AFLW Clubs to Finalise Squads for Weekend Matches

Teams confirm lineup changes ahead of the final regular season round on 1 November 2026.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Basketball

AFLW Clubs to Finalise Squads for Weekend Matches

AFLW teams have released their final squad sheets ahead of matches on 1 November 2026. Coaches are making critical adjustments to rosters due to injuries, suspensions, and selection decisions as the regular season concludes.

Why it matters

The final round of the regular season is crucial as teams look to secure their positions and manage their rosters. Injuries and suspensions are forcing late changes, while some coaches are also preparing for their final matches with their clubs.

Gold Coast has confirmed five new squad inclusions for this round. These roster moves coincide with the departure of several players across the league due to injury, suspension, or omission.

The players

Collingwood

The Australian Rules football club is currently navigating roster changes after dropping Kalinda Howarth and losing Mattea Breed to injury.

Essendon

The club has confirmed squad updates following the omission of Nalu Brothwell and the loss of Sophie Van De Heuvel to concussion.

Gold Coast

The team has been active in the lead-up to the final round, adding five players to their squad while managing multiple departures.

Melbourne

The club is dealing with the absence of Sinead Goldrick and Shelley Heath-Barker while managing the return of Saraid Taylor.

Adelaide

The squad is adjusting to the suspension of Eloise Jones and the omission of Kayleigh Cronin ahead of their upcoming match.

The details

Collingwood and Essendon have both adjusted their squads following injuries and omissions, while Gold Coast saw significant personnel turnover with five players added. Meanwhile, Melbourne will welcome back Saraid Taylor as other clubs manage suspensions such as Adelaide losing Eloise Jones.

Timeline

  1. AFLW matches take place at various venues on 1 November 2026.

Season Trajectory

These roster movements occur as teams approach the final round of the AFLW regular season. The confirmed inclusions and exclusions directly impact the competitive balance for the closing matches of the 2026 campaign.

Fans should note that late injury and suspension updates directly alter the starting rotations for key matchups at venues like Henson Park and Unley Oval. These changes in personnel are final and will dictate the tactical setup for the concluding regular season fixtures.

The takeaway

Team management during the final round of the regular season is a delicate balance of injury recovery and strategic squad selection. Supporters should monitor official team sheets closely for last-minute updates that could influence match outcomes.

Further reading

For more updates on professional team rosters, visit the Basketball section.