The anticipation was palpable as fans eagerly awaited the unveiling of the 2025 AFLW season fixture. The excitement reached a crescendo as Daisy Pearce’s West Coast prepared to host Gold Coast on the opening night, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead. Meanwhile, reigning champions North Melbourne embarked on their premiership defense against Geelong in a highly anticipated clash.
As the fixture was released, it became clear that this season would mark a significant milestone for the AFLW. For the first time, the season would kick off during the AFL home and away campaign, aligning with the final two rounds of the men’s competition. This strategic move aimed to maximize viewership and engagement across both leagues, creating a seamless transition for fans.
The schedule was meticulously crafted to showcase iconic match-ups and cultivate new rivalries, reflecting the league’s commitment to honoring its heritage while fostering growth and innovation. AFLW fixtures boss Josh Bowler emphasized the importance of celebrating key moments in the league’s history and nurturing emerging rivalries to enhance the fan experience.
One of the standout features of the 2025 fixture was the absence of mid-week fixtures, a decision made in response to fan feedback. With the exception of Thursday night fixtures in select rounds, the focus shifted towards optimizing match attendance and ensuring a prime-time viewing experience for fans.
Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium emerged as a key venue for AFLW matches in 2025, underscoring the league’s commitment to showcasing games in diverse locations. Notably, premier venues in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide were not included in the schedule, signaling a deliberate effort to expand the reach of the AFLW to new audiences.
The fixture was thoughtfully structured based on last season’s ladder, with teams divided into three groups to facilitate more intra-group match-ups. The season also featured two major themed rounds – Indigenous Round and Pride Round – designed to celebrate diversity and inclusion within the league.
Intrastate rivalries added another layer of excitement to the fixture, with teams like Fremantle and West Coast facing off in a highly anticipated showdown. The schedule was dotted with captivating match-ups that promised intense competition and passionate fan engagement throughout the season.
As the season unfolded, the race to the grand final intensified, with hosting rights ultimately going to the highest-ranked preliminary final winner. The flexible scheduling of the final round added an element of suspense, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as the season reached its climax.
The 2025 AFLW season promised to be a captivating journey filled with memorable moments, fierce rivalries, and thrilling contests. With a carefully curated fixture that honored tradition while embracing innovation, the stage was set for a season that would captivate fans and players alike. As the teams geared up for battle, the excitement and anticipation were palpable, setting the scene for a season that would surely go down in AFLW history.
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