THE WESTERN Bulldogs' AFLW week two match has been moved from Mission Whitten Oval to the MCG to form a double-header with the club's AFL finals fixture next Friday night.
Announced back in May, the Bulldogs' AFLW clash against Port Adelaide was originally scheduled for 5.05pm AEST at Whitten Oval on Friday, September 6.
The announcement of the Bulldogs' men's finals fixture on Monday caused headaches for fans and the club, with the men's team scheduled to play their elimination final against Hawthorn at 7.40pm across town that same evening at the MCG.
The women's side will now play at the MCG at 4.30pm AEST, with the men's game to follow.
Fans who had already bought tickets to the AFLW match will be able to use those tickets at the MCG for the AFLW game, and also have access to the sold-out men's final later that evening.
Anyone with a ticket to the men's final will also be able to attend the AFLW match, with gates to open at 4pm AEST.
A number of tickets will also be made available to AFLW members of both the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide, with the clubs to facilitate access to these tickets.
In a statement released on Friday afternoon, the Bulldogs said the club "welcomed" the decision to move the AFLW match as the club's main priority was to put on a great show for members and fans.
"We appreciate the myriad considerations that fixturing presents and would like to thank the AFL for acknowledging the challenges with the original scheduling and working with all of its stakeholders – particularly NAB – to ensure the best possible outcome for our members and fans," the club said.
The AFL's footy boss Laura Kane said the new fixture was a great opportunity to get as many fans as possible to the AFLW match.
"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," Kane said.
"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."
With the Power clash set to be the Bulldogs' first game at the newly refurbished Mission Whitten Oval, the club will now unveil its new-look home ground on Thursday, September 12 against West Coast.
