Each week of the 2026 AFLW season, ESPN's Sarah Burt takes a look at what's making news, raising questions, and catching the eye across the competition.
This week's W Files feature a look ahead to one of the season's most anticipated clashes, a nod to a women's footy trailblazer, the Suns' crazy team selection, and a record-breaking stat.
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1. Much-awaited Grand Final rematch on the horizon
A grudge match will be the staple of Round 2, and personally I'm pumped. A 73-point win last week against Geelong for the reigning premiers means the Kangaroos haven't dropped points since a draw in Round 2, 2024, and haven't lost a game since the 2023 Grand Final, a streak now standing at a staggering 28 consecutive wins and 30 games unbeaten (draws included).
In the preseason captains survey, fifteen of the eighteen backed the Roos to make a fourth consecutive Grand Final appearance in 2026. The powerhouse side will come up against fellow two-time premiers, the Lions who come off the back of a 48-point win against Essendon in Round 1. It's going to be must-watch action.
2. An unfortunate farewell to a trailblazer
One of the greatest players in our young game, Chelsea Randall had the chance to do a lap of Unley Oval and soak up her retirement in an emotional nod to the star on Sunday afternoon.
The 35-year-old three-time premiership player and marquee Adelaide Crow captained the Crows for eight seasons, and leaves her mark on the game with five All-Australian blazers and six Most Courageous Player Awards.
Announcing her retirement on the eve of the AFLW season in June, Randall has spoken openly that the decisions were due to medical reasons relating to concussions sustained during her career.
With wife MJ and son Tomi in attendance, Randall was visibly overcome with emotion, and rightly so. A player that leaves an incredible legacy and a stark reminder of the effect concussion has on players in our sport.
3. 11, yes, ELEVEN debutants
The Gold Coast SUNS broke a league record with 11 debutants taking the field in their colours in their Saturday clash against the Western Bulldogs. Despite suffering a 26-point loss, in a very wet contest, it is a fantastic sign for the league that young talent is being given the chance to experience top-level footy and learn the ropes from week one.
Ten of the debutants involved were running out for their first ever AFLW game, making the loss a standard rite of passage, however the eleventh was former Adelaide Crows veteran and four-time All-Australian Anne Hatchard, who ended her day with five tackles, ten contested possessions and three marks.
The stars of last year's SUNS side shone, as the youngsters found their feet, with Charlie Rowbottom, Lucy Single, and ruck Havana Harris starring defensively. Gold Coast SUNS General Manager of Women's Football Erin Phillips spoke proudly during the week saying, "Ten AFLW debutants and one club debutant marks the beginning of a new era for the Gold Coast Suns."
4. My favourite stat of the week
Jade Ellenger's Round 1 performance was one for the record books, with the premiership Lion becoming the first Brisbane player to record at least 20 disposals, 400 metres gained, 10 contested possessions, 10 uncontested possessions and 10 intercept possessions in the same game, according to Champion Data.
Ellenger finished with 23 disposals, 417 metres gained, 12 contested possessions, 11 uncontested possessions and 10 intercepts. Predominantly playing half-back in a 48-point win makes these stats even more impressive.