Reigning AFLW Premiers Adelaide will open Season Seven with a Grand Final rematch against Melbourne at Norwood Oval on Friday, August 26.
The AFL revealed the fixture on Monday and Adelaide’s Round One game is one of four Friday time slots scheduled for the Club.
A bumper crowd is expected for the first AFLW Showdown, with the Crows taking on Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval under lights on Friday, September 30.
Adelaide will then take on Brisbane in Round Eight at Metricon Stadium on Friday, October 14, and Geelong at Norwood Oval on Friday, October 21.
The final home game of the season will be on the weekend of October 28-30 against St Kilda at RSEA Park.
Crows CEO Tim Silvers said the Club was looking forward to having four prime time, Friday night matches.
Silvers added three games at Unley Oval was also a positive as the competition entered a new era with all 18 clubs involved.
“We are excited that our Members and fans can kick the season off in a big way with a home game at Norwood Oval and even better that it’s a Grand Final rematch,” Silvers said.
“Having Round One at home is also an opportunity for as many Members and fans to come along and support our AFLW side as it kicks off our premiership defence.
“Over the past Six Seasons, we have worked hard to create sustained success and our players and coaches have done an amazing job in winning three premierships, and we are determined to win another in the months ahead.
“We are pleased to be rewarded with Friday night games and having that coveted time slot is a huge win for the Club.
“Likewise, the opportunity to play at another SANFL ground like Unley Oval should make it easy for families to come along.”
Silvers said the first AFLW Showdown at Adelaide Oval would be a significant moment in South Australia’s football history.
“We have always supported expansion and we know having two SA teams in the competition will give more talented players an opportunity,” Silvers said.
“We have no doubt that the fierce rivalry between the two Clubs will extend to the women’s competition and we look forward to being part of that.”
Other highlights include the third annual AFLW Indigenous Round across Rounds Three and Four, before Pride Round in Round Eight.
With the 18-team competition, the AFLW Finals series will increase from three to four weeks and will feature the top eight teams, and a single ladder will be in place for the season.
