AFLW younger franchises beat all established rivals in same round
For the first time, all younger AFLW franchises in two-team states defeated their older rivals in the same rivalry round.
Gold Coast, Port Adelaide, and West Coast all claimed landmark wins over Brisbane, Adelaide, and Fremantle respectively. Port Adelaide won its second straight Showdown; Gold Coast recorded its first-ever QClash victory after a 2020 draw; West Coast claimed its first Western Derby triumph, also since 2020.
Sydney had beaten Greater Western Sydney by 31 points earlier. The Showdown drew 5,441 fans to Port Adelaide's Alberton Oval, a record for an AFLW game there.
The Western Derby attracted 5,711 to Sullivan Logistics Stadium, the second-highest crowd ever at that venue. Youth and academy development drove the younger clubs' success: Gold Coast added 13 of 32 players from its Academy over two years, while Brisbane faced injuries and form struggles.
The QClash drew 3,968 to Brisbane's Brighton Homes Arena, the largest home crowd for that fixture.
- 13 of 32
- Gold Coast Academy players added
- 5,441
- Showdown attendance record
- 5,711
- Western Derby attendance
- 3,968
- QClash home crowd record
Why it mattersThe upset sweep shows the AFLW's younger franchises have matured into genuine contenders. It proves the competitive balance is shifting after years of established dominance.
AustraliaAFLW is growing stronger as a national competition. Record crowds at venues show women's football is drawing bigger audiences across Australia.
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