Viral moments, debuts to remember, and ‘The Centra Effect’: AFLW’s new era begins
The 2025 AFL Women’s season is off to an electrifying start, marked by fresh faces, viral trends, and an invigorated spirit among fans and players alike. Ash Centra’s pre-game flair, bouncing the ball through her legs, struck a chord on social media, catching attention not just within the AFLW community but also inspiring imitations by men’s teams over the weekend. This cultural crossover speaks volumes about the increasing reach and excitement surrounding women’s Australian rules football.
This week, the eyes of the sporting world were captured not just by viral pre-games moments but by the mesmerizing performances by league debutants in the opener of what is touted to be a “Super Draft” year. The AFLW is clearly stepping into a new era, supported by robust talent pathways and a surge in nationwide interest. The spotlight shone brightly on these young stars, many of whom demonstrated remarkable skill and poise on the field, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the season’s progression.
In a standout performance, 18-year-old Zippy Fish from the Sydney Swans set the bar high with an astounding debut, registering the most disposals ever for a newcomer. With a record shared only by the former league best and fairest, Brianna Davey, Fish’s 26 disposals, two tackles, five marks, and two score involvements were a testament to her readiness for the big stage. Speaking candidly in a post-game interview, she attributed her exceptional performance to her nerves of steel and confidence, traits characteristic of the new wave of players entering the league.
Lucia Painter of the West Coast Eagles captivated fans and analysts alike by scoring three goals in her game against the Gold Coast Suns, earning her a nomination for the Rising Star of the round. Meanwhile, Essendon’s Holly Ridewood solidified her presence with two impressive goals against the GWS Giants. Other notable debut scorers included Ash Centra, Grace Belloni, Zoe Besanko, India Rasheed, Havana Harris, and Poppy Scholz, each making their mark and contributing to their team’s efforts.
Emma Moore, AFLW’s General Manager, highlighted the remarkable growth in competition, attributing it to the enhanced talent pathways now available. Moore expressed her enthusiasm about the debut performances, saying, “It’s incredible to see the level of talent coming through the system now, and we saw a number of terrific debut performances from last year’s draftees across Round One.” Of the 60 players drafted last year, 29 made their debut, further illustrating the league’s depth and potential.
Addressing the development opportunities, Moore observed that, “From NAB AFL Auskick to community footy and through to the talent pathways programs, our girls have had the same continuous opportunities to play as the boys. This uninterrupted development is something we’ve continued to strengthen as the competition has evolved. It’s also crucial that we keep building from grassroots to ensure strong participation for women and girls. This is a core part of our new AFLW Growth Strategy, aimed at advancing the game for future generations.”
With such a strong foundation and renewed enthusiasm, the AFLW’s future appears brighter than ever, promising thrilling matches and unforgettable moments as the season progresses. The excitement and anticipation continue to build as we head into Round 2, eager to see how this new era of women’s Australian football will continue to unfold.
In conclusion, the 2025 AFLW season opener showcased an exhilarating blend of promising new talents and a community invigorated by its rapid growth. As the players continue to capture the hearts of fans, it’s clear that the AFLW is poised for even greater achievements ahead. Here’s to the continuation of an exciting season, full of passion and potential.
