In a groundbreaking announcement, the AFL Women’s league has confirmed that this year’s grand final will be played under lights for the first time in the competition’s history. The decision, along with major changes to next season’s fixture, signals a new era for women’s football in Australia.
Historic Night Grand Final
AFL football boss Laura Kane and AFLW general manager Emma Moore revealed the exciting news at the launch of the women’s final series in Melbourne. The 2024 AFLW grand final, set to take place on November 30, will kick off at 7:45 pm AEDT, marking a significant shift from the traditional afternoon timeslot.
This historic move adds fuel to the ongoing debate about whether the men’s AFL grand final should also transition to a night game, following in the footsteps of the NRL, which has held its premiership decider under lights for several years.
“We’re excited to showcase the AFLW grand final in prime time this year, giving fans across the country the opportunity to tune in and witness the incredible talent and passion of our female players,” said a league spokesperson.
End of Condensed Fixture
In another significant development, the AFLW has indicated that next season will feature one game per week for each team, moving away from the controversial condensed fixture that drew criticism this year. The experiment, which included some mid-week games, raised concerns about player workloads and the overall quality of football.
“Next season, we will be expanding to 12 games over 12 weeks, with a total of 108 games,” revealed Emma Moore, AFLW general manager. “This decision comes after careful consideration of player welfare and the desire to showcase the best possible football each week.”
Implications for Women’s Football
The historic changes announced by the AFLW are set to have far-reaching implications for the growth and development of women’s football in Australia. By scheduling the grand final in prime time, the league is demonstrating its commitment to promoting the women’s game and attracting a larger audience.
Moreover, the decision to abandon the condensed fixture in favor of a more balanced schedule will likely be welcomed by players, coaches, and fans alike. With more time to recover between games and prepare for upcoming matches, teams will be better positioned to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
“These changes represent a major step forward for the AFLW and women’s sport as a whole,” said a current player who wished to remain anonymous. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to play under lights in the grand final and to have a fixture that allows us to perform at our best each and every week.”
Looking to the Future
As the AFLW continues to evolve and grow, the league’s willingness to adapt and make bold decisions bodes well for the future of women’s football in Australia. With the historic night grand final and a more balanced fixture on the horizon, fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive season ahead.
The groundbreaking changes announced by the AFLW not only showcase the league’s commitment to promoting women’s football but also serve as an inspiration for young girls across the country who dream of one day playing at the highest level. As the sport continues to gain momentum and attract new supporters, the sky is the limit for the AFLW and the incredible athletes who take to the field each week.
