The 2025 AFLW season kicks off on Thursday night with a highly anticipated match between the Carlton Blues and the Collingwood Magpies at Ikon Park. This opening game promises to revive the fierce rivalry, as both teams aim to start the season on a positive note following challenging campaigns in 2024.
Carlton, who finished 14th last year with a record of 4-7, will look to assert dominance over Collingwood, who ended the season at the bottom of the ladder with a disappointing 1-10 record. Collingwood’s struggles last season were evident, but the team is hoping to turn the tide this year with new talent and a fresh perspective.
Carlton’s coach, Mathew Buck, expressed the team’s determination to secure victory against their rivals. “We want to beat the Pies,” he stated. Recognizing the significance of this matchup for both clubs, he added, “It was a nice close game last year, with a kick from Dayna Finn that put us back in front to ultimately win the game, so they’ve been close in the past, and I think it might be close again.”
The Magpies will introduce their new star, Ash Centra, the prized No.1 draft pick, who has shown exceptional skill during her time with Vic Metro and the Gippsland Power. Alongside Centra, former Docker Airlie Runnalls and father-daughter recruit Violet Patterson will take the field, adding depth to Collingwood’s lineup.
On the opposite side of the country, the West Coast Eagles will also be looking to make an impact as they face the Gold Coast Suns in Perth. The Eagles’ match venue was changed from Leederville’s Sullivan Logistics Stadium to Mineral Resources Park due to concerns about field conditions. Under the leadership of coach Daisy Pearce, the Eagles aim to build on last season’s achievements, where they recorded a club-best four wins.
West Coast will feature debutants Lucia Painter, the No.7 draft pick, and Kayla Dalgleish, the No.57 pick, as they look to surprise critics who predict another struggle for the team this season. The match will also mark the first time Bella Lewis and Charlie Thomas lead the side as co-captains.
Gold Coast coach Rhyce Shaw has announced five debutants for their matchup, including academy graduates Havana Harris, Nyalli Milne, and Mia Salisbury. Notably, Harris was the No.2 pick at last year’s AFLW national draft, showcasing the potential for new talent to shine.
As the season unfolds, the Sydney Swans will also look to improve upon their 15th-place finish when they host Richmond on Friday night. The weekend will feature several other exciting matches, including Geelong against defending champions North Melbourne, GWS facing Essendon, and Melbourne taking on the Western Bulldogs, who are grappling with injuries.
Sunday’s lineup includes matches with Brisbane going head-to-head with Hawthorn, St Kilda taking on Adelaide, and Port Adelaide hosting Fremantle. The 2025 AFLW season promises excitement and surprises as teams strive for success and fans rally behind their favorites.
