AFLW player movements and rule changes

The AFLW is experiencing significant changes regarding player personnel and league regulations. Collingwood captain Ruby Schleicher announced her departure from the club at the end of the season, citing a desire to return to Western Australia; she is expected to sign with the West Coast Eagles.

In addition to Schleicher’s departure, Port Adelaide player Justine Mules-Robinson announced her retirement to focus on parenthood. Regarding league governance, the AFL announced new draft regulations to maintain competitive balance. Starting with the 2028 AFLW Draft, the father-daughter rule will require a parent to have played at least 100 senior AFL games. The league also intends to introduce eligibility rules for the children of AFLW players, with a formal ruling anticipated early next year.

During Round 11 of the season, Geelong extended a winning streak to ten matches following a victory over Fremantle, which moved the Dockers out of the top eight. Melbourne maintained third place in the standings after defeating the Western Bulldogs, while Gold Coast also secured a win to remain in contention for a top-four finish. Port Adelaide kept their finals aspirations alive with a 48-point win over Collingwood.