Can Melbourne meet their own expectations or will Adelaide reach another level? Is Collingwood's disappointing first season the start of a drought and can Carlton's off-season signings help the Blues pay dividends? Will the Brisbane Lions earn the respect they deserve and can the Western Bulldogs show why they were one of AFLW's pioneer clubs?
All will be answered in the next eight weeks of AFLW 2018 in the final season before expansion takes the competition beyond eight clubs.
ADELAIDE
Co-captains: Chelsea Randall/Erin Phillips
Coach: Bec Goddard
Ins and outs
In: Jessica Allan, Jasmyn Hewett, Eloise Jones, Rheanne Lugg, Marijana Rajcic, Ruth Wallace, Calista Boyd, Becchara Palmer, Brianna Walling
Out: Kellie Gibson (Fremantle), Heather Anderson, Tayla Thorn, Monique Hollick, Lauren O'Shea, Jasmine Anderson
Key player: Erin Phillips
Swept all before her in the competition's first season and is determined to back it up. Now retired from basketball, the 32-year-old was the fittest, strongest and most skilful player in the competition. However, clubs will have plans to quell her dominance this season and her response will be fascinating.
How they went last year: Premiers
Amazing premiership on the back of two unlikely heroes in Phillips and Sarah "Tex" Perkins, who became the focal point for the contested ball winning unit. Their transition from defence to attack set them apart last year as did their relatively high scoring.
Prediction for this year: 3rd
There is no doubt Adelaide will be in contention again as inaccurate kicking was the main reason the grand final was so tight. How they handle going from an unknown quantity to the team everyone wants to beat will be challenging but the depth Chelsea Randall, Ebony Marinoff and big game performer Courtney Cramey provide makes the Crows formidable.
Lions gun Sabrina Frederick-Traub, playing here for the Allies. Photo: Daniel Pockett
BRISBANE LIONS
Captain: Emma Zielke
Coach: Craig Starcevich
Ins and outs
In: Isabelle Ayre (Carlton), Nat Exon (Carlton), Ruby Blair, Arianna Clarke, Sophie Conway, Renee Cowan, , Kalinda Howarth, Jessy Keeffe, Emma Pittman, Tahlia Randall, ,Jordan Zanchetta, Gabby Collingwood, Molly Ritson, Krystal Scott
Out: Tayla Harris (Carlton), Shaleise Law, Selina Goodman, Nikki Wallace, Jade Ransfield, Jordan Membrey, Caitlin Collins, Kate Deegan, Delissa Kimmince
Key player: Sabrina Frederick-Taub
Her grand final was outstanding as she played the forward-ruck role to perfection. Frederick-Taub is smart enough to use her bulk and strength in ways that bring her teammates into games and at just 21 will only get better.
How they went last year: 2nd
Runners-up after earning a home final then being forced to play at Metricon Stadium as the Gabba was unavailable. They surprised everyone when they beat Melbourne away from home in the first game and then applied relentless pressure on the opposition to be the best team in it, remaining undefeated - until the decider.
Prediction for this year: 4th
Unity was their strong suit in 2017 and will be again. The loss of Tayla Harris to Carlton hurts but it will give profile to their better performing but lower-profile players such as Kaitlyn Ashmore, Emily Bates and Emma Zielke who were the real drivers of last year's effort.
Carlton AFLW leaders, from left, Sarah Hosking, Brianna Davey and Lauren Arnell. Photo: Carlton Football Club
CARLTON
Captain: Brianna Davey
Coach: Damien Keeping
Ins and outs
In: Tayla Harris (Brisbane Lions), Nicola Stevens (Collingwood), Maddison Gay, Georgia Gee, Reni Hicks, Bridie Kennedy, Kerryn Harrington, Sophie Li, Tiahna Cochrane, Katie-Jayne Grieve, Courtney Webb
Out: Isabelle Ayre (Brisbane Lions), Nat Exon (Brisbane Lions), Bianka Jakobsson (Melbourne) Kate Darby, Rebecca Privitelli (GWS Giants), Alison Brown, Jessica Kennedy, Hayley Trevean, Kate Shierlaw, Tahni Nestor, Jordan Ivey
Key player: Nicola Stevens
The prized recruit's performance will have a significant influence on Carlton's fortunes as they hope to push the defender forward to join Darcy Vescio and Harris inside 50. If Stevens can make the move work, the Blues' scoring power will test their opposition.
How they went last year: 4th
Excellent defensive team who was just off the pace with narrow losses to Adelaide and Melbourne and a draw with the Lions proving costly. The Blues were very good one-on-one and defended well but their midfield lacked drive. Vescio was exciting and won the competition's goalkicking award.
Prediction for this year: 2nd
High hopes for Carlton with Harris and Stevens huge recruits. It could tip the Blues into top two contention if their midfield can get enough of the ball. That is the query with a lot of pressure on star veteran Lauren Arnell to lead a developing midfield.
Collingwood's most recent top draft pick Chloe Molloy. Photo: Joe Armao
COLLINGWOOD
Captain: Steph Chiocci
Coach: Wayne Siekman
Ins and outs
In: Jaimee Lambert (Western Bulldogs), Chloe Molloy, Darcy Guttridge, Iilish Ross, Sarah Durgan, Kristy Stratton, Ashleigh Brazil, Holly Whitford, Georgie Parker, Eliza Hynes
Out: Nicola Stevens (Carlton); Alicia Eva (GWS); Penny Cula-Reid, Kendra Heil, Helen Roden, Lou Wotton, Kate Sheahan and Georgia Walker (delisted)
Key player: Jasmine Garner
Excellent second target up forward in 2017, she has been impressing track watchers with her talent. The hard-running Garner could play as a high half-forward as she has great running power.
How they went last year: 5th
Looked to get it wrong last year from the start with the list's athleticism below par and their wingless structure found wanting. By season's end they were playing winning football but they were still a way off the best teams.
Prediction for this year: 6th
It's hard to see the Magpies winning the competition although the first match against Carlton will be telling. With a new structure, a good opening result would give the team confidence and momentum. Unfortunately early draftee Darcy Guttridge suffered a broken collarbone in a practice match.
Fremantle AFLW captain Kara Donnellan.
FREMANTLE
Captain: Kara Donnellan
Coach: Michelle Cowan
Ins and outs
In: Kellie Gibson (Adelaide), Evangeline Gooch, Jodie White, Ashlee Atkins, Emily McGuire, Leah Mascall, Tayla McAuliffe, Beatrice Devlyn, Lisa Webb, Jade De Melo
Out: Taryn Priestly, Taylah Angel, Tarnica Golisano, Kira Phillips, Akec Makur Chuot, Demi Okely, Emily Bonser, Kelly Clinch, Brooke Whyte, Kim Mickle
Key player: Dana Hooker
Won the club's first best and fairest, playing every game and becoming a big possession winner. Relentless, she is very good below her knees and provides plenty of midfield drive with her kicking.
How they went last year: 7th
Injuries to key players stopped the Dockers from fulfilling pre-season predictions and they finished a disappointing second last. The opposition dominated hit-outs but when the midfield did get the ball forward they struggled to score.
Prediction for this year: 7th
The only way is up for the Dockers. Kara Donnellan, Dana Hooker and Hayley Miller are outstanding talents so if they can continue their form, Kiara Bowers can get fit and a few draft smokeys can surprise the Dockers could compete with the best. Gibson's hip injury has her in doubt already for the season.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Captain: Amanda Farrugia
Coach: Alan McConnell
Ins and outs
In: Alicia Eva (Collingwood), Pepa Randall (Melbourne), Maddy Boyd (Melbourne), Rebecca Privitelli (Carlton), Jodie Hicks, Tanya Hetherington, Courtney Gum, Phoebe Monahan, Phillipa Smyth, Cora Staunton, Melissa Freckleton, Hanneen Zreika, Tait Mackrill, Elle Bennetts
Out: Ashleigh Guest (Melbourne); Mai Nguyen, Stephanie Walker, Kristy De Pellegrini, Hannah Wallett, Ella Ross, Alex Williams, Isabella Rudolph, Codie Briggs, Kate Stanton, Clare Lawton, Hannah Dunn, Jess Bibby
Key player: Jessica Dal Pos
The tenacious Dal Pos should have won more plaudits for her outstanding performance with the Giants. She moved from Melbourne to Sydney, overcame teething problems that comes with setting up a new team and led from the front to be the Giants' best. The 24-year-old will get even better.
How they went last year: 8th
It was tough for the Giants gathering a group of players from all over the place to play women's football in a non-football state but they battled hard and were rewarded with a shock win over Melbourne when the Giants made the most of every opportunity.
Prediction for this year: 8th
It's a slow build but Alan McConnell is a good appointment as coach and the team has outstanding characters in Dal Pos and Emma Swanson. Recruiting Alicia Eva from Collingwood is a bonus as she will add skill and, importantly, perspective to the team about where they are at and Renee Forth's comeback will be a huge boost.
Daisy Pearce was one of the stars of the competition's first season. Photo: Julian Smith
MELBOURNE
Captain: Daisy Pearce
Coach: Mick Stinear
Ins and outs
In: Bianca Jakobsson (Carlton), Ashleigh Guest (GWS), Eden Zanker, Maddy Guerin, Tegan Cunningham, Claudia Whitfort, Erin Hoare, Kate Hore, Anna Teague, Maddie Shevlin
Out: Pepa Randall (GWS), Maddy Boyd (GWS), Deanna Berry (Western Bulldogs), Jess Anderson, Mia-Rae Clifford, Stephanie De Bortoli, Sarah Jolly, Elise Strachan
Key player: Daisy Pearce
Handled the attention with aplomb, but you sense the Demons' champion was dissatisfied at the results. A great stoppage player, she has elite disposal skills and a fierce competitiveness. Only a premiership would satisfy.
How they went last year: 3rd
The shock loss to the Lions derailed their season with the inexplicable defeat to the Giants ruling the Demons out of the grand final. Both losses came in the wet. The Demons are good but were not able to cope with the structures in place early in the season. The Demons controlled the ball in most games but did not score enough.
Prediction for this year: 1st
They should have their eyes on the premiership as they have a quality list with depth. Pearce and Karen Paxman are both stars while emerging talents Lily Mithen and Jasmine Grierson are dangerous. Veteran Melissa Hickey provides stability. The pieces are all there. It's a matter of the Demons putting them together.
Katie Brennan struggled with injury last season. Photo: Thom Rigney
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Captain: Katie Brennan
Coach: Paul Groves
Ins and outs
In: Deanna Berry (Melbourne), Jessica Anderson (Melbourne), Isabel Huntington, Monique Conti, Jenna Bruton, Daria Bannister, Emma Mackie, Aisling Utri, Rachel Ashley, Naomi Ferres, Bonnie Toogood, Kim Rennie
Out: Jaimee Lambert (Collingwood), Kate Tyndall, Lisa Williams, Meg McDonald, Romy Timmins, Lauren Moorecroft, Courtney Clarkson, Rebecca Neaves, Jess Gardner
Key player: Katie Brennan
Injury restricted the skipper to just two games. It was a huge blow for the Bulldogs as her leadership and strength up forward is as good as anyone in the game. Fit and firing, the Bulldogs will be a two-goal better team.
How they went last year: 6th
Given their long standing history as a pioneer in women's football, expectations were high so on that basis their season was disappointing. Good in the clearances, they missed Brennan and did not have enough depth in the midfield to compete with opponents. Their only two wins came against the two bottom-placed teams.
Prediction for this year: 5th
A fit Brennan will make a huge difference as her marking power allows the ball movement to be less precise. Ellie Blackburn is close to the best ball winner in the game and Emma Kearney is tough and skilful. The No.1 pick Isabel Huntington will also add some much needed class.
