The 2026 AFLW season kicked off in spectacular—and highly debated—fashion at Docklands Stadium, as young Carlton star Poppy Scholz launched the ball into the stands to secure the season's opening goal. The match, which saw the Blues hold off a late charge from St Kilda, marked the first of five highly anticipated double-headers scheduled between the men’s and women’s competitions this year.

A Historic Turnout

Introduced to increase exposure and foster a unified "one club, two teams" identity, the double-header initiative yielded impressive numbers on day one. By half-time, the stadium had welcomed 11,000 spectators—already eclipsing the 9,000-strong sell-out crowd at the Australia vs. Ireland clash at North Sydney Oval just a week prior. By the final quarter, that figure had ballooned to an impressive 20,455 fans.

The Players' Verdict: A Celebration of Growth

For veterans of the league, playing on the big stage represents a hard-fought victory for the women's game. Former St Kilda captain Hannah Priest praised the initiative, highlighting the sense of unity it brings to clubs where staff and resources are shared across programs.

"To open the season at Docklands is a testament to every single AFLW supporter who has advocated for this sort of growth," Priest said. "It’s a celebration for all of us."

Fans Divided Over "Support Act" Vibe

Despite the high turnout and the comfort of playing under a closed roof, the shift away from suburban grounds has sparked mixed emotions among the AFLW faithful. Some spectators expressed concern that pairing the women’s matches with the men’s fixtures risks sidelining the AFLW.

Carlton member Asha Ziffer admitted she had reservations about the setup, questioning whether it truly showcases the women's game in its own right. Her 14-year-old daughter, Lily, likened the experience to a music concert.

"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," Ziffer remarked. She also noted that while 11,000 fans is a fantastic turnout, the cavernous nature of Docklands Stadium made the crowd feel sparse compared to local venues.

Balancing Growth and Local Identity

Other long-time supporters echoed the desire for the AFLW to maintain its unique identity. Saints fan Shae Williams enjoyed the scale of the event but admitted to feeling nostalgic for more intimate settings.

"It felt weird not being in a more intimate setting like Moorabbin," Williams noted. "Twenty thousand attendance was a great result and a good experience for the players to play on a bigger stage, but I understand the need for the women's league to have its own space as well."

Meanwhile, dual-membership holder Dylan Cross saw the positive side, observing that the double-header introduced the AFLW to a new cohort of fans. "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. However, he admitted a preference for the family-friendly, local "footy vibes" of suburban grounds like Moorabbin and Ikon Park.

As the AFL continues to navigate the expansion of the women's game, the success of the remaining four double-headers will likely dictate whether the league tilts toward the grandeur of major stadiums or returns to its grass-roots heritage.