AFLW preseason sees practice matches and injuries sideline key players

All 18 AFLW clubs staged practice matches across Australia ahead of the 2026 season, with standout performances including Taylor Smith for Sydney, Ruby Schleicher’s two‑goal effort for West Coast, and Ella Roberts’ 32 disposals for Collingwood.

Injury updates from Melbourne revealed midfielder Grace Beasley rupturing her left ACL, ruling her out for the entire 2026 NAB AFLW season. Defender Maeve Chaplin suffered a foot fracture, missing the Australia‑vs‑Ireland exhibition, while other players such as Sinead Goldrick and Lauren Pearce continue rehabilitation after knee injuries.