AustraliaAFLW Round 9 Teams Announced
Richmond drops veteran players, Melbourne suffers injury blow, and Adelaide names debutant Ava Stewart. The teams are in for AFLW round nine, with several changes across the league.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Richmond has dropped veteran players Paige Scott and Bec Miller, opting to name two top-ups ahead of them. The Tigers have also named Alana Barba and Caitlin Thorne to make their debuts for the club.
Melbourne will be without star recruit Mia Austin due to injury, but Shelley Heath-Barker will return from a calf injury. The Dees have recalled young ruck Jacinta Hose and named Tahlia Fellows to play her first game in Melbourne colours.
Adelaide has named debutant Ava Stewart, who was selected with Pick No.63 at the 2025 AFLW Draft. The Crows have also recalled Lily Tarlinton, who will play her first game for 2026.
The Brothwell twins will face off for the first time, with Nalu recalled by Essendon and sister Mizuki playing for the Western Bulldogs. Young Bombers tall Taya Chambers will miss the rest of the season due to a back injury.
West Coast defender Beth Schilling has returned after a week's rest, while Port Adelaide will regain Ella Heads after her three-match suspension. Geelong has made just one change, resting draftee Evie Cowcher, while key defender Lexi Gregor has returned from concussion.
Greater Western Sydney has named young ruck Maisy Evans to make her AFLW debut, with Brodee Mowbray returning from a quad injury. St Kilda has regained Ella Friend and Saoirse Lally, dropping Renee Forth and Caitlin Fletcher.
The match between Richmond and Adelaide will be broadcast live on 7Mate Adelaide, Fox Footy, and Kayo. The game will mark Grace Egan's 75th game, with the forward and leadership group member set to hit the milestone against her former club.
Key facts
- Richmond drops Paige Scott and Bec Miller, naming two top-ups
- Melbourne's Mia Austin out injured, Shelley Heath-Barker returns
- Adelaide names debutant Ava Stewart, recalls Lily Tarlinton
- Brothwell twins to face off for the first time
Three perspectives
Neutral
The teams for AFLW round nine have been announced, with several changes across the league. The matches will take place this weekend, with fans able to watch on various broadcast channels. The results of these matches will impact the league standings.
Positive
The debut of Ava Stewart for Adelaide is a positive sign for the club, with the young player showing promise in her development. The return of injured players such as Shelley Heath-Barker and Lexi Gregor will also boost their respective teams.
Negative
The injury to Mia Austin is a blow to Melbourne, who will be without one of their star recruits. The dropping of veteran players such as Paige Scott and Bec Miller may also be seen as a negative for Richmond.
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