AFLW Round 1 Preview: Lions and Roos Set Pace
· travel
The Lions Got the Points, But There Were Two High-Points for the Bombers
The opening round of the Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) season has concluded, and it’s already clear that this will be a year to remember. North Melbourne and Brisbane Lions set an early pace that suggests they’ll be major contenders for the title.
Brisbane Lions’ 48-point thrashing of Essendon at Windy Hill was comprehensive from start to finish. Led by Jade Ellenger’s masterful performance against Madison Prespaskis, the Lions dominated centre clearance and territory throughout the game. Their eight-goal lead at half-time set the tone for the rest of the match, with Dakota Davidson benefiting from the supply to kick four goals.
This result has significant implications for Essendon, who will need to regroup quickly to avoid being left behind in the pack. New coach Jarrad Donders and his assistant Brendan Fevola will be keenly aware that their team needs to improve its defensive game if it hopes to stay in contention.
North Melbourne’s 73-point demolition of Geelong showcased a different kind of dominance – sustained pressure over four quarters. The Roos’ winning streak now stands at an impressive 28 games, with Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner leading the charge.
The AFLW season often sees early-season form provide a useful guide to which teams will ultimately contest the title. Brisbane Lions, North Melbourne, and Richmond look well-placed to challenge for honours after their strong performances in the opening round. However, it’s worth noting that past seasons have shown that teams can turn their form around quickly.
As the competition heats up, fans can expect plenty of nail-biting finishes and thrilling comebacks. With so many talented teams competing, it will be a long and arduous road to the title for all involved – but one thing is certain: this AFLW season promises to be an exhilarating ride.
Reader Views
- IRIván R. · tour guide
The opening round of AFLW has lived up to its promise of delivering nail-biting action and dominating performances from the top teams. But let's not forget that North Melbourne's impressive winning streak is built on a foundation of consistency rather than outright dominance. The Roos' ability to maintain their level of pressure over four quarters will be crucial in determining whether they can sustain this momentum throughout the season, particularly against more physical opponents who may push them harder.
- MJMara J. · long-term traveler
"The AFLW season is off to a thrilling start, but let's not get carried away just yet. While Brisbane and North Melbourne look like strong contenders, we shouldn't forget that past seasons have shown even the top teams can hit a rough patch. I'd love to see more analysis of team strategies and tactics beyond just individual performances. How are coaches adapting their game plans mid-season? What's the impact of player injuries on team morale? These are the questions that will really get to the heart of what makes a winning team in the AFLW."
- TCThe Compass Desk · editorial
The opening round of AFLW has certainly lived up to its promise. While Brisbane Lions' demolition of Essendon was expected, North Melbourne's 73-point thrashing of Geelong is a more telling indicator of their title credentials. What caught my eye, however, is the lack of attention being paid to Richmond's quietly impressive performance against Collingwood. They may not have racked up the points, but their resilience and ability to adapt in adversity are qualities that will serve them well come finals time.