Why isn’t the AFLW grand final a stand-alone game? The league gives an answer
The AFLW Grand Final will have to go head-to-head with a Round 2 AFL game on Sunday. Here’s why the women’s showcase match isn’t a stand-alone game.
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Crowd issues and ensuring a level playing field for both sides were part the AFL’s reasoning to snub the opportunity for the women’s grand final to have clear air.
Adelaide will host Carlton at Adelaide Oval from 1pm on Sunday afternoon, going head-to-head with North Melbourne’s men’s clash with Brisbane at Marvel Stadium.
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The match will be broadcast on Channel 7 and Fox Sports 503.
In the first two seasons, the women’s decider had been held on Saturday afternoon, with the league fixturing men’s games from 4.35pm on Saturday this weekend.
But AFL women’s football boss Nicole Livingstone said that to stage the match on Saturday, a morning timeslot would have been the only option given the crowd turnaround and associated logistics.
“Sunday allows the Crows a seven-day break, allowing for peak performance of both teams,” she said.
“To share the Adelaide Oval on Saturday with the Port Adelaide AFL match meant having to play the AFLW grand final in the morning due to turn around times, which is not ideal for clubs, players and fans.
“We have fixtured the best possible time for fans attending the game and watching at home.”
Carlton will travel to Adelaide on Saturday as underdogs after the Crows’ comprehensive defeat of Geelong last weekend.
ARIA winner Amy Shark will perform at the match.
The Gold Coast songwriter will perform two songs from her album Love Monster — the highest-selling album by an Australian artist in 2018.
“I’m thrilled to be performing at the AFLW Grand Final and sharing the stage with amazing women,” Shark said.
“I love how AFLW players are making a difference for women in sport and women everywhere. They are an inspiration.”
Shark has toured and performed internationally with appearances on The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
She will be touring Australia in May.
Shark will also perform at the W Awards on April 2.
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