2021 Optus WAFLW Fixtures released

Fixtures have been finalised for the 2021 Optus WAFL Women’s Premiership season, with Round 1 to kick off on the weekend of February 19 and 20.

The change to an earlier start has been made to allow for recent changes by the AFL, with the AFLW U19s National Championships brought forward to the April school holidays and the AFLW Combine and AFLW Draft being moved to late July 2021.

CLICK HERE to view 2021 WAFLW Fixture.

The competition will remain at six teams, allowing for a 15-round-home-and-away fixture with two byes, with each team playing each other three times.

There is provision for non-selected AFLW players to compete in the Optus WAFLW competition, while some players may return to their local club at the conclusion of the AFLW campaign.

Fixtures throughout 2021 will be played at WAFL venues, with games being live streamed across WAFL platforms as well as The West Australian online.

Other 2021 highlights include the continuation of the Dhara Kerr Cup featuring Claremont and Swan Districts in the opening round, a Grand Final rematch between Subiaco and Peel Thunder in Round 2 and the Fremantle Derby in Round 5.

WAFC Executive Manager WAFL & Talent, Scott Baker believes the Optus WAFLW competition is continuing to build momentum ahead of its third year.

“The introduction of WAFLW over the past two seasons has been extremely successful and a great showcase of women’s football across the state,” Baker said.

“To see over 400,000 people tune into the live stream of games last season was a testament to the growth of the competition, demonstrating plenty of interest and support for the players.”

“The changes to the Optus WAFLW season allow our female talent pathway athletes to be extremely well prepared prior to the U19 AFLW National Championships.”

“Running concurrently to the AFLW season also gives a boost to the competition, with AFLW players able to play in a premier state league competition when not selected at AFLW level.”

“We look forward to welcoming back as many AFLW players as possible into the competition in the second half of the season, once their AFLW duties are completed.”

“The Seven Network will again broadcast the Optus WAFLW Grand Final live and free on the first weekend of July.”