Snapshot for round one of the AFLW season

THEY SAID IT: “No disrespect to them but they’re the least performing side (of) the inaugural clubs. We think we’ll get there quicker than them” – Sydney needed to walk the walk after those comments from Swans coach Scott Gowans about GWS earlier in the week. The Swans lived up to it with a five-point win over the Giants on Sunday.

PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Collingwood captain Brianna Davey was everywhere in her side’s loss to Melbourne, racking up game-high tallies of 35 disposals and 11 clearances on top of five tackles and a goal. The 2021 AFLW best-and-fairest winner’s monster display was even more impressive given it came in her comeback game after she missed both seasons in 2022 following her second major knee injury.

THE MOMENT: With scores tied and the clock winding down, St Kilda recruit Caitlin Greiser lived up to her ‘G Train’ nickname and drilled the match-winner high through the big sticks to seal a comeback six-point win for new club Richmond over Brisbane in a fierce tussle.

TALKING POINT: Melbourne are going to take some stopping this year. Last season’s premiers lost Daisy Pearce to retirement but have kept the majority of their list together and look primed for another crack at the flag. The Demons were challenged by Collingwood in the first half of Friday night’s season opener but kicked nine unanswered goals to run away with an emphatic victory.

TRIBUNAL WATCH: Port Adelaide’s Hannah Ewings could come under scrutiny for a sling tackle on Adelaide’s Kiera Mueller.

STATS THAT MATTER: Melbourne forward Tayla Harris hauled in four contested marks against Collingwood to become the first player in AFLW history to reach 100 across a career.

INJURIES: E James (Coll, ankle), Elle Bennetts (WB, knee), M Conti (Tigers, ankle)

WHAT’S NEXT: Richmond and Adelaide kick off round two with a Friday night clash at Ikon Park. Gold Coast will be aiming to make up for their round-one heartbreak against Carlton when they host West Coast on Saturday. Sydney host Geelong on Saturday night, while North Melbourne take on the Blues on Sunday. The round concludes with defending premiers Melbourne travelling to Canberra to take on the Giants.