The pinnacle of the 2026 Airport Toyota Premier Division season is here. The grand final stage is set, and Aberfeldie and Strathmore are en route for Windy Hill.
Regardless of the eventual result, history will be made on Sunday for either the Two Blues or Mores, with Aberfeldie seeking its first women’s premiership since 2019 and Strathmore vowing to become the first women's side to win back-to-back premierships across two different divisions.
Both are deserving premiers, but both have taken very different paths to get to this moment today.
For Aberfeldie, its journey to Windy Hill has been one full of hurdles, but a determined and physically strong outfit positions the side as the team to beat.
The Two Blues have been part of the finals mix every season since the inception of standalone EDFL women's footy, with heartbreak on the big stage unfortunately a common theme following grand final defeats across 2022-24.
Last year, the Two Blues concluded the season as the minor premier, but two shock finals losses saw them bow out on the doorstep of the big dance.
Abers entered 2026 with some new faces and were looking to “become a team that is known for its contest, connection, and consistency and is hard to play against every single week” as co-coaches Ashleigh Gunn and Emily Smith stated in the pre-season.
That is something that the side has certainly achieved this year.
Picking up 11 wins across the home and away season with only three blemishes along the way, the Two Blues boast an average winning margin of 62 points.
They know how to win, and they know how to win big.
Strathmore’s route to Sunday’s decider has been nothing short of a fairy tale, with 2026 marking the Mores’ return to the women’s top flight following two polar opposite seasons in Division One.
Following their second consecutive wooden spoon in 2024, the Mores brought together a new-look list of players ahead of season 2025.
It was a year of dreams for Strathmore, with the side bouncing back from its pain to go undefeated in full stride.
The Mores won a thrilling Division One grand final against Burnside Heights by six points and secured their place back in the Premier Division.
In the pre-season, coach Shaun Bannister wanted to make 2026 the year Strathmore solidifies its place at the highest level.
“A flag or finals appearance would be amazing, however we’re realistic, therefore we really just want to show we belong in Premier Division.”
The Mores have well and truly proved their point, with the gold and navy blue finishing the regular season third with an 11-3 record.
Captained by Eloise Egglestone, who’ll be one of the front-runners come best and fairest night, Strathmore recorded two firm lead-up finals victories.
Aberfeldie will hope it’s another walk in the park.
Winning by 71 points in the only clash between these two sides this season, it was a muscle-flexing win for the Two Blues all the way back in Round 5.
A cohesive side has come out of Clifton Park, with a well-knit team proving fit for premiership medals.
Leading charge in front of goal are spearheads Mo Hope and Emily Smith.
The duo has kicked 77 goals between them this season and know how to become a handful against any opponent early.
Chloe Rafferty is also another key player for the Two Blues, often finding herself listed alongside Hope and Smith in the weekly goalsheet.
Olivia Madden, who will also be up there in the best and fairest count, has had a brilliant year but her selection will be one to watch having recently missed.
Madden’s ability to dominate across the ground is something the Two Blues make the most of on a weekly basis, with her strong marks and driving kicks game-changing.
Lara Churchill is another trusty ball magnet, while Amelia Wright stands tall in the centre.
And if that wasn’t enough, former AFLW talent in Jess Duffin will set up camp in the last line of defence, with the former Kangaroo able to hold her side strong up back.
Aberfeldie’s case to win the premiership is strong, but Strathmore’s credentials are just as worthy too.
One thing the Mores will look to do is compose themselves both on the scoreboard and on the field.
Strathmore was put to test early in its elimination final against Essendon Doutta Stars after it trailed early.
A week later, the Mores were on the edge of their seat as they survived a late Oak Park surge in the preliminary final.
The Mores are seeking revenge for when the Two Blues thumped them by 71 points in Round 5. If there’s a time to get back at your opposition, Sunday is prime real estate for doing so.
A star-studded playing list puts Strathmore in a good position from full back to full forward.
Taylah Gilcrist, Milla Murphy, and Talia Motta are cool, calm, and confident in front of the big sticks and are often the difference in either winning or just falling short.
Gilcrist has been on fire in this year’s finals campaign, scoring five goals in the elimination final and two in the preliminary final.
Jasmina Curtis has also stepped up her goaling game, scoring a goal in each of her last three matches.
Captain Egglestone will be out for another premiership after rejoining the club at the start of this season.
Named in the best in 15 of her 16 matches this year, Egglestone has been by far the standout of Strathmore.
Playing with grace and strength, Egglestone can spot a target on the run and deliver the Sherrin perfectly.
Someone who can also do that is Sarah McKinnon, who fits in perfectly wherever she is placed on the field.
Mabel-Jean Flannery displays a similar skill in running the ball from end to end of the field, while Mikayla Plant put on a strong performance in defence last weekend.
Nevertheless, what is set out in front of us is a grand final of dreams.
It is the best two teams, with the best lists of players, going head to head for the ultimate glory in their football careers; the 2026 Airport Toyota Premier Division premiership.
Who will win? It is time to find out.
