AFLW Live Updates: Adelaide Wins, St Kilda Struggles
The AFLW season delivered another dramatic chapter as Adelaide defeated St Kilda in a tense clash, while the Brisbane Lions asserted themselves against Melbourne, and St Kilda faced a pressing test ahead of their upcoming game against the Crows. Fans were treated to a showcase of speed, skill, and resilience as teams jockey for finals positioning with a potential wildcard round on the horizon for 2026.
Adelaide vs St Kilda: Key Moments
Adelaide controlled large portions of the match, leveraging their midfield depth and precise ball movement to create scoring opportunities. The Crows demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the most balanced outfits this season, combining effective forward pressure with disciplined defensive structures. St Kilda, on the other hand, showed flashes of resilience and a willingness to contest every ball, but struggled to convert inside 50s consistently.
Why Adelaide Had the Edge
The Crows benefited from sharper ball use and a cleaner transition coming out of defense. Adelaide’s forward line applied consistent pressure, forcing turnovers and turning them into scoring shots. Their midfielders mapped the spaces intelligently, enabling quick ball movement to strike zones where St Kilda’s defense could not adapt fast enough.
Saints Look Ahead to the Crows
St Kilda’s next test against Adelaide’s cross-town rivals, the Adelaide Crows, looms large. The Saints will need to tighten their defensive structure and improve their ball retention under pressure to keep pace with the league’s top teams. Coaches will be focused on stabilizing their rebounding chains and exploiting any mismatches off half-back.
Brisbane Lions vs Melbourne Demons: A Strong Statement
Across the ground, the Brisbane Lions delivered a commanding performance to topple Melbourne. The Lions showcased a cohesive team effort, with multiple players contributing goals and defensive efforts that stifled Melbourne’s forward entries. This result not only boosts Lions’ position in the race for finals but also reinforces their status as a genuine premiership contender.
Performance Highlights
Key factors included Lions’ disciplined ball movement, efficient kicking inside 50, and a resilient defensive unit that limited Melbourne’s scoring opportunities. The Demons fought hard, but Brisbane’s pressure and accuracy rewarded them with a convincing victory that will energize their followers heading into the late stretch of the season.
AFLW Wildcard Round: A 2026 Pathway Worth Watching
Clubs are increasingly eyeing a wildcard round as part of the 2026 AFLW season, a proposal designed to give teams finishing as low as 10th a legitimate chance to qualify for finals and push for the premiership. The idea would add an extra layer of drama to the ladder’s lower rungs, potentially changing how teams manage player load and approach late-season mismatches.
What the Wildcard Could Look Like
While details are still under discussion, the wildcard round is expected to feature a knockout-style pathway where lower-ranked teams face off for the remaining finals spots. Supporters argue it would reward teams that maintain competitiveness throughout the year, while critics worry about fixture balance and travel demands. The AFLW community is watching closely as governance discussions unfold.
What This Means for Teams and Fans
For fans, the wildcard concept adds intrigue and hope for teams outside the current top four or five, keeping the ladder dynamic late in the season. For teams, it could impact recruitment strategies, injury management, and game plans, as coaches weigh the benefits of peaking in the right window versus long-term development. The ongoing dialogue around the wildcard round signals a broader shift in the AFLW’s structure, aiming to maximize competitiveness and fan engagement.
Looking Ahead
With Adelaide strengthening their case, Brisbane asserting themselves, and St Kilda preparing for a crucial matchup against the Crows, the AFLW landscape remains unpredictable. As discussions around a 2026 wildcard round intensify, all eyes will be on how players adapt to new formats and how clubs balance performance with planful development. The next round promises more exciting football, tighter finishes, and perhaps the opening of a new path to the crown for teams outside the current top tier.
