The AFLW is in the process of planning its future schedule, with a focus on enhancing its presence in the sports calendar. The league is contemplating various strategies as it prepares to expand to 12 home and away matches starting in 2025. Here are some noteworthy proposals for the upcoming seasons.

AFLW Unveils 10-Point Strategy to Elevate 2025 Season with Enhanced Fixture and Fan Engagement

Proposing a June Start for the AFLW Season

One suggestion is to kick off the AFLW season in June. This plan would allow for a dedicated weekend for the women's competition following Round 12 of the men's schedule, potentially commencing on the weekend of June 6-9, 2024. The strategy would include significant match events spread over four days, highlighting local derbies and marquee matchups from previous finals.

Utilizing Men's Finals Break for AFLW

An idea is to hold the AFLW finals during the AFL men's pre-finals bye, providing four high-stakes games in a standalone weekend. This proposal aims to capitalize on the absence of men's games on specific Sundays, enhancing the visibility of the women's finals while ensuring they do not clash with men's postseason events.

Introducing a Night Grand Final

AFLW is considering hosting its grand final at night, featuring a major musical act to elevate the event. This would see the final played the evening of the AFL preliminary final weekend, creating a prime-time viewing opportunity that could attract larger audiences. Scheduling this event in September would also allow access to various venues across the country.

Proposed AFLW Gather Round in July

The introduction of a Gather Round during July's school holidays in southeast Queensland is on the table. This initiative would align AFLW games with popular men's matches, creating a family-friendly sports weekend that could see attendees enjoying both AFL and AFLW matches.

Exploring Double-Headers with AFL Matches

The league is also looking into the possibility of staging AFLW matches following men's games on the same day. This format has proven successful in the past and could lead to increased attendance and engagement, keeping fans in the stadium for extended periods.

Implementing Thursday Night Blockbusters

As the men's season integrates more Thursday night matches in 2025, AFLW is planning to coincide with this schedule, holding its games on Thursday nights. This would connect fans with the rhythm of regular football nights.

Introducing Wednesday Night Games

Additionally, the proposal includes hosting Wednesday night games in weeks with a busy Thursday schedule, offering flexibility and ensuring AFLW teams are featured prominently in the calendar, while focusing on standalone matches that enhance visibility.

Creating Early Friday Matches

AFLW could also introduce early Friday matches, starting at 5:10 PM AEST. This timing would allow for a smooth transition into the men's games later that evening, ensuring continued sports engagement for fans.

Setting Early Saturday and Sunday Matches

Early morning matches on weekends are also in consideration, with games slated for 11:45 AM on Saturdays and 11 AM on Sundays. This scheduling strategy would provide distinct times for AFLW events before the men's matches, making them a regular feature.

Free-to-Air Broadcasts on Saturdays

With a new broadcasting agreement commencing in 2025, featuring Saturday night AFLW matches on the Seven Network is proposed. If the AFLW season begins in July, this could establish a consistent viewing experience for fans on weekends.