WAFL Grand Final Returns to Optus Stadium in 2023Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - 2:44 PM

The West Australian Football Commission can confirm this year’s WAFL Grand Final will be staged at Optus Stadium on Sunday September 24.

The WAFC Board confirmed the showpiece match will return to the venue having considered a number of factors.

WAFC Chief Executive Michael Roberts welcomed the decision to take the match back to Optus Stadium.

“Optus Stadium is the premier facility in the State, and we felt it was important for the players and fans to experience WAFL at a world-class venue.

We’ll be working closely with the team at VenuesLive and Optus Stadium to celebrate the biggest day on the WAFL calendar.

The 2021 WAFL Grand Final between Subiaco and South Fremantle at Optus attracted nearly 30,000 fans, and we believe this year’s premiership decider can deliver another bumper crowd,” Roberts said.

Last year, with Optus Stadium unavailable due to a T20 International cricket match, the WAFL Grand Final was played at Leederville Oval.

The day was hailed a great success, with West Perth defeating Claremont in front of nearly 17,000 fans.

In weighing up the merits of where to play the 2023 Grand Final, several factors were considered by Commissioners.

They included feedback from clubs, players, and the public, as well as junior club engagement, activations and a venue to accommodate a Grand Final crowd.

“Taking two Grand Finals to community venues over the past three years proved popular and was a great advertisement for the competition and its ability to remain flexible.

We’re aiming to grow the number of fans attending WAFL games or watching it on their screens throughout the entire season, culminating in an exciting finals series for our clubs, players and fans.

The opportunity to return to Optus Stadium was too good to refuse, and we’re intent on delivering an event that will make all WAFL fans proud,” Roberts said.

The WAFL season begins on Good Friday, April 7.

Click Here for all the latest WAFL 2023 Grand Final Information