The AFLW double-header season opener left fans with 'lots of mixed feelings'
The 2026 AFLW season opener between Carlton and St Kilda drew a crowd of over 20,000, bolstered by a double-header format with the men's competition. Fans and players expressed support for the unified club approach to increase the visibility and growth of women's sports.
Why it matters
The success of double-header events highlights a strategic shift in sports marketing to boost attendance and gender parity in professional Australian sports.
Carlton starts its season well with a comfortable win over St Kilda at Docklands. ( Getty: Morgan Hancock )
Link copied Share Share article As young Carlton star Poppy Scholz launched the ball into the stands at Docklands Stadium to kick the first goal of the 2026 AFLW season, fans were asking each other: "What do you think this crowd is?'"
The Blues were playing against St Kilda in the season opener in one of five double-headers between the men's and women's competitions this season.
Players, clubs and fans have been calling for regular double-headers to be introduced by the AFL to help grow the women's game.
This was in a bid to increase exposure of the women's game, try to adopt more fans across, give a unified club identity (one club, two teams approach) and allow the women to play on better conditions to allow for a better product.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in