AFLW Shifts into High Gear: Data Reveals Faster, More Attacking Gameplay

The AFLW competition has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a noticeable shift towards faster, more attacking gameplay. According to data from the 2026 season, teams are scoring at a higher rate than ever before, with an average of 45.6 points per game, up 4.6 points from the previous record high of 41.1 points set last year.

Key statistics show a more attacking style

The numbers indicate a clear trend towards more strategic control and a greater emphasis on moving the ball to attack, rather than focusing solely on defence. Some key statistics that highlight this shift include:

• Inside 50s (avg. 35.1) and shots on goal (avg. 15.4) are at an all-time high
• Goal assists (avg. 4.2) are also at a record high
• Uncontested possession is at an all-time high of 142.4 per game, up 10.2 on last year's record
• Disposal efficiency has also increased to a record 63.6 per cent

Only four teams have failed to average a higher score in 2026 compared to 2025: Brisbane (-9.8 points per game), North Melbourne (-5.2), Port Adelaide (-18.5), and St Kilda (-7.2).

Teams adapt to new strategies

Fremantle is one example of a team that has adjusted its strategy, moving away from a contested possession game and towards a more fluid, outside game. According to Fremantle's approach, "In 2025 it was caught out, relying heavily on a contested possession game, the late news that the holding the ball interpretation had been changed throwing the club out of sorts. No longer could heavy contest be the solution, and adjusting on the run was tough work."

This year, the Dockers have moved away from that contested game, averaging a positive uncontested possession differential for the first time in their 11-season history, and are reaping the benefits of the shift.

Two approaches to ball movement

Clubs have opted to go one of two ways with their ball movement this year. The likes of Richmond, Hawthorn, and Adelaide have leaned into kick-mark football, choosing to control play with systematic build up. Whereas teams like Geelong, Gold Coast, and Carlton have taken the AFLW by storm with aggressive run and carry, moving the ball by hand and at speed.

Both methods have been beneficial in the increase in end-to-end transition throughout the season, with defensive half to inside 50 movement up to 20.6 per cent from 18.6 per cent last year, and defensive 50 to inside 50 movement also up by two per cent.

A league-wide shift

It's hard to quantify the increased trust teams have in their system and willingness to attack, rather than simply rely on defence. With long kicks down the line marginally down — an indicator of the preference to build the ball up rather than opt for a bail out kick — and the aforementioned uncontested possession and stoppage metrics, there has been a clear move toward system, structure, and attack.

As one observer noted, "it's improving every year". And the numbers back it up.