The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Aberfeldie co-coaches Ashleigh Gunn and Emily Smith who provide some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 1st (14W, 2L, 610.78%)
Coaches: Ashleigh Gunn and Emily Smith
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Our pre-season has been built around contest, connection, and consistency.
"We’ve put a big emphasis on winning the contest but also on how we support each other around the ball and move it with purpose.
"Fitness has been a strong foundation, but everything we’ve done has been tied back to how we want to play.
"We learnt that consistency in effort and mindset is what separates good teams from great ones.
"We’ve focused on building resilience so we can handle momentum swings and stay in control of games for longer.
"Our ball movement is a real strength when we’re connected and confident.
"We were very fortunate to have LSKD run a group session focused on our values, leadership, and goal setting."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Sim Ruedin is one to watch after joining us half way through last season.
"Lily Robinson and Amelia Wright have held great standards over our pre-season and are looking to build on a solid season last year.
"Maddy Hall has come up from the Under 19s and has impressed with her intensity and ability to win the footy.
"Meg Ginnivan has come into the midfield and immediately set the standard with her physicality, while Tahni Nestor brings experience and composure to our backline. Both have added real strength to our group."
2026 OUTLOOK
"We’ve been thereabouts the last few seasons, so the goal is clear. We want to go one step further and win the flag. But more importantly, we want to build a brand of footy that stands up in big moments.
"We want to become a team that is known for its contest, connection, and consistency and is hard to play against every single week.
"We always strive to continue building a strong and connected program where players feel supported, challenged, and proud to represent Aberfeldie. We want to set standards that last beyond just one season.
ON THE RECORD WITH ASHLEIGH GUNN AND EMILY SMITH
Biggest pest at the club?
Celeste Defina.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Amanda Wright.
Which AFLW player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Jasmine Garner (North Melbourne).
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Moana Hope.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Work rate, coachability, competitiveness, and fun.
In what format should AFLW Origin join the men's showcase?
Australia vs Ireland would be a lot closer than we might think!
Flag tip outside Aberfeldie?
Hillside.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Meg Ginnivan (Castlemaine), Emily Elkington (Fitzroy), Summer Hall (Carlton), Mimi Noble (Boisdale-Briagolong), Jenna Hurring (Point Cook Centrals), Jess Duffin (Hawthorn), Elysse Brundell (Romsey), Taliah O'Connor (Greenvale), Tahni Nestor (North Melbourne).
Out: Emily Heaney (Yarraville Seddon Eagles), Aarzu Mavi (Burnside Heights), Emily Newton (Burnside Heights), Ellie Huggard (Oak Park), Erica Fowler (Old Yarra Cobras), Claudia McGee (Black Rock), India Barker (Yarraville Seddon Eagles), Isabel Young (West Preston-Lakeside), Lily Bateman (Essendon Doutta Stars), Shauna McElligott (Maribyrnong Park).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Aberfeldie will remain one of the contenders even despite movement in and out through the offseason. The top-end of the two blues has been bolstered by ex-AFLW talent Tahni Nestor, Jess Duffin, and Emily Elkington. As co-coaches Ash Gunn and Em Smith described, Abers have been extremely close in recent years, is 2026 the year they return to premiership glory?
