Western Bulldogs AFLW match relocated amid club-wide frustrations

The Western Bulldogs AFLW side's Round 2 clash with Port Adelaide has been relocated amid club-wide frustrations after it was scheduled on the same evening as the men's elimination final against Hawthorn.

Following the recently refurbished and impressive redevelopment at Whitten Oval, the Bulldogs' women's side was hoping to unveil its 'new' home in a standalone fixture.

The schedule saw the women's side match kick off on Friday, September 6, at 5.05 pm (AEST), which clashed with the men's game that began at 7.40 pm (AEST) later that evening.

The Bulldogs reportedly expressed its frustrations to the league, saying that the matches conflicted with the club's capacity to celebrate both games in isolation.

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It would assist with staffing issues but could impact ticketing and AFLW fans.

Now, acting as a double-header, the AFL has confirmed that the women's match will be moved to the MCG (before the men's elimination final), starting at 4:30 pm AEST (previously 5:05 pm AEST).

The league announced that anyone with a ticket to the men's final will have the ability to get to the MCG early to watch the Round 2 AFLW clash, with gates opening at 4 pm at no additional cost, thanks to major sponsor NAB.

The big bank has also allocated extra seats for the women's clash for both the Bulldogs and Power to attend the doubleheader.

AFL EGM Laura Kane thanked the support of NAB and the affected clubs.

“The next month of footy is the best of the year, with the start of the NAB AFLW Season and the Toyota AFL Finals Series,” Kane said.

“We were presented with a unique set of circumstances, and following discussions with the Bulldogs, Port Adelaide and Hawthorn, the MCG and our broadcast partners, there was universal alignment on trying to maximise the AFLW crowd considering the Western Bulldogs involvement in both matches.

“We encourage anyone with a ticket to the MCG on Friday next week to get to the ground early and enjoy what will be a great AFLW matchup between the Bulldogs and the Power.

“On behalf of everyone at the AFL, I want to thank everyone involved in making this happen so quickly, especially to our AFLW major partner NAB for supporting us every step of the way, as they have done so for many, many years.”