The 2026 NAB AFLW Season has kicked off with a bang, and the coaches' votes are in! The early leaders in the race for the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award are a diverse group of stars, with some big names getting full votes from the coaches in round one.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the variety of players who have dominated the first round. From Greater Western Sydney's Bec Beeson to Melbourne's Olivia Purcell, these athletes are setting the bar high for the rest of the season.
In my opinion, the perfect 10-vote games are a testament to the depth and talent of the AFLW. It's a reminder that the competition is not just a showcase for the top players, but also a platform for emerging talent to shine.
One thing that immediately stands out is the dominance of the Roos. North Melbourne stars Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner took nine votes each in their big win over Geelong, showcasing the team's strength and depth.
What many people don't realize is the impact of the coaches' votes. Every week, the two senior coaches for each game give votes on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, meaning 10 votes is the maximum a player can get in each round. This system adds an extra layer of competition, as players strive to impress the coaches and secure those precious votes.
If you take a step back and think about it, the coaches' votes are a reflection of the team's performance and strategy. It's not just about individual talent, but also about how well a player fits into the team dynamic.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the split votes in the opening game of the season. Carlton's Mimi Hill and St Kilda's Tyanna Smith split the honours with eight votes apiece, while North Melbourne's Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner took nine votes each. This highlights the competitive nature of the AFLW and the close contests that can arise.
What this really suggests is that the AFLW is a highly competitive and dynamic league. The coaches' votes are a powerful tool that can make or break a player's season, and the players are rising to the challenge.
In conclusion, the 2026 NAB AFLW Season has kicked off with a bang, and the coaches' votes are a testament to the depth and talent of the league. The early leaders are a diverse group of stars, and the competition is sure to be a thrilling ride for fans and players alike.
