AFLW practice match scheduled confirmed

We’re set for a busy weekend of footy come mid-August!

EDITOR | July 25, 2022 - 3:24pm

448

The AFL have confirmed the first round of AFLW practice matches, with all nine games to align with their men's sides across an action-packed weekend of football.

Beginning on Friday, August 12, the Saints will host Brisbane at Moorabbin in an afternoon clash just hours prior to the Round 22 AFL match between the same two clubs at Marvel Stadium.

That trend will run through the entire weekend, with seven matches on the Saturday and just the sole match between Richmond and Hawthorn at Punt Road scheduled for the Sunday.

Adelaide will welcome North Melbourne to Norwood Oval to begin the Saturday fixtures, with AFLW newcomers Essendon and Port Adelaide also meeting in Tullamarine.

The Western Bulldogs will host the GWS Giants at Whitten Oval, while the Cats will make the trip to Queensland to face the Suns.

Sydney and Collingwood will go toe-to-toe at North Sydney Oval, with Carlton hosting Melbourne at Princes Park that same afternoon.

WA clubs Fremantle and West Coast will clash at 2:4pm (AWST) at Optus Stadium, three hours prior to the corresponding men's match at the same venue later that evening.

"Our competition is finally whole, and these practice matches will be the first time we will have 36 teams playing across one weekend," AFL general manager of women's football Nicole Livingstone said.

"While there won’t be premiership points on the line, the practice matches are another significant moment in Australian Football history, as it signifies the symmetry across both the men’s and women’s competitions.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 13: Tarni White of the Saints kicks the ball during the round six AFLW match between the St Kilda Saints and the Brisbane Lions at RSEA Park on February 13, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

"Fans of will get their first look at their teams, with Port Adelaide, Hawthorn, Sydney and Essendon fans (having) the opportunity for the very first time.

"Season seven kicks off in one month’s time and with it brings four new clubs, 120 new players, thousands of new members and an exciting new chapter in the journey of women’s football."