WA hard border forces AFLW fixture change

Justin Chadwick | December 31, 2021

Round one of the AFLW season will now feature a grand final rematch between Brisbane and Adelaide as well as a western derby clash between West Coast and Fremantle.

Western Australia’s decision to reclassify Queensland and South Australia as ‘extreme risk’ states forced the fixture shake-up.

The Eagles were initially set to host Brisbane in round one, with the Dockers taking on Adelaide at Fremantle Oval.

But the Eagles and Dockers will now start off with a western derby showdown at Fremantle Oval before hitting the road until WA’s border reopens on February 5.

The Crows will get an early chance to avenge their 18-point grand final loss to Brisbane when the two teams lock horns at Flinders University Oval in South Australia on January 9.

West Coast’s clash with Brisbane and Fremantle’s match against Adelaide will now take place in WA in round eight.

The Eagles were also due to play in Perth in rounds two (Gold Coast) and three (Adelaide), but those games will now be played in Victoria.

The AFLW season begins on Friday, January 7, with St Kilda taking on Richmond at SkyBus Stadium.

REVISED ROUND ONE FIXTURE OF AFLW SEASON

FRIDAY, Jan 7

St. Kilda v Richmond at SkyBus Stadium

SATURDAY, Jan 8

Kangaroos v Geelong at Arden Street

Western Bulldogs v Melbourne at Victoria University Whitten Oval

Fremantle v West Coast at Fremantle Oval

SUNDAY, Jan 9

Adelaide v Brisbane at Flinders University Oval