The AFLW’s Opening Round: Beyond the Votes, What’s Really at Play?
The 2026 NAB AFLW season has kicked off with a bang, and the coaches’ votes for Round One are already sparking conversations. Six players—Bec Beeson, Mon Conti, Jess Fitzgerald, Teagan Germech, Ally Morphett, and Olivia Purcell—nailed perfect 10s, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive year. But here’s the thing: while the votes are a snapshot of individual brilliance, they’re also a window into something much bigger—the evolving dynamics of women’s footy.
Perfect 10s: More Than Just Numbers
What makes these perfect scores particularly fascinating is the diversity of players and teams involved. From Greater Western Sydney’s Bec Beeson to Melbourne’s Olivia Purcell, these athletes represent a mix of established powerhouses and emerging contenders. Personally, I think this speaks to the league’s growing parity. In previous seasons, a few teams dominated the narrative, but now, talent is spreading across the board. Take Teagan Germech from Port Adelaide, for instance. Her 10 votes aren’t just a personal achievement; they’re a sign that expansion clubs are no longer underdogs but serious contenders.
The North Melbourne Conundrum
One thing that immediately stands out is the split votes for North Melbourne’s Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner, both earning 9s. These two are undisputed stars, yet they didn’t quite reach the perfect score. What this really suggests is that even in a dominant team performance, coaches are looking for that extra edge—something beyond the usual brilliance. From my perspective, this could be a subtle shift in how we evaluate players. Are we moving from celebrating consistency to demanding game-changing moments? If so, it’s a fascinating evolution in the sport’s expectations.
Brisbane’s Sweep: A Team Effort or Individual Brilliance?
Brisbane’s win over Essendon saw Jade Ellenger top the votes with 8, but what’s more intriguing is the spread of votes across the team. This raises a deeper question: Are coaches rewarding individual performances or team synergy? In my opinion, Brisbane’s sweep highlights the latter. When a team wins convincingly, it’s often because multiple players step up, not just one. Yet, the voting system inherently focuses on individuals. This tension between team success and individual recognition is something the AFLW will need to navigate as the season progresses.
The Hidden Story Behind the Votes
What many people don’t realize is that these votes aren’t just about skill—they’re about impact. Take Richmond’s Mon Conti, for example. Her perfect 10 wasn’t just for flashy plays; it was for her ability to control the game’s tempo. If you take a step back and think about it, this is where women’s footy is truly shining. Players are being recognized not just for what they do, but for how they do it. It’s a level of tactical appreciation that’s often overlooked in broader discussions about the sport.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Season?
As we move forward, these Round One votes will set the tone for the season’s narrative. Will the perfect 10s maintain their dominance, or will new names emerge? Personally, I’m keeping an eye on players like Tyanna Smith and Mimi Hill, who split votes in the Carlton-St Kilda clash. Their 8s might not be perfect, but they’re a sign of potential. What this really suggests is that the AFLW is becoming less about established stars and more about the next wave of talent.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Scores
In the end, the coaches’ votes are more than just numbers—they’re a reflection of the league’s growth, its challenges, and its future. From my perspective, the real story here isn’t who got the most votes, but what those votes reveal about the sport’s trajectory. The AFLW is no longer just a platform for individual brilliance; it’s a stage for tactical innovation, team dynamics, and the rise of new talent. And that, in my opinion, is what makes this season so exciting.
So, as we dive into Round Two, let’s not just focus on the scores. Let’s look at the stories behind them. Because in those stories, we’ll find the heart of what makes the AFLW so compelling.
