AFLW Round 1: No. 1 pick Ash Centra leads new era at Collingwood
This season of the competition promises to be the best yet. And it will kick off with two traditional powerhouses, just like it did 10 seasons ago.
But this time, a new cast of faces will seek to take Collingwood and Carlton back to the top of the AFLW.
The Magpies are set to unleash Ash Centra, one of the most hyped No. 1 picks in AFLW history.
SCROLL DOWN FOR OUR EXPERT TIPS FOR ROUND 1
Equal parts skill and class, Centra does things on the footy field that mere mortals can only dream of pulling off.
By the end of the season, Centra could be what Harley Reid is to West Coast – the supremely talented teenager who lifts an entire football club off the canvas.
It won't be long until she's appointment viewing.
At Carlton, a family legacy welcomes a fresh chapter.
Sophie McKay, sister of Abbie and daughter of Andrew, will make her AFLW debut.
Back on that magical night in February 2017, Sophie rang the bell to signify the start of the very first AFLW game. Tonight, she'll line-up alongside her sister, the pair hoping to follow in the footsteps of their father and win a flag with the navy blues.
It'll be an equally special night for Abbie, leading Carlton as captain for the first time, 22 years after Andrew stepped into the role in the absence of Brett Ratten in 2003.
Sophie McKay will debut for the Blues. Picture:Collingwood have a new skipper too. Foundation Magpie Ruby Schleicher has taken the reins, succeeding Brianna Davey.
One of the most marketable players in the competition, Schleicher's soaring media profile is matched only by her footballing ability.
Both skippers will hope to pair a new era of leadership with on-field success.
Collingwood last played finals in 2022 while Carlton haven't qualified since 2020.
Thursday night is the chance for both to land their first blow of season 2025.
The Blues led by second-year coach Matthew Buck will be buoyed by top 10 draft pick Poppy Scholz, off-season recruit Tara Bohanna and returning Irishwoman Erone Fitzpatrick, finally fit again after suffering an ACL injury back in Round 10 of the 2023 season.
The Pies will also unveil father-daughter selection Violet Patterson, forgotten forward Kalinda Howarth and new winger and lifelong Collingwood supporter Airlie Runnalls.
Whatever the result, women's football is the winner. Here's to the next 10 seasons.
Eliza Reilly
Staff Writer
Eliza Reilly is a Perth-based sportswriter for CODE specialising in AFL, AFLW and netball. Born and raised in Perth, Eliza started her career as a sports cadet at the Gold Coast Bulletin, progressing to deputy sports editor. In 2020, she returned home to join The West Australian where she got the chance to cover an AFL grand final in her home state. Eliza has also been recognised for her journalism, including winning a Clarion Award and multiple WA Football Media Guild awards including the Tracey Lewis Emerging Talent Award in her first year at The West.
@ByElizaReilly
Eliza Reilly
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