R9 FIXTURE: Blockbuster opens WA double-header, no Friday night footy
A DOUBLE-HEADER at Optus Stadium will headline the round nine action of the NAB AFLW season.
Fremantle will host Melbourne in a Saturday afternoon blockbuster at 4pm AWST, with West Coast and the Western Bulldogs to follow at 6.40pm AWST.
Teams will continue to travel interstate via charter flights.
St Kilda will play its first game back on its home deck of RSEA Park after a new grandstand was built and the turf re-laid, facing Geelong on Saturday afternoon.
It will also be a return home for GWS, playing its first game at Giants Stadium for the season when it takes on Richmond.
The Giants have played their home matches at Henson Park so far this year, with cricket clashes one of the main reasons behind the shift.
There won't be a game on Friday night to give an extra day's rest to players after a hectic few weeks of make-up matches.
"We are pleased to be able to update the AFLW community with the fixture for round nine of the 2022 NAB AFL Women’s Competition," AFL general manager competition management Laura Kane said.
"All make-up games from earlier in the season will be completed by the commencement of round eight and, as we head into round nine, we’ve continued the commitment that all teams have maximum days’ breaks leading into that round.
"While the ongoing pandemic continues to impact and challenge our competition and our wider community, we want to thank every AFLW club, players and the AFLPA, umpires, venues, governments, ticketing agents and all supporters for their understanding and commitment to the season.
"As the season builds towards a much anticipated NAB AFLW Finals Series, the health and safety of the community remains the highest priority for the AFL and we will continue to work closely with respective state governments and health authorities on arrangements that both protects that and allows us to progress the NAB AFLW season."
Round nine
Saturday, March 5
St Kilda v Geelong at RSEA Park, 3.10pm AEDT
GWS v Richmond at Giants Stadium, 5.10pm AEDT
Fremantle v Melbourne at Optus Stadium, 4pm AWST
West Coast v Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium, 6.40pm AWST
Sunday, March 6
Brisbane v North Melbourne at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex, 12.10pm AEST
Adelaide v Collingwood at Norwood Oval, 2.40pm ACDT
Carlton v Gold Coast at Ikon Park, 5.10pm AEDT
https://www.womens.afl/news/86689/r...-opens-wa-double-header-no-friday-night-footy