Several changes have been made to the 2022 AFL Women’s fixture a week out from the competition kicking off.
The reshuffle follows updates to Western Australia’s border restrictions amid worsening COVID-19 conditions.
The WA government yesterday announced travel from both South Australia and Queensland had been elevated to ‘extreme risk’, meaning people from those states may only enter WA under extraordinary circumstances.
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https://twitter.com/aflwomens/status/1476785687068246021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The AFLW had originally scheduled matches to be played in Perth during the first three weeks of the season, but today advised clubs of amendments to Rounds 1, 2, 3 and 8.
Amongst the changes, a WA derby and grand final rematch will now headline Round 1.
Settled on to protect the opening stages of the AFLW season from COVID-19 related disruptions, AFL General Manager Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said the adjustments allow the competition to remain as adaptable as possible in a constantly changing environment.
“While COVID-19 continues to impact our community, we will continue to make changes that best manage the current environment, progresses our season and protects the health and safety of those in our game and the wider community,” she said.
“We’re really looking forward to the season kicking off next Friday night in what shapes up to be a blockbuster opening round. With this fixture update, Round One will now see a WA derby at Fremantle Oval and a re-match of the 2021 grand final between the Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions at Noarlunga Oval.”
The decision comes after the Gold Coast Suns confirmed five players had returned a positive COVID-19 result on Friday and were isolating at home.
https://twitter.com/GoldCoastSUNS/status/1476767409532854273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Omicron outbreaks have wreaked havoc on domestic sporting leagues in the last month, causing the cancellation of games in the A-Leagues and Big Bash League.
The AFLW season is set to commence on Friday, January 7 when St Kilda meet Richmond at SkyBus Stadium, Frankston.
Footy games will return to WA after February 5, once the state has opened up again to interstate travellers.
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