington

LEADING DISPOSALS
Greater Western Sydney: Parker 30, Smith 22, Howley 22, McCormick 18, Beeson 14
Carlton: Guerin 27, Hill 23, Sherar 20, Keck 19, Goss 17

NOTABLE ABSENCES
Greater Western Sydney: Doyle (shin), O'Dowd (Ireland), Huntington, Saad (Achilles)
Carlton: Vickers (wrist)

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Our AFLW coaching group - Cam Bernasconi will be coaching us for the 4th consecutive season.

Meet The GIANTS 2025 AFLW Coaching Group

The GIANTS are excited to confirm their AFLW coaching group for the 2025 season.

www.gwsgiants.com.au

 

[Giant Strides]

Round 1 of the 2025 AFLW season coming up in Canberra this weekend.

AFLW Rehab Report: Round 1

GIANTS youngster Daisy Walker is edging closer to a club debut.

www.gwsgiants.com.au

Injury List – 12 August

Daisy Walker	Knee	1-2 Weeks
Vivien Saad	Achilles	4-5 Weeks

Howley To Debut

The GIANTS have announced first-round pick Sara Howley will make her AFLW debut in Saturday’s season opener.

www.gwsgiants.com.au

The GIANTS will unveil prized number four pick Sara Howley for her AFLW debut in Saturday’s blockbuster season opener against Essendon in Canberra.

Taken with the club’s first pick in last year’s draft, the composed young midfielder joined the GIANTS as one of the country’s best young talents following a standout junior career.

A back-to-back U18 All Australian and Coates Talent League Team of the Year member, Howley dominated for both the Geelong Falcons and Vic Country to announce herself as one of the country’s brightest young stars.

Possessing elite endurance, sharp foot skills, and an uncanny knack for finding the footy, Howley averaged 26 disposals per game across 15 games in the Coates Talent League last year and was also named Vic Country’s MVP after averaging 28 touches per game at an elite 77 per cent efficiency at the national championships.

Grace A Go For Round One

Grace Martin will make her AFLW debut this weekend.

www.gwsgiants.com.au

Draftee Grace Martin will live out her childhood dream in the GIANTS’ opening round clash this Saturday, set to make her AFLW debut against the Bombers at Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka.

Announced on Wednesday by development coach Stephen Camp, the 18-year-old's inclusion in the round one side is a reward for her consistent effort and steady growth across the pre-season.

Selected with pick 22 in the 2024 AFLW Draft, Martin arrived at the club with a growing reputation as a powerful and versatile utility.

Capable of impacting the game on all three lines, the 18-year-old has continued to hone her craft as a defender and is likely to line up in the defensive 50 for her debut on Saturday.

After relocating from Adelaide, Martin quickly settled into life at the GIANTS, impressing both teammates and coaches with her work ethic, game sense and ability to absorb feedback.

Brown To Make Her GIANTS Debut

Eleanor Brown gets told she'll play in the orange for the first time this week against Essendon in Canberra.

www.gwsgiants.com.au

 

[Giant Strides]

Bold expert verdict and predicted ladder range for EVERY AFLW club ahead of season 10

Bold expert verdict and predicted ladder range for EVERY AFLW club ahead of season 10

www.foxsports.com.au

GWS GIANTS

Best finish: Second (2020 – Conference A)
Worst finish: Wooden spoon (2017)

Key list changes: The Giants brought in a host of new faces. Grace Kos arrives from Ireland with big hype, Eleanor Brown crosses from the Bulldogs while Taylah Levy (Adelaide) and Viv Saad (Gold Coast) are also new on the list. Pepa Randall and Annise Bradfield have retired while inaugural Giant Nicola Barr has headed to St Kilda.

Chyloe Kurdas’ expert verdict: “I think they turn over their list pretty heavily every year — and part of that is because the Sydney teams run a little thin at the bottom-end of their list, unfortunately, because it’s hard to attract and retain talent. But I think their top-end talent is great and we all love watching their style of footy when they get up and going with their brand. Plus there’s some really good years of footy into some of those younger players now, like Zarlie Goldsworthy for instance. But what have they done in the off -season to correct their ability to win the contested game, the inside game? Their game plan has been this run-and-gun outside footy … But we need to see them put their head over it and do that more often. My question is: How have they adjusted the coaching style to account for the lack of contested ball-winning ability that we’ve seen in the Giants previously?”

Foxfooty.com.au’s predicted ladder range: 11th-14th

 

[Giant Strides]

 

[Giant Strides]

Another day, another debut announcement!



Local product Sophie Kavanagh rounds out a new-look GIANTS side as the team head down the Hume for round one of AFLW season 10.

The former North Melbourne Kangaroo and Parramatta Goannas midfielder will make her AFLW debut on Saturday after joining the GIANTS as a replacement player for Chloe Dalton ahead of the pre-season.

Bringing agility and athleticism, Kavanagh can line up both on the wing and at half-forward, making her a versatile addition to the GIANTS’ 2025 line-up as they look to increase their speed of transition and run-and-release play.

 

[Giant Strides]

Cam Bernasconi has named six new GIANTS to take on Essendon in the first-ever meeting between the sides.

Sophie Kavanagh joins fellow Goanna Caitlin Fletcher in her first AFLW game, alongside Irish recruit Grace Kos, who was also announced to the group on Thursday to make her debut.

The three round out five first-gamers, after 2024 draftees Sara Howley and Grace Martin were named earlier in the week to take the field with experienced defender Eleanor Brown, who returns to top flight football after two years away from the game.

Brown’s experience and judicious approach to moving the football forward will be key in the GIANTS rebounding, as they look to limit the Bombers uncontested possessions and aerial entries into their attacking 50. Brown will partner with Martin in the backline, whose debut comes off the back of an incredible work rate sustained through the pre-season and is touted for her ground ball work and aggression.

Howley adds significant footy IQ, with an adept ability to read and anticipate play, making her an important addition on the wing.

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Very inspirational article about AFLW and our women players from one of the chief supporters and sponsors of our AFLW team.

You look at these young women here at the Giants and they come from everywhere, and their common passion is they are elite sports people. “There was nothing for women in this game when we started. They didn’t even have their own change rooms, they didn’t have their strength coaches, they couldn’t use the gym.

“In the last week there’s been a lot written about the AFL, the women’s game, where they’re playing, why aren’t they getting better broadcast timeslots? Why are there no double headers with the men, all those kinds of things.

“This is not going to happen overnight and each sporting code has their own approach to how they’re bringing women through … but in 10 years look how far they have come. Yes they’ve still got a long way to go.”

https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/aflw/ridiculous-harvey-norman-ceo-issues-challenge-to-aussie-sport-fans/news-story/7a36761e832463d82639c335ecf9e5ef?amp

 

[Giant Strides]

Let's go ladies!

 

[Giant Strides]

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Unfortunately we lost to Essendon 29 (3.11) to 85 (13.7) on a bitterly cold (3 degrees equivalent) night

 

[captainMyCaptain]

Its seems that even though Howley had chunks of footy as a junior, we should of drafted Zippy Fish

Maybe but it's just one game and personally I think Howley will in time become one of the better players in the comp

But with Bernasconi as head coach it almost doesn't matter who we have as with him running the show we're wasting these girls career.