Five biggest burning questions for AFLW in 2019
Will an appearance on Australian Survivor fire up star North Melbourne recruit Mo Hope? Will Collingwood’s recruiting coup pay off? Eliza Sewell examines five of the crucial questions heading into the new AFLW season.
AFLW
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFLW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Will an appearance on Australian Survivor fire up North Melbourne recruit Mo Hope?
How will the expansion teams fare and will Collingwood’s recruiting coup pay off?
Eliza Sewell examines five of the crucial questions heading into the new AFLW season
CAPTAINS SURVEY: NO LOVE FOR DOGS TO GO BACK-TO-BACK
PIES RECRUIT: LAYTON’S PRACTICE MATCH NETBALL BLUNDER
MO SHOW OR NO SHOW?
After two underwhelming seasons at Collingwood, Mo Hope seeks to regain her mojo in different stripes — the blue and white of North Melbourne. Pre-season form has been promising and the talk is all positive but, as Hope well knows, kicking goals in the real stuff is what it’s all about. No one will be watched more closely in Round 1 and Hope will be determined to send a message.
QUICKEST OFF THE MARK?
Eight teams has become 10, with North Melbourne and Geelong taking different routes in a bid to make an immediate AFLW impact. North recruited big names, led by league best-and-fairest winner Emma Kearney from the Dogs, and the Roos look great on paper. Geelong backed the draft, with local young gun Nina Morrison the No.1 prize, while taking lower-profile established players. If the Kangas don’t play finals it will be seen as a fail.
WILL HARF HOLD HIS NERVE?
Carlton captain and absolute gun Bri Davey left a defender and has returned a forward. Recovered from the ACL injury that cruelled her AFL02, the question here is twofold — can the switch work and will new Blues coach Daniel Harford stick with the plan if there are wobbles early? The upside is tantalising: powerhouse Davey creating havoc alongside dynamic Tayla Harris and mercurial Darcy Vescio.
CAN SHARNS ACTUALLY PLAY?
Collingwood pulled off a stunning PR coup when it enticed former Diamonds superstar Sharni Layton to take up footy after calling time on a stellar netball career. But can she play? The former gun goalkeeper won’t die wondering. Coach Wayne Siekman, who the Pies have backed despite missing finals two years running, has played 188cm Layton in the ruck and up forward in practice games. One thing’s certain, there will be plenty of chat from the combative code-swapper.
TOP DOGS AGAIN?
The Western Bulldogs triumphed in 2018, famously without suspended skipper Katie Brennan, outlasting Brisbane in the Grand Final to win by a kick. “KB’’ is back and, with new co-captain Ellie Blackburn, will be a key for the women from the west. No.1 draft pick Isabel Huntington, who showed plenty in six quarters last year before falling victim to a ruptured ACL, won’t play until at least mid-season, but what a late bonus she’ll be.
Originally published as Five biggest burning questions for AFLW in 2019
‘There is hope’: Door open as injured Cat pushes for return
Geelong remains hopeful an important Cat can make their comeback before the end of the season, while another star playing is tracking towards a round 9 return.
‘Players deserve better’: AFLW needs big ‘reset’
The AFLW needs a significant “reset” ahead of its 10th season, with league headquarters urged to put players back at the top of the priority list and develop a bold 10-year plan for the competition.