The AFL has on Sunday released the fixture for Week One of the 2022 NAB AFL Women’s Finals Series while announcing ticket prices will remain at $10 in Week One and Week Two of the Finals Series.
For the first time in the competition’s six-year history, 14 teams participated in a ten-round home-and-away season with the top six teams set to embark on a three-week Finals Series beginning Saturday, March 19.
After finishing the Premiership Season in the top two positions on the ladder, Minor Premier the Adelaide Crows, and second-placed Melbourne, will have a break in Week One of the Finals Series before they each host a Preliminary Final in Week Two of the finals.
Fourth-placed North Melbourne will take on fifth-placed Fremantle in a home Qualifying Final B at Arden Street Oval on Saturday, March 19 at 2:10pm AEDT.
Similarly, after finishing third on the ladder, the Brisbane Lions will host sixth-placed Collingwood in Qualifying Final A at The Gabba on Saturday, March 19 at 4:10pm AEDT / 3:10pm local.
Week Two of the Finals Series will see the winner of North Melbourne v Fremantle play against the Adelaide Crows in Preliminary Final 1 while the winner of Brisbane Lions v Collingwood will face Melbourne in Preliminary Final 2.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said the League was looking forward to the 2022 NAB AFL Women’s Finals Series.
"The 2022 NAB AFL Women’s Competition has been the best season yet with fierce competition and some incredible match ups. Between the top six teams, the competition is so tight, it could be any team that wins," Mr McLachlan said.
"It’s been great to see the remarkable skills on display from all players across the competition this year. The emerging talent is exciting while the more experienced players have continued to impact the competition.
"The COVID-19 pandemic presented us with many challenges throughout the home-and-away season – and while the pandemic may continue to impact us – we aim to deliver the best Finals Series yet that remains anchored in the advice of respective governments and public health officials."
AFL General Manager Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said she was pleased to be able to confirm the arrangements for the first week of what shapes to be a thrilling 2022 NAB AFL Women’s Finals Series.
“We have seen an outstanding sixth season of NAB AFLW and the Finals Series is set to be an equally exciting and outstanding three weeks of football,” Ms Livingstone said.
“We couldn’t be more proud of the commitment from everyone across the competition for the role they have played to achieve a ten round home-and-away season despite the many challenges we’ve faced. Without a doubt, awarding this year’s Premier will be a huge joy and we know that our AFLW fans and community will be thrilled to see what has shaped up to be a cracking NAB AFLW Finals Series.
“This year we’ve seen the progression of the NAB AFLW Competition across so many aspects of the game. On the field, supporters have been able to watch the sublime skills and athleticism of our senior players combined with the immediate impact of emerging talent. Off the field, we’re proud of the progression of the NAB AFLW Competition as we continue to grow the game. We cannot wait for the remaining four AFL Clubs to enter the competition next season.
“We acknowledge and commend those involved for the role they’ve played this season; Clubs, players and the AFLPA, umpires, venues, governments, ticket agents, supporters and our broadcast and commercial partners for their understanding and continued support of the NAB AFL Women’s Competition.
“We look forward to seeing all supporters at the footy this coming weekend.”
Supporters attending NAB AFL Women’s Finals Series matches in Weeks One and Two can purchase Finals tickets for the standard $10* (Adult / Concession), while children under 18-years-of-age can attend for free, as per the 2022 NAB AFL Women’s Premiership Season.
NAB AFL Women’s Finals Series
Saturday, March 19
Kangaroos vs. Fremantle at Arden St (Seven) 2:10pm AEDT
Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood at the Gabba (Seven) 3:10pm AEST (4:10pm AEDT)
*Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood is a double-header with the men’s Round One match between the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide. Those who are not AFLW Lions members will be required to purchase a ticket to the men’s match to enter.
Week Two
Adelaide Crows vs. Winner of Preliminary Final 1 (Kangaroos vs. Fremantle)
Melbourne vs. Winner of Preliminary Final 2 (Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood)
All 2022 NAB AFL Women’s Finals Series matches will be broadcast live on the Seven Network, FOX FOOTY, Kayo, and via the AFL Official App. Matches will also be streamed live via womens.afl and the AFLW Official App.
