The Unseen Winners and Losers of the AFLW Season So Far

The Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) season is still in its infancy, but a familiar pattern has already emerged: the top teams continue to dominate, while others struggle to keep pace. Last weekend’s matches between the Western Bulldogs and Sydney Swans were a stark reminder of this imbalance.

The Bulldogs’ 27-point win over the Swans was built on Emma McDonald’s three crucial goals in the final quarter, but it also highlights the inconsistencies that plague many teams. Down by four points at three-quarter time, the Bulldogs capitalized on Sydney’s mistakes and outlasted their opponents.

North Melbourne continued its impressive winning streak, defeating St Kilda by a staggering 92 points. This was not an unexpected result, given the Kangaroos’ form over the past few seasons. However, it raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such dominance. Teams like St Kilda and others struggling at the bottom of the ladder will need to find ways to break through and challenge the top teams.

Sydney’s injuries are a concern for any team seeking to seriously compete in the AFLW. With Taylor Smith out for an extended period, the Swans will need to regroup and adapt their strategy to generate scoring opportunities. This could prove beneficial for teams like the Bulldogs, who may see this as an opportunity to capitalize on their opponents’ vulnerabilities.

The wider implications of these results are clear: the AFLW needs a stronger middle tier with teams consistently pushing each other to improve. Without this competition, the top teams will continue to dominate, and lower-ranked teams will struggle to gain traction. This is not a new problem; various forms of Australian Rules football have struggled with competitive balance in recent years.

The Victorian Football League (VFL) has faced similar issues, with dominant teams like Casey Demons and Frankston Dolphins consistently finishing at or near the top of the ladder. Similarly, the AFL itself has had its share of dominant teams throughout history – think Collingwood in the 1920s or Carlton in the 1980s.

The AFLW’s relative youth and lack of established powerhouses create a unique opportunity for teams to rise through the ranks and challenge the top teams on merit rather than reputation. We’re starting to see glimmers of this in teams like the West Coast Eagles, who have made significant strides over the past few seasons.

As we head into the mid-point of the season, it’s clear that the usual suspects will continue to dominate – but can others bridge the gap and challenge them on their own terms? Or will we see a repeat of last year’s narrative, with the same teams finishing at or near the top of the ladder? Only time will tell. For now, let’s keep our eyes on the Bulldogs and Kangaroos, as well as those struggling teams at the bottom of the ladder. It’s going to be an interesting few months ahead.