By Molly Magennis
The AFL has announced the start dates for the 2022 VFLW season, with the league also set to align with the 2022 AFL Women’s season.
The season will start on Saturday, February 12, and will mark the league’s sixth season after its inception in 2016.
The league’s alignment with the NAB League Girls and AFLW competitions will see a pathway program for elite sportswomen in Victoria. The arrangement with the NAB League Girls will particularly create opportunities for young girls to make their way to the VFLW once their season ends.
Essendon and Hawthorn are officially under the AFLW-aligned club classification due to their pending entry into the 2023 AFLW competition, which leaves Darebin and Williamstown as the only two remaining VFLW standalone teams.
The VFLW’s 12 teams will again play 14 home-and-away matches and the season will be split into two seasons for lost management purposes.
VFLW standalone clubs will be allowed to sign 40 players, and AFLW clubs will be permitted to have 30 non-AFLW players during the AFLW home-and-away season.
AFL state league competitions manager Jennie Loughnan said the VFLW is an exciting pathway for young girls.
“We are delighted with the growth in the women’s game and to see the emerging talent across all levels is very exciting for football. The VFLW has an exciting season ahead as more girls continue to progress their football journey,” she said.
“The 2022 fixture will allow great exposure for the next wave of talent and will provide fans across Victoria the opportunity to get close to the action with clubs and players maintaining a great connection to their communities. The alignment with the AFL Women’s and NAB League Girls fixtures will see the best girls across Victoria play competitive football matches every weekend.”
The AFL will continue to review all arrangements, including the return of fans to matches, in consultation with clubs, the state government and health officers.
