The AFL advises it has updated the fixture for Round Three of the 2022 NAB AFL Women's Competition after multiple players from the Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast SUNS and Western Bulldogs AFLW programs entered AFL Health and Safety Protocols this week.
The Gold Coast SUNS vs. Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs vs. Carlton matches will not proceed as planned.
>> CHECK OUT THE UPDATED ROUND THREE FIXTURE BELOW
The Brisbane Lions will now host Carlton at Metricon Stadium on Tuesday, January 25 at 7:10pm AEDT (6:10pm local) and the AFL continues to work closely with both the Western Bulldogs and the Gold Coast SUNS on fixturing arrangements for those two clubs.
AFL General Manager Competition Management Laura Kane thanked each Club and everyone involved in the two matches for their understanding and adaptability as the league navigated the situation.
"While COVID-19 continues to impact the competition, the health and welfare of those in our game and the wider community remains the priority," Ms. Kane said.
"In line with the AFLW's Covid Match Rescheduling Guidelines – which states a team is required to have a minimum 16 primary-listed players and five train-on players available to play – the league received requests from three clubs which detailed multiple players from each respective Club's AFLW program had entered into AFL Health and Safety Protocols this week.
"As a result, we have updated the Round Three fixture which sees two matches not proceeding as planned with the Brisbane Lions to meet Carlton on Tuesday night at Metricon Stadium. This is the earliest possible time the Brisbane Lions are able to play ensuring the health and safety of their list.
"For the Western Bulldogs and the Gold Coast SUNS, we will work closely with both those teams on fixturing arrangements as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.
"We know how much the Pride Game and the Q Clash mean to football fans and the wider community, and we share in the disappointment of those teams and their supporters. We look forward to still celebrating Pride Round across all matches in Round Three.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and will work closely with both clubs on a revised fixture and, together with the AFLPA, support all players impacted.
"We remain committed to delivering a full season in a safe manner anchored in the advice of respective governments and public health officials."
The NAB AFLW Competition will continue to remain adaptable as it navigates the 2022 season and the AFL thanks its Clubs, players and the AFLPA, umpires, venues, governments, ticketing agents and supporters for their understanding.
Ticketing Update
For supporters who have purchased tickets to attend the Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast SUNS or the Western Bulldogs vs. Carlton match, the ticketing agent will issue a refund. No action is required from the ticket purchaser.
All matches of the 2022 NAB AFL Women's Competition will be broadcast live on the Seven Network, FOX FOOTY and Kayo. Matches will also be streamed live via womens.afl and the AFLW Official App.
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