Gaelic star Ailish Considine’s dream of playing in the AFLW has truly become a reality.

Considine signed with the Adelaide Crows as a rookie and as the club's first International women’s player at the end of 2018.

“It’s a pretty amazing feeling to be honest. Being able to be a part of history in such a great club is special,” Considine said.

“Still don’t have words to describe it. When I signed the contract I didn’t even read it I was so excited! It didn’t feel like real life! Probably one of the best days of my life so far, it’s a dream come true. I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”

Image Source: Adelaide Football Club

Considine is 26 years old and has played Gaelic Football for 20 years since she was six years old. “I’ve been playing at the highest level for my county (Clare) since I was in primary school,” Considine said.

When it comes to the significance of her signing for women’s footy in Ireland and internationally Considine feels it has brought greater publicity to the game back home. Especially with five Irishwomen currently playing AFLW.

“The interest has grown significantly and I think a few more International girls will be looking to play the sport with the news of four new teams for next year,” Considine said.

Cora Staunton and Laura Duryea are both big names back in Ireland after playing in previous AFLW seasons and are an inspiration to the amateur Ladies Gaelic Footballers like Considine who want to play professional sport. “It made the dream of being a professional athlete become a possibility for us amateur Ladies Gaelic Footballers. Seeing what they’ve achieved playing AFLW has generated huge interest in Ireland. There is now a much greater following back home in Ireland because of them.”

Considine has one sister and when children they both played many sports including Camogie (a women's Irish stick and ball sport similar to hurling). Camogie is a popular sport in the Irish communities.

“My sister and I played many sports as children and a hurley and sliothar (ball) just happened to be one of the pieces of equipment we had at out disposal. My mother played it in her younger days and encouraged us to play. We were lucky our principal in our primary school in Kilmihil taught hurling to us after school and when I was 12 we joined Kilmaley Camogie Club,” Considine said.

The Camogie skills that Considine thinks she can use in the AFLW include the ground ball technique and reaction time. “I think the ground ball technique is something I’ve picked up from Camogie because the ball ends up in contests a lot and you have to use your hips and body as well as getting down low to get the ball ahead of your opponent,” Considine said. “Camogie is also great for increasing your reaction time because the ball is so small and comes at you so quick so that has been helpful when having to adjust to the bounce of the oval ball.”

Considine was involved in the AFL Cross Coders program last year and this is where she learnt a lot about the game of Australian Rules. “How transferable the game of Gaelic Football is to Australian Rules game. There’s a very similar skill set and the level we play at in Ireland is not far off the pace over here in Australia.” “I think kicking laterally, switching the play, running with the ball and moving it quickly are natural instincts with Gaelic Football so hopefully they can transfer well to the AFLW.”

Considine recently played in the Northern Territory to get some match time under her belt ahead of the AFLW. “It was a great learning experience for me because I got a great knowledge of the rules and how the game flows. The humidity was difficult at first but I eventually began to adapt although I’ve never experienced that much sweat in my life! Playing with West Clare Waves (Australian football team in Ireland) has definitely helped introduce me to the game in difficult conditions at home in Ireland with the wet, cold and muddy conditions of winter football. Playing in Darwin was another step up and challenge but in a different way.”

 Image Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

The leadership skills that Considine feels she can add, as a player to the Adelaide Crows AFLW team is her diversity and different skill sets.

For Considine the biggest changes from Gaelic Football to the AFLW so far have been to adapt to the oval ball, changing her kicking and tackling techniques.

Considine has only called the Crows home since November last year but in this short time she has learnt so much. “Everything is new so I feel like a sponge trying to take in all the new information! Between learning about the game, getting to know my teammates and finding my way around Adelaide it’s been a lot to take in but has been very enjoyable. Something that I have learned since being here and that has really stuck with me is that Adelaide Crows is not just a football team, it’s more like a family in the way that everyone gets around each other. That’s a nice feeling for someone like me who is thousands of miles away from my own family back in Ireland.”

The whole Crows playing group, staff and coaches have welcomed Considine with open arms. “Everyone has helped so much in their own way but Chelsea, MJ and Sal Riley have been my go to people and have been so good to me since I’ve moved over here on and off the training field.”

Considine is excited ahead of her first season at the Adelaide Crows. “I’m looking forward to seeing the progression of this group throughout the season, they’re a special bunch of girls and I can’t wait to see how well we compete and hopefully getting to put on that guernsey for the first time!” ...

Image Source: AFL Women's 

The AFLW is finally back for it's third season and it promises to be the best season of the AFLW yet with two new teams North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and Geelong Cats making history and joining the competition. First match of the season will commence this Saturday at the cattery and this match will be a history breaking match for the Geelong Cats, a team playing their first ever AFLW match. 

Round 1 extended team lists have been released below

Geelong Cats vs Collingwood, Saturday 2nd February 6:45pm at GMBHA Stadium

Geelong Squad 

In: - A.Teague, R.Goring, C.Blakeway, D.Taylor, M.McDonald, R.Webster, R.Garing, S.Van De Heuvel, M.Boyd, N.Morrison, K.Darby, P.McWilliams, J.Ivey, A.O'Connor, J.Crockett-Grills, O.Purcell, D.Orr, M.Keryk, M.McMahon, M.Fogas, M.Clifford

Out: - None

 Collingwood Squad

In: - J.Allen, A.Brazill, I.Ross, S.Livingstone, S.Casey, E.Grant, B.Bonnici, L.Butler, S.D'Arcy, M.Cann, S.Rowe, S.Alexander, C.McIntosh, S.Layton, S.Chiocci, J.Lambert, R.Schleicher, G.Gourlay, S.Dargan, K.Stratton, E.Fowler

Out: - None

Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs, Saturday 2nd February 7:40pm at Norwood Oval

Adelaide Crows Squad 

In: - R.Forth, S.Allan, C.Cramey, A.Foley, C.Randall, S.Thompson, E.Marinoff, D.Varnhagen, A.Hatchard, C.Scheer, E.Jones, M.Rajcic, J.Mules, J.Foley, E.Phillips, D.Cox, M.Nankivell, H.Martin, J.McCormick, A.Considine, S.Li

Out: - None

Western Bulldogs Squad

In: - L.Birch, L.Spark, B.Hunt, N.Callinan, T.Ernst, H.Scott, B.Smith, N.Ferres, K.Brennan, M.Conti, K.McLeod, E.Mackie, A.Utri, K.Rennie, K.Lamb, E.Blackburn, B.Toogood, C.Moody, E.Brown, A.Gogos, D.Berry

Out: - None

North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos vs Carlton, Sunday 3rd February 1:05pm at Hobart Oval 

North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos Squad

Carlton Squad

Brisbane Lions vs GWS Giants, Sunday 3rd February 3:05pm at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex 

Brisbane Lions Squad

 In: - S.Virgo, L.Kaslar, S.Campbell, L.Arnell, S.Webb, K.Lutkins, E.Zielke, J.Zanchetta, S.Frederick-Traub, N.Exon, J.Wuetschner, M.Dowrick, K.McCarthy, J.Tawhiao-Wardlaw, E.Bates, A.Anderson, L.Bella, A.Clarke, G.Collingwood, N.Grider, P.Parker, T.Groves-Little, E.Pittman

Out: - None

GWS Giants Squad

In: - C.Staunton, M.Collier, T.Hetherington, E.Bennetts, P.Randall, A.Farrugia, J.Dal Pos, C.Gum, A.Eva, C.Bernardi, Y.Bonner, H.Zreika, P.Monahan, E.McKinnon, E.Swanson, A.Parker, L.Stephenson, A.Schmidt, N.Barr, R.Beeson, J.Hicks, T.Mackrill, B.Perry

Out: - None

Melbourne vs Fremantle, Sunday 3rd February 3:05pm at Casey Fields

Melbourne Squad 

In: - M.Downie, H.Cordner, S.Sloane, S.Lampard, E.O'Dea, K.Paxman, C.Emonson, K.Hore, B.Jakobsson, A.Newman, E.Zanker, T.Cunningham, M.Gay, L.Pearce, L.Mithen, S.Scott, C.Phillips, K.Smith, C.Whitfort, T.Hanks, A.Guest, A.Woodland, A.Kemp

Out: - None

Fremantle Squad

In: - E.Gooch, T.Bresland, A.Stannett, A.Williams, E.Antonio, S.Cain, S.Duffy, K.Gibson, G.Houghton, G.O'Sullivan, P.Seth, A.Sharp, K.Bowers, P.Laurie, D.Hooker, K.Donnellan, H.Miller, K.Grieve, L.Pugh, L.Mascall, C.Stubbs, B.Moyes, M.Caulfield 

Out: - None

Image Source: AFL Women's  ...

Since the inaugural AFLW season, Emma Zielke has been a household name at the Brisbane Lions with her leadership and star talent.

Zielke captained the Lions in the first two seasons after she was signed as a priority access player in August 2016 before the inaugural AFLW season in 2017. “It was one of the best memories so far, I was extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity.”

 Zielke handed over the captaincy to Leah Kaslar for AFLW 3.0.

 “Leah is a great leader, being the Vice Captain the past two seasons I have leant on her in both seasons,” Zielke said. “I know she will be great, she gives it her all every time she steps out on the track and is fearless. I look forward to running out behind her this season!”

Image Source: Jason O'Brien/Getty Images AsiaPac

Zielke has always been a leader in her 12 seasons of playing football. She captained Queensland three times at the AFL Women’s National Championships. “It is always such a great honour to captain any team you play for but it was quite special named captain of the QLD team, as I was only a few years into my football career at the time so it was special.”

Zielke believes there is still a place for the National Championships with the AFLW in place. “Yes, I don't see why not, I think it would be a good platform for players that aren't AFLW listed to get a chance to prove themselves if they are over 18 and not aligned with an academy," Zielke said. "It would also be a good platform for current AFLW players who are looking to coach to take on these roles.”

Since being an AFLW player, Zielke has played in a few inaugural AFLW competitions including the first AFLW State of Origin. “Obviously it was exciting to be able to play in the first State of Origin game but unfortunately for me it was where I broke three ribs and punctured a lung so a good experience quickly turned sour!”

Zielke is a believer in women's footy players being able to represent their country in International Rules like their male counterparts as she feels it will be great for women's football in moving forward and being promoted worldwide. Also Zielke would put her hand up to play if there ever was a International Rules AFLW series. 

"Yeah definitely, I think the girls who get picked in the All Australian team should get to go overseas and play a series just like the men," Zielke said. "It would be a huge incentive."

Another first for Zielke was she became the first Lions AFLW captain to lead her team into the inaugural AFLW Grand Final and she also was the first captain to lead her team into two consecutive Grand Finals. “Yeah the feeling of playing in two grand finals itself has been a great experience and something you can always learn from, but obviously you play footy to win a premiership," she said. "So to come so close is pretty devastating but it helps drive you through pre season and when you come up against your next opponent.”

Image Source: Michael Wilson/AFL Media/Getty Images AsiaPac

Zielke played alongside star players Kaitlyn Ashmore, Tahlia Randall and Brittany Gibson at the Lions, but in AFLW 3.0 she will now play against her former teammates who play for the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos. “We have drafted really well this season so we have had a few that have stepped up to replace anyone who has left from last season," Zielke said. "We have 5 debuting for us this weekend, Paige Parker will be important for us and is someone to look out for.”

The coach who has had the biggest impact on Zielke’s football career is current Lions head coach Craig Starcevich. “Craig Starcevich has been huge in my development, having coached with him and being coached by him he has helped my game in all aspects.”

Since Zielke became a Lions player she has enjoyed every moment. “My teammates and the fun we have. I really enjoy going to footy everyday because you get to see them and play the best game in the world!”

Image Source: Brisbane Lions

With one day left till AFLW 3.0 begins, Zielke believes that the Lions have what it takes to be a real threat again this season. “I believe we will be a strong and competitive team in 2019, the team has trained so hard all preseason in tough conditions and have stepped it up another notch so we won’t go down without a fight!” ...

It's exciting knowing that this time tomorrow AFLW 3.0 will be back and it sure is great to have football back for 2019!

If the first two seasons of the AFLW are anything to go by as far as the growth of women’s sport and crowd attendances, then AFLW 3.0 will be biggest and best season yet with the inclusion of two new AFLW teams and the new conference format. The Lions will be out to prove themselves after being the team to beat in the first two seasons, as they made the grand final for two consecutive years but did not come away with the premiership, so will AFLW 3.0 be the season they finally finish the season on a high as AFLW premiers.

Image Source: AFL Women's 

The Western Bulldogs will be the hunted this season after an incredible grand final upset win over the Lions, but the question is can the Dogs win back to back or will another team make history and win their first AFLW premiershipω In AFLW 3.0 the inclusion of North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and the Geelong Cats is massive. There is a lot of speculation that North Melbourne will provide headaches for the rest of the competition due to the amount of stars they have picked up from other clubs in the AFLW expansion including former Western Bulldogs captain and premiership player Emma Kearney and classy Lions trio Kaitlyn Ashmore, Brittany Gibson and Tahlia Randall. 

This season there will be five Irishwomen who will call AFLW teams home. These Irishwomen are Cora Staunton (GWS Giants), Yvonne Bonner (GWS Giants), Ailish Considine (Adelaide), Sarah Rowe (Collingwood) and Aisling McCarthy (Western Bulldogs). This list will continue to grow with women’s football becoming massive in Ireland and it’s huge for our game to be blessed by players who are oozing with talent to switch codes.

AFLW 3.0 will be made up of 10 teams and these 10 teams will be separated into two five-team conferences. All of the teams will play seven games matches each starting this weekend (Saturday 2nd February), there will be two finals weeks and the AFLW Grand Final will be played in the last weekend of March.Each of the teams will play four teams in their own conference but also three teams from the other conference. This conference system is similar to how the NBA competition is structured. AFL’s head of women’s football Nicole Livingstone says the conference format best suits the AFLW competition “because part of our mantra with AFLW is to be unique and innovative, and we believe this is part of that progress,” Livingstone told AFL.com.au.

Adelaide Crows Preview: 

If Erin Phillips is injury free, fit and firing then rest of the competition will need to watch out. Phillips played under an injury cloud towards the end of last season and she still was able to impact the match in Adelaide's favour. Fortunately for Adelaide they did not lose any players in the AFLW expansion, however they did lose versatile forward Ruth Wallace who had a lot of upside due to personal reasons and Jess Allen to work commitments. In the off season, Adelaide acquired the playing services of great young talent in small midfielder Nikki Gore who is extremely agile and is sure to impact games from the onset. They have also gained players from other clubs in Sophie Li from Carlton and Renee Forth from GWS Giants. Adelaide's backline is arguably the best in the competition with Chelsea Randall, Angela Foley and Courtney Cramey. 

Brisbane Lions Preview:

The Brisbane Lions have been the best team of the past two AFLW seasons and definitely the unluckiest team making two consecutive grand finals but losing both. Brisbane Lions fans should be excited if the last two seasons are anything to go by, because their team would have learnt a lot from those devastating grand final losses and this will make them determined more than ever to have a red hot go in AFLW 3.0. Unfortunately the Brisbane Lions loss a number of players in the AFLW expansion including defenders Nicole Hildebrand and Tahlia Randall, midfielders Jamie Stanton, Brittany Gibson and Kaitlyn Ashmore. They also loss promising young gun Sophie Conway for this season who is out with a knee injury. The Lions acquired young talent from the draft with Paige Parker who has a lot of potential for a youngster but also needs a lot more time to grow her game, she will be a player to watch and Natalie Grider a defender who can play through the middle will be handy for the Lions this season and in the future. The Lions still have a pretty strong and experienced list with Sabrina Frederick-Traub, Emma Zielke, Kate Lutkins, Sam Virgo and Leah Kaslar and Jess Weutschner. So could these experienced players help the Lions to make their third consecutive grand final or will the loss of star players be too big of a loss. 

Carlton Preview:

The first two AFLW seasons were seasons that the Carlton faithful would like to forget but these two seasons were huge learning experiences for the Carlton women’s team. Carlton is determined this season to be competitive and to let the lessons learnt in seasons pasts drive them this coming season. Since new head coach Daniel Harford joined the club at the end of last year, he has already changed is approach with the players and the whole vibe within the club is positive. Carlton acquired Collingwood midfielder Amelia Barden as a new recruit to the club to add experience and speed to their midfield. Also the club recruited two players from rugby backgrounds in Chloe Dalton and Brooke Walker. With these three new acquisitions you can see that Harford’s focus heading into AFLW 3.0 is to have a faster team. Also skillful and speedy midfielders will bring star forward Darcy Vescio into the game more and hopefully this will help them win more matches. Carlton third season in the AFLW will be interesting to say the least, as with a new coach there is a lot of unanswered questions such as have the blues improved as a side under Harford or will Carlton still lag behind the rest of the competition

Collingwood Preview:

Collingwood lost heaps of star players in the AFLW expansion including Moana Hope, Jasmine Garner and Jess Duffin to newcomers the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos. They also loss Christina Bernardi who is the clubs second best player to the GWS Giants and rising star and 2018 MVP from last year Chloe Molloy will be out for the whole season, as she recovers from her Lisfranc injury sustained in the VFLW. Amelia Barden went to Carlton and Caitlyn Edwards left the club to see where her rugby career takes her. Despite Collingwood losing a number of players they have also brought in a lot of young talent to the club via the AFLW draft including promising youngster Mikala Cann who is an amazing athlete with her speed, tackling and strength. Cann has so many more attributes to add to her game as she is a former basketballer who would be playing professional basketball if she was not playing in the AFLW. Collingwood will still be led by Steph Chiocci who has been a great leader in the past two seasons, so hopefully in AFLW 3.0 her leadership will lead Collingwood to more wins. 

Geelong Preview:

Geelong will be the new kids on the block in AFLW 3.0 but they will not let that affect their chances of impacting the competition this season with a host of their talent being recruited locally including 2018 number one draft pick Morrison, Purcell and Taylor. They also have put their faith in a lot of young players who they have recruited, but there are heaps of uncertainties when it comes to Geelong's chances in their inaugural season like can they win many matches with their young list and possibly be the surprise packet of the competition or will cats fans have to wait till next season to boost their list with experienced players to win more matches. 

GWS Giants Preview:

On paper the GWS Giants look especially strong with Irishwoman and mercurial player Cora Staunton playing incredible up forward and down back and if she continues her form from last season then the rest of the competition will have no answers for her. With skipper Amanda Farrugia leading the way again this season for the GWS Giants, the team will be in good hands for a third consecutive year. If, young gun Rebecca Beeson can continue her brilliance rising star form from last season then that will be an added bonus for the GWS Giants. The Giants have Courtney Gum who arguably was the second best midfielder last season behind Emma Kearney and if she can continue her stellar form this will be great for the team. Alicia Eva is also in the midfield and her midfield attributes such as her footy knowledge and skills could make her the best in the competition if it was not for her small stature and do not forget about Jess Dal Pos who had a outstanding season in the inaugural AFLW but her form went down last season, so if her form lifts that will boost the Giants through the middle. They also added young midfield talent in last season's draft in Alyce Parker and another Irishwoman/Gaelic star in Yvonne Bonner and if Bonner has a superb debut season like Staunton did then the Giants scoring will be heavily improved. 

Fremantle Dockers Preview:

In the past two seasons, the Fremantle Dockers have been competitive but unfortunately this competitiveness has not helped them to win many games. The Fremantle Dockers will hope that their scoring will improve, as they picked up promising young forward duo Phillipa Seth and Kiara Bowers in the off season. So hopefully for Fremantle fans they can help Ashley Sharp. Fremantle's midfield spine is strong with Kara Donnellan and Dana Hooker but they need more players to step up in the midfield for them. Evie Gooch and Ebony Antonio have both been incredible half-backs causing headaches for opposition forwards. Fremantle acquired Sabreena Duffy in the draft, so she will boost the team through the centre. A big improvement area for Fremantle is they need to hit targets. They lack position players in their team, so this might be what let's them down this season. Hopefully in AFLW 3.0, Fremantle can continue to lead hte AFLW with the average clearances per game and can win the ball like in the previous two seasons. 

Melbourne Preview:

With the AFLW expansion meant that Melbourne lost loads of talented players including Rocky Cranston and Mel Hickey to the two new teams and with the absence of Daisy Pearce this season who's pregnant with twins, who will step up in her absence. Will Karen Paxman lift another notch and become an A-grade midfielder for Melbourne, she had a lot of good spurts in games but will she in AFLW 3.0 take the next step and win matches single-handedly like Adelaide's Erin Phillips. Hopefully for Melbourne fans forward Tegan Cunningham will continue to give the opposition headaches with her height and strong marking hands. If everything goes well for Cunningham this season with the delivery from her midfielders into the forward line then she will kick a bag of goals in a number of matches this season. Also if young forward Eden Zanker becomes potent up forward then Melbourne could be the highest scoring team in AFLW 3.0. Arguably Melbourne's main asset is their midfield but other teams such as the GWS Giants and Adelaide Crows have strengthened their midfields. Even though Melbourne has a strong list they still have not made the Grand Final as in the past two seasons they lost matches to teams lower to them on the ladder, but if they fix this then they will be a threat again this season.

North Melbourne Preview:

North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos in it's inaugural season have acquired huge star players in former Western Bulldogs captain, 2018 MVP and premiership player Emma Kearney and Western Bulldogs teammate Jenna Bruton, Collingwood trio Moana Hope, Jasmine Garner and Jess Duffin, Brisbane Lions trio Kaitlyn Ashmore, Brittany Gibson and Tahlia Randall, Carlton duo Danielle Hardiman and Kate Gillespie-Jones and Melbourne duo Emma Humphries and Jasmine Grierson. Acquiring all these star players looks great on paper but the real test for North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos will be whether all these players can work well in the same team in AFLW 3.0 and be a real threat come finals time or will it take a few more seasons for the team to make the finals. 

Western Bulldogs Preview:

The Western Bulldogs lost their biggest star and the league's MVP Emma Kearney who was a stalwart for them through the midfield for the past two seasons and they also loss fellow midfielder Jenna Bruton in the AFLW Expansion. Also in the expansion they lost ruck/forward Aasta O'Connor to Geelong and due to the fact they are the reigning premiers means they did not acquire high draft picks. If, Katie Brennan is fit and healthy this season then that will boost the Western Bulldog's up forward and through the middle. With Brennan in the side the Western Bulldog's are a stronger team. Unfortunately Izzy Huntington who was great last season will be out for the whole season with a knee injury and she will be a massive loss for the Western Bulldog's, as she added another dimension to their forward line and she worked well with Brennan. With Huntington out, Kearney and Bruton moving to North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos means that midfielders Naomi Ferres and Angelica Gogos will need to fill the void left by these players and Bonnie Toogood and Brooke Lochland hopefully continues their great form from last season into AFLW 3.0. If the Western Bulldogs strength up forward fires then this will boost their chances in AFLW 3.0.

Image Source: Fox Sports ...

 By Lisa 'Kiwi' Roper

On the eve of the new AFLW season, we have quite an Irish flavor across the competition this season. We know all about 11 time All-Ireland start Cora Staunton who will be back in the GWS Giants colors, and this year we will also get to marvel at the magic from Mayo in Sarah Rowe.

A former junior soccer star, and later Mayo Gaelic player, she came across towards during our winter footy season and was almost shopped around to various clubs, to find a fit and find a club that may appreciate the talent she had to offer. Collingwood Magpies has become her home away from home.

Date: Sunday, 27 January 2019  Time: 8.50 am  Venue: Canadian Academy, Kobe, Japan

Osaka Dingoes’ first footy match in 2019 was played in freezing conditions - zero degree and occasionally snowing.

Due to numbers of available players for both sides, it was a seven-player game. Two forwards, two midfielders, a ruckman and two defenders on the field.

The Lions demonstrated good ball passes, but the Dingoes tackled and pushed hard. The guest Dingo, Ryan Archer, who is an exchange university student, found open space and ran into the goal square. He scored the first goal of the game.

Shortly after, the American Dingo, Jarett Bailey kicked to the right direction and our player coach (also the club president) Matt Gale took a mark. He’s done the job with a long kick.

However the Lions demonstrated good ball use, especially efficient kicks and handpasses late in the first quarter. Their Japanese players were brave tackling experienced Australian Dingoes. The Lions scored 7.1 at the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the home side pushed hard trying to score goals, but only two minor scores were gained. Then the Lions roared hard scoring two consecutive goals.

Then Archer hit out nicely and moved the ball well together with his fellow guest player, Angus Mcintyre. In the hot spot, Gale and Yusuke Matsuoka chased the ball and the latter with soccer style kicking.

However shortly after the Lions ran swiftly around Dingoes defender Shane Carrello and open space. They scored six points.

Their fast ball movement was on show and the quick consecutive goals were scored.

Later the Dingoes moved towards the goal square and Bailey scored his first goal of the match.

The Lions led by 40 points at the main break.

After the break, the Dingoes took dominance on the ball had three consecutive goals by Bailey (the first and third) and Gale (second).

The visitors fought back using good kicks and handpasses, but the home side won the quarter; 4.3 to 3.1.

The time for the Dingoes to start snarling arrived the the beginning of the last quarter, as they showed fast attacking footy. Gale and Bailey were running their engines hard at the goal square. But the visitors fought back hard and kept the lead.

The final siren sounded. The R246 Lions won by 32 points.

After the game, Matt Gale was awarded with the Person of Distinguished Service by AFL Japan. His services for our club, AFL Japan and AFL Asia are magnificent.

Dingoes   2.0   4.5   8.8  14.10 (94)
Lions        7.1 11.3 14.4  20.6  (126)

Goals
Dingoes: Gale 5, Bailey 4, Kitamura, Matsuoka, Archer
Lions: K Hasegawa 9, Saguchi 3, Hagiwara 3, Y Hasegawa 2, Colman 2, Sakaki

Please note that I was unavailable to play due to an off field injury falling down a bike. It caused a fractured finger bone and I had an operation on Christmas Day. The healing process is going well and now no more cast is worn. I will be available for the upcoming match of the Dingoes versus Senshu Powers on Saturday, February 16th. ...

We are not publishing an international broadcast schedule for Round 1 of the AFLW season.  The AFL informs us that international deals are still being finalised so a schedule is not being released this week.  
 
Fox Sports USA and Australia Plus in Asia/Pacific will be broadcasting matches this week so please check local guides.  As always we recommend the AFANA website for all the most current and detailed information for the broadcast of AFL/AFLW in North America 

Fans can also get two weeks free on Watch AFL if they register before 28th March (full paid subscription will cover all the AFL and AFLW season).  AFLW matches will be available to stream through this service outside Australia.

It may be possible to also stream via the new http://womens.afl website or their app but whether this is available outside Australia is yet unknown. ...

A grandstand finish for Geelong’s women’s team on a historic night for the club who pulled off a one point victory in front of their home crowd faithful. AFLW 3.0 opened at the home of newcomers Geelong Cats, GMHBA stadium who hosted Collingwood in front of 18,429 adoring Aussie Rules fans. 

Image Source: Geelong Advertiser

The pressure on the footy was really impressive by Collingwood in a real arm wrestle to begin. Collingwood had a bit more of the ball and used it quickly inside their forward half of the ground, but were not able to find their forward targets. Julia Crockett-Grills placed a red-hot tackle in the middle for Geelong. The opening goal of the season was scored of Collingwood’s Sophie Alexander’s boot. Collingwood were on top early but did not take their opportunities in front of goal, as they continued to blaze away at 50 and allowed Geelong defenders to intercept mark the ball easily. Nina Morrison and Madeline Keryk were the main prime movers in the first quarter for Geelong.

Geelong placed a lot of great tackles but they were yet to get the ball into their forward half of the ground. Geelong tried to get the ball forward but Collingwood had the answers in the quarter. Sharni Layton gave away a 50m penalty for running through protected area and gifted Madeline Boyd with her first ever goal in AFLW. This marked a historic moment for Geelong with their first goal in AFLW. Geelong wrestled back momentum towards the end of the opening term. At quarter time Collingwood were on top by a point over Geelong.

Geelong continued their strong momentum and gained back the ascendency over Collingwood with more ball composure in the second term. It paid off, as Mia-Rae Clifford snapped accurately for Geelong’s second goal. Geelong’s pressure around the ground lifted and forced mistakes from Collingwood’s players. A free kick was awarded to Geelong deep in their forward 50 to Geelong local Madeleine Boyd who slotted through her second goal from directly in front. Geelong was able to get deeper forward entries and this placed significant pressure on Collingwood’s defenders. Madeleine Boyd has had a superb first half of football. At the main break Geelong was up by 11 points over Collingwood who were kept scoreless.

Sharni Layton with a bit of friendly fire, as she went back with the flight of the ball and bumped into Collingwood’s lone goal scorer Sophie Alexander. Alexander went off the ground with concussion early on. Sarah D’Arcy reduced the margin to five points for Collingwood with the opening goal of the term. The impressive difference for Geelong was there short kicks to their teammates compared to Collingwood.

Collingwood wrestled back some momentum in the quarter. Great run down tackle from Collingwood’s Allen who stopped Geelong’s run towards goal. Collingwood right back in the match, owned the third quarter as they lifted their intensity. D’Arcy passed the ball to Jaimee Lambert who slotted through an amazing goal. A great battle between the two teams as the match went up another gear. Ash Brazill played well in defense for Collingwood. Meg McDonald solid down back all match for Geelong. Collingwood had a slight advantage of a point over Geelong at three quarter time. 

Final stanza was high pressured and tight in and around the contest. Both teams gave it their all in a tough final quarter. The number one draft Morrison had a huge influence in the match and was awarded a free kick as she was tackled without the ball deep inside 50 late in the last quarter. Unfortunate for her it was through for a minor score but it was the handy point Geelong won by at the end of the match. A historic night was made even sweeter for the Geelong Football Club down at their home who pulled off the gritty win.  ...

Adelaide hosted the Western Bulldogs at Norwood Oval in front of 7,830 fans. It was a tight tussle from both teams who gave it their all in a high pressured and exciting contest. Adelaide’s woeful kicking towards goal cost them in the end in a narrow one-point loss to the reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs. It was a memorable win for the Western Bulldogs who had never registered a win against Adelaide.

Image Source: @Western Bulldogs AFLW

Both Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs came out all guns blazing with their clean ball skills, quickness with the ball in hand and movement all over the ground. Adelaide debutant Chloe Scheer slotted through the opening goal and her first AFLW goal. Scheer also joined first kick, first goal club. At quarter time Adelaide were up by five points over the Western Bulldogs.

Ebony Marinoff played a sensational in this opening match for Adelaide, as she has put her body on the line time and time again. Veteran defender Chelsea Randall started the match strongly in defense and showed shades of her form from last season with her incredible athleticism.

If it were not for the Western Bulldog’s Lauren Spark in the backline then Adelaide would have had  a greater advantage on the scoreboard. Spark was a stalwart in defense. Adelaide had all of the possession in the second term but their kicking at goal was poor. There was a momentum shift towards the Western Bulldogs halfway through the second term.

Western Bulldog’s scored their first goal for AFLW 3.0 through superstar forward Katie Brennan’s kicking boot. Minutes later Brennan slotted through her second goal of the quarter. Ellie Blackburn played a great first half in the midfield for the Western Bulldogs. At the main break Western Bulldogs led by two points over Adelaide.

The ferocity did not let up in the second half.  Eloise Jones crunched by Lamb in Adelaide’s forward 50.

Angela Foley played exceptionally well in the ruck for Adelaide. Adelaide had all the possession and momentum with a lot of wasted chances at goal. Western Bulldog’s Monique Conti started well in the third quarter and was in every contest. Conti tackled strongly by superwoman Phillips keeping her brilliance in check. Adelaide had great transition with their smooth ball movement from their defense to forward. Phillips was everywhere for Adelaide but unfortunately all her hard work could not amount to any goals. At three quarter time the scores were tied.

It was a real arm wrestle in the final quarter. Adelaide struggled to get the ball out of their back half. Western Bulldogs dominated possession in the final quarter but not able to score any goals. Spark the backline stalwart, maintained her output in defense for the Western Bulldogs. Phillips continued to play with immense intensity and finesse like only Phillips can. Kirsty Lamb was massive for the Western Bulldog in this quarter. Two handy points from the Western Bulldogs in the dying minutes and they were vital, as the Western Bulldogs pulled off the win by a point.

Adelaide had more scoring shots than the Western Bulldogs but they shot themselves in the foot with their poor kicking at goal and this cost them the win, as they were the better team for most of the match. The Western Bulldogs were just more accurate in front of goal and that was the difference between the two sides when the siren sounded. 

Image Source: Twitter @sammostyn ...

The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos thrashed Carlton by 36 points in a beautiful day down in Hobart. It was North Melbourne’s historic first win in their inaugural AFLW match against Carlton at Hobart Oval. North Melbourne really showed the rest of the competition that they would be a tough team to beat in AFLW 3.0 with their hard running, attacking football and the way they support and gel together as a team. 

Image Source: AFL Women's 

It was an entertaining start to the match from both sides. The ball had been back and forth in both forward 50s. Pressure in the match was red hot with both teams playing well. A big hit was placed on Emma Kearney in the fierce first term. Ash Riddell played a great first quarter, she was everywhere. Each time Kearney was near the ball she was unable to break away as Carlton’s Jess Edwards tagged her. Both sides had opportunities early but unable to capitalise.

Riddell kicked well towards Emma King and Kirby Carlton gives away a free kick to King. King slotted through the historic first goal for North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos. North Melbourne teammates come from all over the ground to celebrate the memorable moment. Debutant Jess Edwards booted through Carlton’s first goal of AFLW 3.0 from a snap kick set up nicely from Maddie Prespakis. At quarter time North Melbourne held a narrow lead of two points over Carlton.

North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos were dominant in the second quarter. Jasmine Garner kicked cleverly to Ash Riddell who has played a superb first half of footy with 10 disposals. Riddell kicked truly for North’s Melbourne’s second goal. North Melbourne was a class above Carlton, as they scored three goals and kept Carlton scoreless. Former US College basketball Alison Drennan from the goal square snap kicked through the goal for North Melbourne.

Carlton had no answers to North and thatpressure provided North with a free kick to Jasmine Garner who kicked a minor score. Riddell kicked to Mo Hope who marked strongly and Hope kicked her first goal as a North Melbourne player. Hope looked incredibly happy and strong for North Melbourne up forward in the second quarter. At the main break North Melbourne had an advantage of 24 points over Carlton.

The big three for North Hope, King and Garner took over in the third quarter in what was a dominant quarter for North Melbourne outscoring Carlton two goals to one. King continued her dominance in the ruck and up forward for North Melbourne, as she marked strongly and kicked her second goal for her new club. North Melbourne was relentless with their hard pressure all over the ground especially in their forward 50.

Darcy Vescio set up Carlton’s only goal of the third quarter as she kicked the ball to Bri Davey who took a diving mark much to the dismay of Britt Gibson who gave away a 50. Davey slotted through the goal from the goal square. Madison Prespakis played well all match and her young talent was on full display. Riddell announced herself to the rest of the competition as a strong unrelenting midfielder.

Garner topped off an incredible match for North Melbourne with a goal from a strong intercept mark. Carlton were down by 31 points at three quarter time.

North Melbourne continued their dominance in the final stanza and it was led by Riddell who finished with 16 disposals, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50s, a goal and 2 goals assists. It was an impressive game from Riddell. Her North Melbourne teammates in Jenna Bruton, Duffin and Garner also complemented her well, as they all finished with 17 disposals each. King was dangerous with 7 tackles in the ruck and Kearney finished with 18 disposals and five tackles a sensational game by North Melbourne’s captain and stalwart of the AFLW for North Melbourne too.

Proud Tasmanian Brittany Gibson nailed through a long bomb goal at home in Tasmania and it was reward for all her efforts down back with her ferocious tackling.

North Melbourne showcased how polished, skilled and determined as a side they were this afternoon. Historic day made even better for the North Melbourne star-studded lineup in front of their Tasmanian faithful’s they pulled off a dominant win by 36 points at their home. 

Image Source: @FOXFootyLive ...

New Fremantle head coach Trent Cooper was victorious in his first AFLW match. Fremantle finally locked away their first interstate win, as they caused a round 1 upset over Melbourne by four points on a hot and windy day at Casey. This was the second highest scoring AFLW match.

Image Source: @FremantleDockers 

It was a tight opening term from both sides where the AFLW heat policy was in place. Melbourne’s Aleisha Newman kicked the first goal of the match and this was followed by Melbourne’s second goal scored by Kate Hore. Fremantle debutant Sabreena Duffy put through her first goal with her first kick. Then soon after her teammate Steph Cain slotted through Fremantle’s second goal after she showed finesse in the forward line. Fremantle were red hot in the first quarter, as Ashley Sharp booted through the third straight goal on the siren. Melbourne’s backs were under immense pressure late in the first quarter as in the hot conditions Dockers hit back strongly and took a narrow lead of five points at quarter time.

Fremantle were all over Melbourne in the second quarter as they outscored Melbourne three goals to one. Melbourne’s Eden Zanker kicked the first goal of the second quarter. Fremantle defender Ebony Antonio has turned forward this season. Antonio shows that she can do it in the forward line as well as she kicked truly for a great goal after she grabbed the ball and turned inside out. Fremantle looked strong in contested marks and a much stronger side than they were last season. They shifted all the momentum their way and were on top in the contest. Fremantle used the ball smartly and this gave Mel Caufield a shot from near the goal square and she slotted it through the big sticks as the siren sounded. Fremantle played an exceptional first half of football against a high quality side in Melbourne. At the main break Fremantle had a superior 20 points advantage over Melbourne.

Melbourne came out a different team after half time and was dominant everywhere in the third quarter. Shelley Scott slotted through the fourth goal for Melbourne and a much needed goal. Both teams continued to tackle hard in the heat and neither team dropped off in intensity. Tegan Cunningham check side goal from the boundary and Melbourne shifted the momentum their way in the third term. Soon after Zanker kicked another Melbourne major with a banana kick from boundary. Melbourne’s Maddie Gay with fourth consecutive goal for her side. Bianca Jakobsson nailed through Melbourne’s fifth goal of the quarter. Melbourne went into demolition mode with five goals, eight inside 50s to Fremantle’s zero and 11 clearances to 4. It was a great comeback from Melbourne and this was because of players Lily Mithen, Karen Paxman, Cunningham, Zanker and Gay who lifted their game markedly. At three quarter time Melbourne were up by 14 points.

In the final term the Dockers kicked with the breeze. Antonio continued to be a headache for the Melbourne defense with her great forward pressure, as she marked strongly and kicked to Kiara Bowers who marked and delivered with her first goal in the AFLW. Bowers placed an inspirational tackle in defense soon after and she was involved in everything in the final term.

Fremantle turned the game on its head late in the fourth. Sharp kicked the easiest goal from the goal square after she snuck away behind the pack. Sharp was influential up forward for Fremantle with two goals. Fremantle’s Kellie Gibson arched her back and kicked the ball forward to Gemma Houghton who marked strongly for a fantastic contested mark. Houghton nailed the winning goal as Fremantle were victors by four points.

This game would be the game of the round with the amount of momentum shifts throughout and neither team took a step back. What a game of AFLW football! ...

The third nail biter of round 1 saw Brisbane hang on to win by two points in humid conditions over the GWS Giants at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex.

Image Source: @superfooty

It was a highly contested and scrappy match where two Irishwomen took over for the GWS Giants. Legend of Gaelic Football Cora Staunton and Cross Coder fellow Irishwoman Yvonne Bonner were key up forward for the Giants. Bonner slotted through her first goal in AFLW and the Giants first of AFLW. It was a big moment for Bonner in just her second game of women’s football. The Giants played a better quarter than Brisbane and capitalized when they needed with their limited opportunities. At quarter time the Giants had a narrow lead of seven points over Brisbane in a tight start to the match.

The second quarter continued to be a real arm wrestle. Brisbane’s Jessica Wuetschner scored the first goal for her team, as she came from nowhere and kicked a classy goal of her left-foot and the Lions first goal of AFLW 3.0. Veteran Giants midfielder Courtney Gum and the competition’s second best midfielder last season set up Staunton for Giants second goal of the match. Staunton hammered through her first goal of AFLW 3.0 from 45m out. Both goals for the Giants have come from their Irish recruits and both Bonner and Staunton have played well in the first half. At the main break Giants led by 7 points.

Brisbane lifted their intensity in the third quarter and outscored GWS Giants three goals to one. Wuetschner was awarded a 50m penalty and from the goal line she gave Brisbane the perfect start with the first goal of the second half. Former Collingwood player Christina Bernardi showed a bit of flair in the forward 50 and her hard work paid off as she kicked truly for the GWS Giants. Wuetschner was dangerous in the third term, as she dribbled kicked through her third goal of the match. Both teams were evenly matched late in the third term. Brisbane was behind for most of the match and Sabrina Frederick-Traub finally put through her first goal of season three. Frederick-Traub ran riot in the third quarter. At three-quarter time Brisbane were up by a goal over the GWS Giants.

Staunton was in the thick of it again in the final quarter and was the lone goal scorer in the term. She slotted through a beautiful dribbling goal and her second of the match after she broke free from an attempted tackle. Brisbane only scored two points in the final quarter. The intensity picked up in the dying minutes of the match and Brisbane was able to hold off a fast finishing Giants to sneak home by two points.

The first Muslim women's and GWS Giants to play AFLW Hanreen Zreika played a good game and ended with 12 disposals, Staunton gave it her all as always for her GWS Giants finishing with 9 disposals, 7 kicks, 2 handballs and 2 tackles and fellow Irishwoman Bonner impressed on debut and finished with 6 disposals, 4 kicks, 2 handballs and 1 tackle up forward. 

What an electrifying end to round 1 and incredible start to AFLW 3.0, all round 1 matches were of high caliber. ...

Former elite basketball player Lauren Pearce started with basketball but now has successfully made the transition to women’s football. She has called the Melbourne Football Club home since 2016 when she was drafted to the club.

“I was lucky enough to be invited to the draft and had Mum and Dad there with me,” Pearce said. “It was a weird feeling being in a room with great footballer and I was nervous to see what would come about.”

Image Source: Getty Images

Pearce took part in a few sports in her early sporting days.

“I had played basketball from the age of five and dabbled in tennis and gymnastics when I was younger as well as many other sports through school,” Pearce said. “There came a point where I had to choose one and stuck to basketball, enjoying the team sport atmosphere the most.”

Pearce had played basketball for an extremely long time and always thought that it would be good to take part in a different sport. “At the start, I enjoyed playing both basketball and footy at the same time but eventually chose to pursue football due to time commitment and not being able to put in as much work as I wanted to with both sports,” Pearce said. “As football was new to me and a new challenge, something I had tow work very hard at to improve it was very appealing for me to continue on that pathway and to see where I could get myself to in it.”

In her sporting career, Pearce’s biggest sporting accomplishments have been winning the WNBL championship and the day she was drafted to Melbourne. For Pearce the best part about playing women’s football is that it means so much to everyone involved. “We are just all happy to be part of something special and working towards something bigger for future generations,” Pearce said. “At Melbourne we all get along and it’s just a great environment to be around.”

Outside of football, Pearce is a full time Early Childhood educator. Juggling life, football and work commitments has been hard for Pearce but she is grateful that she has great people around to support her. “Very hard to juggle life, I have a very supportive workplace now and my partner, family and friends definitely understand the commitment I need to put in to my football.”

There were many talented women’s footballers selected in the AFLW draft last season and it is where Melbourne picked up Tyla Hanks. Pearce believes Tyla Hanks will be the Melbourne player to watch in 2019. “Can’t go past Tyla Hanks, being our number one pick at the draft she has a very mature head on her and has worked very hard through the lead up to the season.”

Pearce loves the Melbourne Football Club. “It’s an amazing environment to be a part of, everyone wants to be there and work hard,” Pearce said. “We have the best club people and all the staff are willing to go above and beyond for anyone.”

Darebin Falcons is the team Pearce plays for in the VFL and it’s where she has developed her footy the most. “It was such a warm and welcoming club that I immediately felt a part of,” Pearce said. “This helped me to feel comfortable and supported seeing as I came in to the sport with barely any knowledge of the game and terrible skills! They spent time with me and were very patient which I appreciate a lot. Being around such talented players and great people allowed me to watch what they did and try an implement them in to my game and the feedback that I was always given helped with this as well.”

Daisy Pearce and Karen Paxman huge names in the AFLW and even bigger names at Melbourne have both influenced the way Pearce plays her football today. “I’ve been lucky enough to play with them through my few VFL (Darebin) seasons and have learnt a crazy amount from them,” Pearce said. “Not only do they know the game well but they lead by example a quality that I admire a lot.”

When it comes to the coach who has had the biggest impact on Pearce’s football career it is Darebin coach Jane Lange. “Being my first ever footy coach and to come in to Darebin completely raw she definitely helped to get me going and establish my skills and knowledge.”

The parts of Pearce’s game that she wants to turn into strengths is to become more attacking on the ball, to make early decisions and to be more aggressive on field.

In AFLW 3.0, Pearce hopes her teammates and her will reap the rewards. “The girls have worked extremely hard leading up to the season and hope that this is rewarded by a great team season, hopefully capped off by a premiership!” ...

  ...

GWS Giants women's player Alyce Parker is the Round 1 AFLW Rising Star Nominee. This nomination capped off an impressive debut for Parker. Parker accumulated 18 disposals at a 72 per cent disposal efficiency, 12 handballs, six kicks, four marks and three tackles in the close loss to the Brisbane Lions at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex last Sunday.

Image Source: Chris Hyde/Getty Images/AFL Media

Parker was the Giants first pick selected by the Giants at number 12 in the AFLW Draft in 2018. 

"It probably would have been more special to have won (the game) but myself, it's a pretty big confidence booster; I'm very honoured to be recognised," Parker told GWS Giants media.

Parker and her GWS Giants teammates in Round 2, will host the undefeated North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos at Drummoyne Oval on Friday night at 7:15pm.

  ...

AFL Japan has announced that the 2019 AFL Scholarship player is Murata Yusuke from the Senshu Powers club.

The scholarship has been awarded for some thirteen years now and involves the player living in Melbourne and training and 'possibly' playing with Boxhill North Football Club for around two months.

Murata is due to arrive in Melbourne on 18th February 2019 and play/study/train in Australian Football until 8th April 2019.

 Murata began playing Australian Rules in 2018 with the Senshu Powers University Football Club and he has already toured Australia as a member of the Japan University's Warriors team in August 2018.

Friday 8 February, 7:15pm

GWS Giants vs North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos (Drummoyne Oval)

After a nail biting loss to the Brisbane Lions the GWS Giants will look to notch up their first win of AFLW 3.0 against early premiership favourites the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos. The Giants will have their work cut out but can they come away victorious on Friday night in front of their home crowd. 

Saturday 9 February, 4:45pm

Collingwood vs Melbourne (Victoria Park)

Two teams coming off narrow defeats in Round 1. Collingwood losing by a point to newcomers Geelong and Melbourne losing by four points against a fast finishing Fremantle at Casey Fields. So with both teams winless expect a fiery contest, as they look for their first win of season three. 

Saturday 9 February, 7:15pm 

Western Bulldogs vs Geelong Cats (Whitten Oval)

Both teams were victors by a point in Round 1. Western Bulldogs and Geelong both have match winners up forward with Katie Brennan for the Western Bulldogs and Madeline Boyd for Geelong. If Brennan and Boyd continue to be imposing up forward for their teams then this match will be a close encounter. 

Sunday 10 February, 4:05pm

Carlton vs Adelaide Crows (Princes Park)

Carlton and Adelaide, two teams eyeing off win number one in AFLW 3.0. Adelaide look stronger than Carlton on paper, as they have the fire power up forward but just need to improve their kicking accuracy in front of goal. Carlton youngster Maddie Prespakis showed promising signs against North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos for Carlton through the midifeld. However Carlton do not have too much scoring power in their forward line, so they will most likely find it hard again in Round 2 up against another strong opposition in Adelaide that has key players in all positions. 

Sunday 10 February, 6:05pm

Fremantle vs Brisbane Lions (Fremantle Oval)

A new look Fremantle side in Round 1 that ground out an upset win over premiership fancies Melbourne. If new head coach Trent Cooper continues with the same attacking game plan he used in Round 1 in Round 2, then they could cause another massive upset against Brisbane Lions.  ...