The AFLW round one match between Essendon and Hawthorn has been moved to the 53,359 capacity Docklands Stadium due to massive demand for tickets.
Key points:
- The match was to be held at the Oval del Port Nord
- The venue change was made after the initial allotment of tickets was sold out
- Essendon and Hawthorn are both making their AFLW debuts this season
The historic match between the two AFLW newcomers, to be played on August 27, was due to be held at the 12,000-capacity North Port Oval in Melbourne, but the initial allocation of tickets sold out in 24 hours.
AFL women’s football general manager Nicole Livingstone said the site move was an indication of growing interest in AFLW.
“We’re in an incredible place going into our seventh season and I couldn’t be more proud of all the people who got us here,” she said.
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AFL executive member Travis Auld said the demand for tickets was “unprecedented”.
“Simply the fans of both clubs and supporters of women’s football in general showed why we needed to move to a bigger venue by selling out the game so quickly,” he said.
“Two proud clubs, a historic occasion for them and another historic moment for the AFLW competition.”
Port Adelaide and Sydney join Essendon and Hawthorn as new AFLW teams, meaning the competition will feature all 18 AFL clubs.
The AFLW season kicks off on August 25, with Carlton hosting Collingwood at Princes Park.
Adelaide and Melbourne meet in a rematch grand final the following evening at Norwood Oval.