Collingwood

2024 finish: 18^th – 2025 prediction: 8th

📈 2024 Recap & 2025 Outlook

Collingwood struggled in 2024, winning only once for the year. In a short season with the recruitment they’ve managed, I think they will get a few more win propelling them to mid table in 2025.

🏆 Fantasy Studs

Breanna Davey (MID) remains one of the most physically dominant midfielders in the AFLW. During a disrupted 2024 season due to injury, she only averaged 15 disposals, 4 tackles and 3 clearances per game in her five appearances which was well below her 2023 output. As she returns to full fitness in 2025, expect her contested ball-winning and leadership to re-emerge as central to Collingwood’s midfield. Davey plays a fantasy-friendly style with strong tackle numbers and reliable disposal volume making her one of the most selected players in previous seasons.

Edit: Hold off on Davey for now. It looks like she the miss the first part of the season through injury yet again.

Sabrina Frederick (RUCK) is one of the few remaining season one aflw players and with that experience comes a level of dependability. Since moving into the ruck, Frederick has consistently been one of the top scorers in that area and someone who I have personally played often. In 2024 she started strong but dropped off through the season which is in keeping with the whole Collingwood central unit. Even though she has been around since season one, she’s still only 28 so don’t be scared to invest if you’re in the market for a ruck.

💎 Breakout Watch

Ash Centra (MID) was taking at pick 1 in the 2024 draft which came as a surprise to nobody. She has been described as “Arguably the greatest and most consistent ball user to come through women’s football” which has to excite you from a fantasy perspective. Through her junior years she’s played as a tall forward and defender before settling into a midfield role. Last year for Gippsland she averaged 28 disposals (mostly kicks), 4 tackles and a goal across the season averaging ~132 Gameday Squad points. We know it’s a jump from the Coates Talent League to the AFLW but everything points to Centra being a must have in the years to come. Get her before she becomes a household name!

🔄 New Faces, Draftees and Departures (As per AFLW website)

Ins: Kellyann Hogan (Ireland), Mattea Breed (Hawthorn), Airlie Runnalls (Fremantle), Ash Centra, Georgia Knight, Violet Patterson (draft)


Outs: Stacey Livingstone, Aishling Sheridan (retired), Charlotte Blair, Lauren Brazzale, Imogen Evans, Erica Fowler, Eleri Morris, Sarah Sansonetti (delisted)

🗓️ Fixture Analysis

First 3 games: Carlton (Away), GWS (Home), Melbourne (Home)

Teams not played: Adelaide, Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Port Adelaide

💭 Final Thoughts

Keep an eye on who steps up with the early absence of Davey. The one Collingwood card I would be chasing is Ash Centra but don’t expect to use it for a year or two.

Essendon

2024 finish: 8 ^th – 2025 prediction: 9th

📈 2024 Recap & 2025 Outlook

Essendon edged into finals in 2024 but exited early. Sustainable fitness and strategic recruitment will shape their finals hopes this time around. 2025 will be a defining year for the club.

🏆 Fantasy Studs

Maddison Gay (DEF) enjoyed a breakout season in 2024 after joining Essendon, earning both the club’s Best and Fairest and selection in the All‑Australian side. Over 12 games she averaged nearly 20 disposals, five marks, and more than 450 meters gained each match. Her elite intercept work and rebounding from the defensive half proved crucial in lifting the Bombers back into finals contention. As vice‑captain in 2025 she will play with added responsibility and (hopefully) a midfield license. Her ability to generate attacking momentum and control tempo makes her a fantasy-friendly asset and a top-tier defensive option to start the season.

Bonnie Toogood (FWD) went from earning an Allstar card in 2023 with an average over 120 to averaging just 46 in 2024 in a season filled with injury and recovery. With 2 scores in the single digits, Toogood sits towards the bottom of most lists if you sort by average so could easily be missed by inexperienced coaches. A fully fit Toogood is a must start in any competitive side so keep an eye on her this pre season.

💎 Breakout Watch

Maddison Prespakis was the heartbeat of Essendon’s midfield in 2024, averaging 23.4 disposals, 3.1 tackles and 4.9 clearances per game across 12 matches. Her ball‑winning ability and elite inside game drive her consistent fantasy output. A proven Best and Fairest winner alongside three All‑Australian honours, she thrives under pressure and continually pushes the ball forward. Even though she is already considered one of the premium midfielders, I expect her to push into the uber elite tear alongside the Noffs and Bowers of the game.

🔄 New Faces, Draftees and Departures (As per AFLW website)

Ins: Courtney Murphy (GWS), Grace Belloni, Taya Chambers, Holly Ridewood, Sophie Strong (draft), Grace Brooker (rookie), Maggie MacLachlan (replacement player, Subiaco WAFLW), Jess Verbrugge (replacement player, East Perth WAFLW), one list spot remaining.

Outs: Amber Clarke (St Kilda), Ashleigh Van Loon (Sydney), Kodi Jacques, Jacqui Vogt, Lily-Rose Williamson (delisted), Paige Scott (self-delisted, drafted to Richmond), Emily Gough (inactive, ACL), Bess Keaney (inactive, pregnancy), Amelia Radford (inactive, ACL)

🗓️ Fixture Analysis

First 3 games: GWS (Away), West Coast (Home), Richmond (Away)

Teams not played: Adelaide, Carlton, Collingwood, Gold Coast, Port Adelaide

💭 Final Thoughts

With a lack of premium consistent forwards and defenders, Gay and Toogood look like they could be set and forget in 2025.

Fremantle

2024 finish: 5^th – 2025 prediction: 11th

📈 2024 Recap & 2025 Outlook

Fremantle finished top five on the back of contested football through the midfield. More consistency and forward polish could elevate them to premiership dark horse status. Unfortunately, I think other teams will probably push ahead sending Fremantle in the other direction.

🏆 Fantasy Studs

Mim Strom (RUCK) emerged as the dominant ruck in the AFLW’s 2024 season, earning both All‑Australian selection and the club’s Best and Fairest award. She shattered league records with a career‑high 56 hit‑outs in an elimination final and finished the year with an astounding 390 hit‑outs overall, the most ever in a single AFLW season. Beyond hit‑outs, her mobility around the ground led to regular intercept marks and tackles, underpinning Fremantle’s contested game. As she returns in 2025, Strom remains one of the safest and highest‑upside fantasy rucks, blending elite hit‑outs with strong across‑ground presence. I predict she will hold her spot as the number one GameDay Squad ruck in the competition.

Aisling McCarthy(MID) burst into Fremantle’s engine room in 2024 after arriving from West Coast, becoming the club’s leading goalkicker and earning her first All‑Australian selection at half forward. She averaged 21.8 disposals, 8.2 clearances and kicked 8 goals across 12 matches averaging 121 GDS points. Her pace, contested strength and booming kicking make her a dual‑threat in the midfield and forward line. Keep an eye on how her role changes with the reintroduction of Bowers. I’m expecting her scoring to decrease slightly as she spends more minutes forward rather than in the guts.  

Kiara Bowers (MID) is a must-have in 2025. After sitting out the 2024 season due to pregnancy, she has returned to Fremantle’s pre-season looking fit, focused and ready to reclaim her place as one of the most dominant players in the competition. Bowers has led the AFLW for tackles in every season she has played, setting the standard for defensive pressure by a wide margin. Her relentless work rate, contested ball winning and tackle numbers have consistently delivered elite GameDay Squad scores. With a hunger to make up for lost time, Bowers is set to explode back onto the scene and your squad needs her.

💎 Breakout Watch

Ange Stannett (FWD)is set to make a powerful comeback as Fremantle’s on‑field captain after missing all of 2024 recovering from an ACL injury. Voted in by her peers for a second consecutive year, she brings selfless leadership, versatility and elite ball use across defense, midfield and forward. In 2023 she averaged 14.4 disposals, 6.8 tackles and laid 2.1 marks per match while commanding a team-first attitude. Fully fit and back in the leadership group in 2025, Stannett will likely expand on her 2023  numbers and push for another allstar card. Jump on her now!

🔄 New Faces, Draftees and Departures (As per AFLW website)

Ins: Bella Smith (Sydney), Matilda Banfield (rookie, hockey), Georgie Brisbane, Holly Egan, Evie Parker, Indi Strom (draft), Poppy Stockwell (replacement player, South Fremantle WAFLW)

Outs: Mikayla Morrison (retired), Ariana Hetherington (North Melbourne), Airlie Runnalls (Collingwood), Jae Flynn, Serena Gibbs, Tahleah Mulder, Tara Stribley, Makaela Tuhakaraina (delisted), Ebony Antonio (inactive, pregnant)

🗓️ Fixture Analysis

First 3 games: Port Adelaide (Away), Brisbane (Home), North Melbourne (Home)

Teams not played: Collingwood, Geelong, Gold Coast, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs

💭 Final Thoughts

The midfield balance with the return of Bowers will be a point of interest for me. McCarthy may lose some scoring potential or we could see the emergence of a power duo like Garner/Riddell at North.