Fremantle and West Coast pencilled in for round one derby as AFLW fixture ditches stadiums

Lisa Webb’s reign as Fremantle coach is set to kick off with a western derby. Just don’t expect it to be at Optus Stadium writes ELIZA REILLY.

A western derby is on the cards to open the AFLW season. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Lisa Webb’s reign as Fremantle coach is set to kick off with a western derby as the Dockers strive to keep their unbeaten cross-town record intact.

While the AFLW fixture is yet to be released as the league and AFL Players Association remain at loggerheads over the length of the season, CODE Sports understands that Fremantle has been pencilled in to play West Coast in round one.

A full 10-round fixture has been formulated but won’t be released without player approval as the AFLPA pushes for at least 12 home and away games.

Fremantle and West Coast are set to open the AFLW season. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Fremantle have won all five derbies since West Coast entered the competition in 2020 but the young Eagles have been closing quickly on their cross-town rival, losing by just three points in a thriller last year at Optus Stadium. Despite the lopsided ledger, the rivalry has remained strong given several Dockers players joined the Eagles when WA’s second team was established.

But Fremantle will be desperate to keep their winning streak alive and deliver Webb’s first win as senior coach.

It’s understood Fremantle Oval is the likely venue for the clash as the league prepares to largely move away from stadiums this season. It’s believed that in the proposed fixture, AFLW games will be played almost entirely at community venues. That is expected to include Geelong’s GMHBA stadium.

Ebony Antonio and the Dockers have won all five derbies against West Coast. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It’s hoped the decision to play at ‘tier two’ venues will stop critics comparing the presentation of men’s and women’s products while the new August timing of the season means several stadiums are out of action for cricket season.

Three of the five derbies have been played at Optus Stadium as part of the Burswood venue‘s commitment to women’s football, forged in the wake of the 2021 AFL grand final. While a campaign led by Bec Goddard paved the way for last season’s round one clash between expansion clubs Hawthorn and Essendon to be moved to Marvel Stadium.

Community venues have routinely been criticised by players for poor playing surfaces and facilities. According to the AFL Players’ Association’s Insight and Impact report, six venues were singled out as below average, including Box Hill City Oval and Sydney’s Henson Park which dealt with a cockroach infestation last season.

Originally published as Fremantle and West Coast pencilled in for round one derby as AFLW fixture ditches stadiums