The GWS Giants will kick off the 2026 AFLW season on Sunday afternoon when they battle the West Coast Eagles at Engie Stadium.
The opening round match will be part of an historic double-header, which will also see the Giants AFL team play the boys from Perth in the game prior.
Last Thursday evening at Parramatta Town Hall, the Giants held their 2026 season launch event for their AFLW team.
It was a spectacular night at the historic venue, which saw the entire 2026 playing squad receive their new Giants guernseys for the upcoming season.
One of the game’s foundation AFLW clubs, the Giants have largely struggled over the years, reaching the Finals just once (2020) in nine seasons. However, with a host of new players on their roster this season, including a premiership winner in Queenslander Poppy Boltz, it’s hoped the Giants can enjoy a successful season 2026 under the coaching of Cam Bernasconi.
Speaking at last week’s launch, Bernasconi said he’s been inspired by Apple TV’s ‘Ted Lasso’ heading into his fifth season.
“One of my great mentors Ted Lasso talks about ‘Believe’, and all the players know I’m a Ted man,” he said.
“For me, belief comes from hard work and the last six months especially is the hardest we’ve ever worked.
“We’ve set ourselves up to have a really strong year and we can’t wait to start the season.”
Experienced Giants star Bec Beeson will once again lead the side this season. The 29-year-old said she’s excited to play with her teammates, including Boltz, Tilly Lucas-Rodd and Georgia Clark.
“We’ve added some excellent people to the group this year,” Beeson said.
“All around we’ve definitely improved our program and I’m looking forward to what we can do this year.”
The 2025 AFLW season was a hugely disappointing one for GWS, with the Giants notching up just two wins over 12 games.
Giants President Tim Reed said he’s eager for the new season to get underway this Sunday at Engie Stadium.
“Just a few sleeps to go and the season begins and what a way it’s going to start with an historic double-header at Engie Stadium,” Reed said.
“Many behind the scenes have been working for years to accomplish what’s going to happen on Sunday. They are doing it because of the belief in the players that are here tonight – bigger stages, bigger crowds and bigger expectations.
“As we enter 2026, we do it with renewed optimism and with confidence that we’re up to those bigger expectations.”
The historic double will take place at Engie Stadium this Sunday, August 16 with the Giants men’s team playing West Coast at 1.40pm, followed by the women’s match at 4.45pm.
Nathan Taylor is Parra News' sports journalist. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked in western Sydney media for more than a decade.