WAFLW – A 2020 recap & how to beat each side in season 2021

After a shortened 2020 season due to the COVID pandemic, it currently looks as though season 2021 will to return to a full 15 game home-and-away format once again.

An earlier start than usual to the season allows the AFLW U19s National Championships to be brought forward and played during the April school holidays, along with the AFLW Combine and Draft now able to be held in late July.

It will remain as a six team competition in season 2021, seeing all teams playing each other 3 times throughout the home-and-way season. Two byes for all clubs will be held on the 3^rd April and 15^th May.  

Unlike last season, AFLW listed players will be able to take their place on the field again this year, if not selected by their respective team, as well as at the conclusion of the AFLW season.

With the opening round of the season kicking off today, we look back on how we matched up against each team last year, and what we need to do to get the wins against them this season.

When we met in 2020

When will we meet in 2021?

Rounds 1 (home), 6 (home) & 10 (away)

How to beat them in 2021?

Our pressure around the ball is going to be key, and we’ll also need to make sure we have equal numbers on each side of the ball. We have to use our speed and play our brand of footy and make sure we get our systems right to beat Claremont – Adam Dancey (Swan Districts WAFLW League Coach).

When we met in 2020

When will we meet in 2021?

Rounds 2 (away), 9 (home) & 15 (away)

How to beat them in 2021?

The score board last season wasn’t a true reflection of how they played. Their explosiveness out of the midfield can be quite quick and strong. We’ll have to make sure we take control of the game by locking down on their mids and getting the clearances our way – Jess Cox (Swan Districts WAFLW Leadership Group)

When we met in 2020

When will we meet in 2021?

Rounds 3 (away), 11 (home) & 14 (away)

How to beat them in 2021?

They are the reigning Premiers so you always want to beat the best. We’ve just got to play our game. We beat them twice last year so we need to maximise the use of our speed, skills and fitness to run over the top of them – Emily McGuire (Swan Districts WAFLW Captain).

When we met in 2020

When will we meet in 2021?

Rounds 4 (away), 7 (away) & 13 (home)

How to beat them in 2021?

They have a really experienced, physical side and we have a lot of young girls in this year. These young girls will need to use their fresh legs and pace to help us get on top of them. Speed will be a massive bonus for us this year – Bri Hyde (Swan Districts WAFLW Leadership Group).

When we met in 2020

When will we meet in 2021?

Rounds 5 (home), 8 (home) & 12 (away)

How to beat them in 2021?

We have a lot of young girls and new faces at the club this year that are showing great commitment to the ball. Although it was almost a 5 goal score line last season against the Lions, it felt like a hard fought and even game. We have a very strong defensive line so if we can continue that commitment at the ball and get it out to our young girls with pace, that to me will be massive for us this season – Steph Graskoski (Swan Districts WAFLW Leadership Group).

So head on down to Steel Blue Oval today to watch all three of our women’s teams in action.

Rogers Cup: 10:20am

Development: 12:05pm

League: 2pm