AFL Women's cohort express disappointment in fixture reveal, call for 'greater ambition' from the league
The AFL Women's playing cohort is disappointed with the fixtures released for the competition's 10th season on Friday.
While the extremely controversial mid-week games have been scrapped, AFLW games will once again be played exclusively out of local ovals, with no matches allocated for stadiums.
Zero double-headers with the overlapping final few rounds of the men's season has also been met with disapproval.
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Power players pose for a selfie on the MCG in 2024. Getty
Last season saw a game played at the MCG for the first time, with the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide playing in the lead-up to a men's final.
No games have been scheduled for Marvel Stadium, Adelaide Oval, Optus Stadium, the SCG or the Gabba either.
The Suns and Cats will both play out of their respective stadiums, but not in double-headers with their men's teams.
Interim AFL Player's Association chief Ben Smith released a statement on the fixture on Friday.
"We are excited about the upcoming AFLW season in what is the 10th season of the competition," Smith said.
"The players have grown so much over the competition's journey on and off the field. We will see individuals playing for the first time who were 10 years old when the competition began, and they will be key drivers in the next iteration of AFLW.
"It is a season to celebrate growth and that's why the AFLPA are disappointed with some elements of the 2025 fixture.
The Kangaroos pose for a photo with the premiership cup after triumphing in the AFLW grand final. Quinn Rooney via Getty Images
"We acknowledge the positive shift to traditional timeslots, as well as the addition of multiple Thursday night matches.
"But we provided the AFL with a submission, based on player feedback, on a number of fixture considerations, which included more matches at Category One venues and the opportunity to play some double-headers during the crossover period between the women's and men's competitions.
"Unfortunately, neither of these will be delivered again this season.
"Now is the time for greater ambition in the game and we will continue to work with the industry to evolve these opportunities."
The AFLW competition has struggled to fully manage becoming an 18-team league, with the fixture once again capped to just 12 rounds.
Players have pushed hard for an 18-week season where every team plays each other once, but that has not yet materialised.
