Overview
- Week 1 features four matches from November 7–9, with three at Ikon Park and one at Norwood Oval: North Melbourne v Hawthorn, Carlton v West Coast, Melbourne v Brisbane, and Adelaide v St Kilda.
- Reigning premiers North Melbourne enter on a 24-game winning streak and regain forwards Kate Shierlaw and Vikki Wall, while tough utility Eilish Sheerin was not named to return.
- West Coast and St Kilda reach their first AFLW finals, with the Eagles facing Carlton in an elimination final at Ikon Park and the Saints meeting Adelaide at Norwood Oval.
- Selection updates include Jess Rentsch back for West Coast, Brisbane’s Cathy Svarc cleared to play with captain Breanna Koenen added to the squad, and Adelaide naming Chelsea Randall and Niamh Kelly to return from concussion protocols.
- Ikon Park is confirmed as the finals hub and Melbourne’s request to host Brisbane at Casey Fields was declined, with all matches broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus.