The AFL has today advised all Clubs of amendments to the fixture for Round One and Round Two of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Competition to provide maximum flexibility and allow for the season to commence in the safest way possible with current border restrictions in place across the country.

Geelong's Round 1 clash against North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium will now take place on Sunday 31 January at the new time of 12.10pm AEDT.

Round Two will see the inaugural Pride Round celebrated across the competition as previously advised, with Geelong to travel to Hickey Park to take on the Brisbane Lions on Sunday 7 February at 2.10pm.

AFL Head of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said the revised fixture provides the competition with maximum flexibility while ensuring the least disruption for everyone involved in the game.

“We’re really looking forward to the season kicking off with the scheduled Carlton and Collingwood match at Ikon Park, and there is so much to look forward to from that opening night right through to the NAB AFLW Grand Final,” Ms. Livingstone said.

“The adjustments made to the first two rounds provides certainty into the early part of the season and allows the competition to remain as adaptable as possible as the season progresses in a constantly changing environment.”

Ms Livingstone thanked all clubs, players and the AFLPA, umpires, venues, governments, and broadcasters for their understanding and for the role they have each played in helping piece this block of games together.

“Throughout the planning process we listened to and worked closely with each stakeholder to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone in the game. We openly acknowledge there are unique challenges and recognise the non-football commitments of both AFLW players and staff and through this open dialogue we know the AFLW community remains determined to work through them to achieve a full season."

Ms Livingstone said that while it was great to be able to schedule matches for fans to attend in states that experienced significant challenges in 2020, she reminded the football community of the on-going challenges of the pandemic.

“While COVID-19 continues to impact the community, the health and welfare of our players and the community remains the priority and we remain committed to delivering a full season in a safe manner."

The AFL continues to closely monitor the situation and take advice from public health officials and medical experts and will announce further rounds of the revised fixture in the coming weeks.

Following the nine-round home and away season, the top six teams will participate in a three-week finals series with a single ladder to remain in place for 2021.

All 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Competition matches will be broadcast live on the Seven Network, FOX FOOTY, Kayo, and via the AFL Live Official App, thanks to Telstra. Matches will also be streamed live via womens.afl and the AFLW Live Official App.

Round 1

Sunday, January 31
Geelong v North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium, 12.10pm AEDT

Round 2

Sunday, February 7
Brisbane v Geelong at Hickey Park, 2.10pm AEST