Double-Header Debate: AFLW Historic Season Opener Sparks Mixed Fan Reactions Despite Massive Crowds

The 2026 AFLW season launched on Sunday evening with a high-profile double-header at Docklands Stadium, where Carlton faced off against St Kilda. As Carlton's young star Poppy Scholz kicked the season's first goal, sending the ball soaring into the stands, spectators in the arena turned to one another, asking: "What do you think this crowd is?'"

This fixture is the first of five double-headers scheduled between the men's and women's competitions this season. Players, clubs, and supporters have long called for regular joint fixtures to increase exposure, attract new fans, build a unified club identity, and ensure the women play under optimal stadium conditions to showcase their skills.

Bumper Crowds and Club Unity

By half-time, the crowd had reached 11,000—which was 2,000 more than the sold-out clash between Australia and Ireland at North Sydney Oval the week before. By the middle of the final quarter, that figure had climbed to 20,455. St Kilda launched a late challenge against Carlton, but the Blues maintained their lead to take the win.

For St Kilda veteran and former captain Hannah Priest, the event offered "a nice unity for an all-club approach" that celebrated both programs.

"I look at the idea of all of your teams playing on the same day and celebrating each other," Priest said, noting that many staff members work across both squads. "To open the season at [Docklands] is a testament to every single AFLW supporter who has advocated for this sort of growth, and everyone who's been on board since the start. It's a celebration for all of us."

Supporters Raise Concerns Over Suburban Atmosphere

While many attendees enjoyed the scale of the stadium, the loud atmosphere, and protection from the wet weather, others voiced a preference for the intimacy of suburban grounds.

Carlton supporter Asha Ziffer, who holds an AFLW membership but not a men's membership, admitted she likely would not have attended if it weren't the season opener.

"I've got a lot of mixed feelings about it, but I don't think that this showcases it as it should be," Ziffer said. "I think that it is presenting it as second to the men's game, and certainly for a season opener, W should be the focus."

Ziffer's 14-year-old daughter, Lily, compared the scheduling to a concert where "it's like when you go to a concert and there's a support act that only half the people come to and then there's the main event".

"I think even if a 14-year-old can identify that, then it does say something more broadly to the community about where the women's game sits," Ziffer observed during the third quarter. "Look, it's great and the game is going our way, which is great, even better. But it does feel, because it's such a big venue, I think 11,000 turnout is great but it just doesn't feel like a big crowd because the venue is so big. And you know, I'm sure it's a great ground for them to play on. And you know, it's nice to have a roof over our heads, given the weather's average."

The Balance Between Large Arenas and Local Vibes

Long-time St Kilda supporter Shae Williams hoped the event would help the team gain new followers, despite the loss.

"It was exciting walking in and the thought of W starting … [although it] felt weird not being in a more intimate setting like Moorabbin." Williams remarked. "Twenty thousand attendance was a great result [and a] good experience for the players to play on a bigger stage," she said, adding: "The idea of double-headers are great, [although] I understand the need for W to have its own space as well."

Fellow Saints supporter Dylan Cross, who used his dual men's and women's membership to attend, was pleased to see the early turnout.

"I heard a few people comment around me that haven't watched much women's footy that it was better than they expected," Cross said. "So, hopefully it [double-headers] grow the game."

However, Cross noted a preference for community grounds. "I will say personally I still prefer the AFLW games at smaller grounds like Ikon or Moorabbin due to the more local footy vibes and that it's so family friendly. The crowd felt a bit reserved tonight."

Reflecting on the night as a whole, Cross added: "But all in all, I think it was a success and hopefully we see more double-headers in the future."