Fox Footy and Kayo add AFLW superstars for 2026 season – Lauren Arnell, Chelsea Randall and Emma Kearney have joined Fox Footy and Kayo Sports as the broadcasters prepare to show every game of the new AFLW season live.
The 2026 NAB AFLW premiership season begins on Sunday, 9 August. Every home-and-away match, final and the Grand Final will be available live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports, with matches also available through Binge.
The appointments give viewers three of the competition’s most experienced leaders in new broadcasting roles. Together, Arnell, Randall and Kearney bring more than 500 AFLW appearances, premiership success, All-Australian selections and extensive captaincy experience to the coverage. Their arrival also reflects the growing depth of AFLW analysis across Australian television as the competition enters its 11th season.
Three AFLW champions join the commentary team
Arnell was the inaugural captain of Carlton’s AFLW team and later played for the Brisbane Lions before moving into coaching. Randall is a three-time Adelaide premiership captain and one of the competition’s most decorated defenders. Kearney, North Melbourne’s inaugural AFLW captain, has also been an enduring figure in the league since its first season.
They will be joined throughout the season by current AFLW players Ruby Schleicher, Ellie Blackburn, Meg McDonald, Jordy Allen, Bonnie Toogood and Taylor Smith.
Australian Football Hall of Fame member Debbie Lee also returns alongside Chyloe Kurdas, Nikki Harwood, Daniel Harford and Will Schofield. Kelli Underwood, Jess Webster, Ben Waterworth, Adam Papalia and Joel Peterson will call matches.
Fox Footy’s 2026 AFLW broadcast team
The full Fox Footy AFLW coverage line-up includes play-by-play callers, expert commentators and boundary reporters across the season.
- Play-by-play: Kelli Underwood, Jess Webster, Ben Waterworth, Joel Peterson and Adam Papalia.
- Expert commentators: Lauren Arnell, Chelsea Randall, Emma Kearney, Ruby Schleicher, Ellie Blackburn, Meg McDonald, Jordy Allen, Bonnie Toogood, Taylor Smith, Chyloe Kurdas, Debbie Lee, Nikki Harwood, Daniel Harford and Will Schofield.
- Boundary team: Lauren Wood, Megan Waters, Sarah Burt, Steph Clarkson, Alexia Pesce, Monique Van Der Heyden, Jess Stewart, Keirra Trompf, Bonnie Raynor and Sarah Karaoglu.
More women across sports broadcasting
At least 25 women will feature across Fox Footy’s AFL and AFLW coverage in presenting, commentary, boundary riding and special comments roles during 2026.
Across the wider Foxtel Group coverage of AFL, AFLW, NRL, NRLW, international cricket, the BBL, WBBL and Super Netball, almost 90 women are expected to hold on-air roles during the year.
The broadcaster says the expanded line-up is part of a broader commitment to women’s sport and women working in sports broadcasting. It follows the Australia versus Ireland AFLW international, which became the biggest AFLW audience recorded across Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
Fox Footy welcomes Arnell, Randall and Kearney
Fox Footy general manager Michael Neill said the standard of AFLW continued to rise as player pathways matured and more elite athletes entered the competition.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Lauren Arnell, Chelsea Randall and Emma Kearney to Fox Footy. They are champions of the game who have helped shape AFLW from day one, and their experience and insight will add another dimension to our coverage,” Neill said.
He said the network had assembled one of the strongest and most experienced teams in Australian sports broadcasting.
How to watch the 2026 AFLW season
The 2026 NAB AFLW premiership season begins Sunday, 9 August. Every game, every final and the Grand Final will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports, with coverage also available through Binge.
Read more in TV Central’s AFLW section, or visit the official Australian Kayo Sports website for subscription and viewing information.
