The 2019 NAB AFLW Fixtures were released today and for the first time the AFLW Competition will be played with two conferences.

Teams will play seven home and away matches with the season starting on Saturday, February 2 next year.  

AFL Head of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said conference configuration played an important role in the fixture process.

 “For fairness cross-conference matches ensure each team plays a minimum of one match against the two top ranked teams in the opposing conference and a minimum of one match against the bottom two ranked teams,” Livingstone said.

“With two conference ladders we will have two races to the finals which will generate excitement throughout the season.

 “In 2019 we will take matches to seven new venues and we will play two weeks of finals for the first time.

 “I thank the AFL fixturing team for their hard work and dedication in creating an exciting season of matches.  The 2019 season kicks off in 99 days and we can’t wait to see the teams back in action.”

In a bumper opening round, the Geelong Cats will host Collingwood at GMHBA Stadium, and the Kangaroos will host Carlton at North Hobart Oval.

Collingwood will return to their spiritual home Victoria Park with two home games against Melbourne in Round Two and the Brisbane Lions in Round Seven.

Next: Fixture highlights and Conferences