The AFL Women’s (AFLW) league has grown into a celebrated competition that showcases the best female Australian rules football talent. With a dedicated fan base and a rapidly expanding footprint, one common question among enthusiasts is: How many matches are in the AFLW season? Whether you’re a seasoned supporter or new to the league, understanding the structure of the AFLW season is key to following the action. This article provides a detailed look at the number of matches, how the fixtures are determined, and what makes the AFLW season unique.
AFLW Season Overview: A Quick Snapshot
The AFLW season structure has evolved since the league’s debut in 2017. Initially, the league began with a smaller number of teams and matches. However, as more clubs joined, the fixture expanded to accommodate new talent and growing fan demand.
Key Facts About the AFLW Season:
- The 2022 season featured 18 teams, matching the number of clubs in the AFL (men’s) competition.
- Each team plays a set number of games during the home-and-away season, followed by a finals series for the top-performing clubs.
- The total number of matches in the season varies depending on the structure set by the AFL.
How Many Matches Are in the AFLW Season?
The AFLW season typically consists of 10 rounds of home-and-away matches, followed by a finals series. Here’s a breakdown of how the matches are distributed:
1. Home-and-Away Season
- Each of the 18 teams plays 10 matches, competing against a mix of opponents.
- The total number of games in the home-and-away season depends on the scheduling format, as not all teams play against each other.
- In 2022, the league expanded to 18 teams, resulting in 90 home-and-away matches across the season.
2. Finals Series
The AFLW Finals Series determines the season’s premier team. It typically includes:
- Qualifying and Elimination Finals: The top eight teams compete in these knockout matches.
- Preliminary Finals: The winners of the qualifying and elimination finals face off to secure a spot in the Grand Final.
- Grand Final: The two best teams battle for the premiership.
The finals series adds 7 matches to the season’s total, bringing the overall number of games to approximately 97 matches in recent years.
The Evolution of AFLW Fixtures
Early Seasons (2017–2019)
When AFLW began in 2017, the league featured only eight teams, and each team played seven matches during the home-and-away season. This shorter season was designed to gauge public interest and lay the foundation for future growth.
- Total Matches (2017): 29 games, including finals.
- Attendance and Reception: The inaugural season was a resounding success, with sellout crowds and significant media coverage.
Expansion Years (2020–2022)
As more AFL clubs joined the competition, the league expanded its fixture:
- 2020 Season: 14 teams played across 8 rounds, with a truncated finals series due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2022 Season: AFLW reached full expansion with 18 teams, aligning with the AFL structure.
This growth reflected the league’s increasing popularity and commitment to inclusivity in Australian sport.
How AFLW Matches Are Scheduled
The AFL determines the AFLW fixture using several considerations:
- Fairness and Competitiveness:
Teams are matched against a mix of stronger and weaker opponents to maintain an equitable competition. - Venue Availability:
Many AFLW games are played at community-level grounds, which may influence scheduling. - Fan Engagement:
High-profile matches and rivalries are scheduled in prime time or on weekends to maximize attendance and viewership. - Player Welfare:
The fixture includes a bye round to allow players rest and recovery, especially given the shorter pre-seasons.
What Makes AFLW Fixtures Unique?
1. Themed Rounds
The AFLW celebrates diversity and community through themed rounds such as:
- Indigenous Round: Honoring the contributions of Indigenous players and culture.
- Pride Round: Promoting inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ players and fans.
These events add depth and significance to the fixture, attracting broader audience interest.
2. Flexibility
Unlike the AFL, the AFLW fixture remains flexible to accommodate venue changes, weather conditions, and other challenges. This adaptability ensures fans get the best possible experience.
Attendance and Fan Support for AFLW Matches
The average attendance for AFLW matches ranges between 5,000 and 6,000 fans per game, with marquee matches and finals drawing significantly larger crowds. The 2019 Grand Final set a record with 53,034 attendees at Adelaide Oval, showcasing the league’s growing appeal.
Broadcast viewership has also surged, with games regularly featured on free-to-air TV and streaming platforms like Kayo Sports and the AFLW app.
The Importance of Fixture Length in AFLW Development
Balancing Professionalism and Accessibility
The current fixture length strikes a balance between promoting player welfare and providing fans with regular entertainment. However, as the AFLW moves toward full professionalism, there’s potential for:
- Longer Seasons: More rounds could increase revenue and fan engagement.
- Expanded Finals Series: Including additional teams in the finals could enhance competitiveness.
Challenges of Expanding Fixtures
While a longer season has its benefits, it also poses challenges:
- Player Workload: Many AFLW players balance football with jobs or studies, limiting their availability for extended seasons.
- Venue and Broadcast Coordination: Securing prime slots for an expanded fixture requires careful planning.
The Future of AFLW Fixtures
The AFL has outlined plans to continue investing in the AFLW competition. Key goals include:
- Longer Seasons: Expanding the home-and-away fixture to at least 14–17 rounds.
- Increased Professionalism: Offering full-time contracts to players, enabling them to focus solely on football.
- Enhanced Fan Experience: Introducing more night games, themed rounds, and family-friendly events.
These developments will not only increase the number of matches but also elevate the overall quality and accessibility of the league.
Conclusion: AFLW Matches in a Season
So, how many matches are in the AFLW season? The 2022 season featured a total of 97 matches, including 90 home-and-away games and 7 finals. As the league grows, we can expect this number to increase, reflecting the AFLW’s ongoing success and popularity.
Whether you’re cheering from the stands, tuning in from home, or following your favorite players on social media, the AFLW season offers something for everyone. With every match, the league takes another step toward cementing its place as a vital part of Australian sport.
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See Also: What date is the AFLW draft?
