New AFLW arrival Geelong and powerhouse Collingwood are set to kick start the season LIVE on Seven Saturday week followed by reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs facing Adelaide on a star-studded double header opening night.
All eyes will be on Geelong’s boom recruit Phoebe Williams fresh from her four goal outing in last week’s practice match, along with top draft pick Nina Morrison who also impressed.
Australian netball captain Sharni Layton looks set to take the field for the Magpies after spending time in the ruck and up forward in last Saturday’s practice match.
The Bulldogs will be hoping to include super stars and co-captains Katie Brennan, who played her first game last weekend since her right ankle reconstruction, and Ellie Blackburn, after they helped their team to a win in last Saturday’s practice game against the Magpies.
The visiting champions will have their work cut out as they take on a Crows outfit led by Erin Phillips and Chelsea Randall.
After two successful seasons, the league has been given an added boost in 2019 with the addition of two new teams – Geelong and North Melbourne – bringing the total number of AFLW clubs to 10.
Key aspects of the new 4-year broadcast deal include:
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Every AFLW match to be screened live on the channels of Fox Sports.
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Seven will broadcast two matches live every round of the home and away season, this will increase to three matches per round from 2020 when the competition expands to 14 teams.
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Seven and Foxtel to simulcast all Finals and the Grand Final live.
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All games played by SA/WA/NSW/QLD based teams will be aired live into their home markets on the Seven Network (most likely on a multi-channel).
Additionally, every game will be available to stream live via Seven’s digital platform 7Plus, Foxtel’s various streaming platforms including Foxtel Go, Foxtel Now and Kayo. Live Streaming will also be made available via the AFL app.
On Sunday, Melbourne will host Fremantle at Casey Fields while the GWS Giants make the trip to Queensland to test their skills against last year’s runners-up Brisbane Lions.
Sam Lane and Nat Edwards will take up field commentary in Norwood and Geelong respectively, bringing stories and insights from the coaches and players. Melbourne star Daisy Pearce will deliver expert commentary as Geelong takes on the Pies, while Adelaide fan-favourite Abbey Holmes and St Kilda development coach Peta Searle will provide invaluable insights for the second match.
Jason Bennett will call the first match on Saturday, joined by Nigel Carmody, with Mark Soderstrom taking the reins on Saturday night.
Broadcast times of AFLW matches on the first weekend:
Geelong Cats v Collingwood (GMHBA Stadium, Geelong)
Saturday February 2
Sydney 6.30pm LIVE on 7mate
Melbourne 6.30pm LIVE on Channel 7
Brisbane 5.30pm LIVE on 7mate
Adelaide 6pm LIVE on 7mate
Perth 3.30pm LIVE on 7mate
Adelaide v Western Bulldogs (Norwood Oval)
Saturday February 2
Sydney 8.30pm LIVE on 7mate
Melbourne 8.30pm LIVE on Channel 7
Brisbane 7.30pm LIVE on 7mate
Adelaide 8pm LIVE on Channel 7
Perth 5.30pm LIVE on 7mate
Melbourne v Fremantle (Casey Fields)
Sunday February 3
Perth 12pm LIVE on 7mate
Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants (Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex)
Sunday February 3
Sydney 5pm LIVE on 7TWO
Brisbane 4pm LIVE on 7TWO
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