AFLW semi-final dates confirmed with Adelaide denied wish for Saturday double-header

The dates of the AFLW semi-finals and decider have been confirmed, with the grand final to be held next Sunday.

Adelaide’s wish of a Saturday double-header has been quashed with the league opting to split the AFLW preliminary finals across this weekend.

And whichever teams progress will be afforded a full week’s break with the grand final scheduled for Sunday March 31.

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The Crows had been hopeful of showcasing their dominant outfit after their men’s side opens its campaign at Adelaide Oval in a twilight clash with Hawthorn, but the women’s team will instead play on Sunday afternoon.

Carlton will host Fremantle at Ikon Park on Saturday afternoon.

“With the teams that finished on top of each conference hosting preliminary finals, we considered many factors in determining the best schedule for the AFLW preliminary finals, including broadcast and attendance outcomes, venue availability and team travel,” AFL general manager of broadcasting and clubs Travis Auld said.

Erin Phillips will lead her team into the finals series. Picture: Sarah Reed

Rory Sloane, co-captain of Adelaide’s men’s team, had yesterday expressed his desire to watch the women’s team play under lights following his team’s clash.

“It would be awesome,” he told Triple M Adelaide.

“I think they are all really, really keen to get on Adelaide Oval.

“It would be great for us head upstairs to the Premiership Suite after the game and watch the girls.”

Star Crow — and favourite to win a second AFLW best and fairest award in three years — Erin Phillips described playing at Adelaide Oval as “a dream come true”.

“I know it’s a bigger game but you’ve just got to stay the course and keep playing how you play,” she said on Women’s Footy.

“Although the games get bigger, you juts try to put it into perspective and go out there and play your footy.”

Carlton will host Fremantle on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media

The AFL also confirmed its list rules as the competition prepares to expand to 14 teams for next season.

Expansion teams — Richmond, St Kilda, Gold Coast and West Coast — will be permitted to sign up to eight players from Brisbane and Fremantle and up to four players from Carlton, Collingwood, Geelong, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide and Greater Western Sydney.

PRELIMINARY FINALS

First preliminary final — Carlton v Fremantle, Ikon Park, 2.45pm Saturday

Second preliminary final — Adelaide v Geelong, Adelaide Oval, 1.10pm Sunday

GRAND FINAL

Sunday, March 31. Time and location TBC