The Western Bulldogs will host a double-header next Friday 6 September, with the AFL confirming the NAB AFLW Week 2 game against Port Adelaide will be moved to the MCG.
Originally scheduled to be played at the newly redeveloped Mission Whitten Oval, the relocation means Bulldogs fans and members who have purchased tickets for either game will be able to attend both the AFLW game and the AFL Elimination Final against Hawthorn.
The first bounce of the women's game will be 4.30pm (previously 5.05pm) while the men's start time is unchanged at 7.40pm. The double-header is now sold out to the general public, with a crowd of 90,000 expected. Gates will open at 4.00pm.
Fans who had purchased tickets to the NAB AFLW match at Mission Whitten Oval will receive a ticket to the MCG at no additional cost, thanks to the competition’s major partner NAB.
In a statement, the Club said it welcomed the AFL's decision.
"Our priority is to ensure that our members and fans have the most memorable experience possible, and this historic double-header will give them a unique opportunity to enjoy a feast of Bulldogs footy on a Friday night,” the statement read.
"We appreciate the myriad considerations that fixturing presents and would like to thank the AFL for acknowledging the challenges with the original scheduling and working with all of its stakeholders – particularly NAB – to ensure the best possible outcome for our members and fans.
"While this does mean we will have to wait to play our first home W game at the redeveloped Mission Whitten Oval, we are sure our Thursday night game against West Coast on September 12 will be a truly special occasion in Footscray."
The NAB AFLW match will be broadcast on Foxtel / Kayo, while the AFL Elimination Final will be broadcast on the Seven Network.
The Club is working to finalise a process regarding ticket allocation to 2024 AFLW members and will provide further updates on Monday.
AFLW Week 2
Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide
4.30pm, Friday 6 September
MCG, Melbourne • Wurundjeri
AFL Second Elimination Final
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn
7.40pm, Friday 6 September
MCG, Melbourne • Wurundjeri
