AFLW Grand Final Weekend to Feature Multiple Matches
The AFLW season will be in the spotlight during the busy AFL grand-final weekend, with four matches scheduled in Victoria on the public holiday before the men’s premiership decider. The women’s fixture, announced by the league, includes six games in Victoria around the men’s grand final.
The league is aiming to capitalize on the Friday, September 25 public holiday in Melbourne by drawing in crowds after the traditional men’s grand-final parade. A women’s double-header at Ikon Park is the highlight of the event, featuring Carlton hosting Richmond and defending back-to-back premiers North Melbourne taking on Melbourne.
Other matches scheduled include Geelong facing Hawthorn on the Thursday night, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs hosting West Coast and Port Adelaide respectively on the Friday, and Collingwood battling GWS on the Sunday. The men’s grand final is set for Saturday, September 26, with no women’s matches planned that day.
As previously confirmed, the AFLW season will kick off when St Kilda host Carlton on Sunday, August 9, as part of a double-header with an AFL clash between the clubs. The remaining eight round-one fixtures will be played the following week, starting with a Hawthorn-Melbourne clash on the Thursday night.
Two more AFL/AFLW double-headers will feature in round one: North Melbourne-Geelong and GWS-West Coast. The fourth confirmed AFL/AFLW double-header is a Sydney-Essendon women’s clash at the SCG in round two ahead of a Swans-Kangaroos men’s game.
Brisbane will host North Melbourne in an AFLW grand final re-match in round two, while Indigenous Round (rounds three and four) and Pride Round (rounds nine and 10) will both be celebrated across two weeks. The season will again span 12 home-and-away rounds, followed by a four-week finals series, culminating in the grand final on the last weekend of November.
“The fixture is another exciting step forward for the competition, featuring a strong mix of traditional rivalries, marquee moments and fan-focused scheduling, as well as new ways to showcase AFLW across the country,” said AFL head of scheduling Josh Bowler.
“The inclusion of AFL/AFLW double-headers during the season crossover period will provide a unique experience for fans and clubs alike, and we’re especially excited to launch the season at Marvel Stadium as part of Spud’s Game.”
New Venues for AFLW Matches
Two new AFLW venues will be used this season, with Fremantle playing home games at Cockburn ARC Oval and Hawthorn hosting matches at the Kennedy Community Centre. These changes aim to expand the reach of the AFLW and provide more opportunities for fans to watch their favorite teams play.
Key Matches and Events
Here are some of the key matches and events to look out for:
- Ikon Park Double-Header: Carlton vs. Richmond and North Melbourne vs. Melbourne
- Geelong vs. Hawthorn: Scheduled for the Thursday night
- Essendon vs. West Coast: Essendon will host West Coast on the Friday
- Western Bulldogs vs. Port Adelaide: Western Bulldogs will host Port Adelaide on the Friday
- Collingwood vs. GWS: This match will take place on the Sunday
Season Structure
The AFLW season will follow a structured format, with 12 home-and-away rounds leading into a four-week finals series. The grand final will be held on the last weekend of November, marking the end of the season.
Fan-Focused Scheduling
The league has emphasized fan-focused scheduling, ensuring that matches are spread out over different days and times to accommodate various fan bases. This approach aims to maximize attendance and engagement throughout the season.
Conclusion
With a packed schedule and exciting matchups, the AFLW season promises to deliver thrilling action for fans. The inclusion of double-headers and new venues ensures that there will be something for everyone to enjoy. As the league continues to grow, these developments highlight its commitment to providing high-quality football and memorable experiences for all supporters.
