The AFLW season has been locked in for 2023, with the league releasing the highly-anticipated fixture less than 50 days before the opening round, with AFLPA boss Paul Marsh stressing there is still "much work to be done".
The season is scheduled to begin on Friday September 1, with 10 home-and-away rounds locked in, but none of the matches are scheduled at marquee venues.
The 18 clubs reportedly pushed for a 12-round season, but agreed to 10 in order to stabilise the growing competition, which begins on the weekend of the men's competition's pre-finals bye.
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Players' union boss Paul Marsh stipulated that CBA negotiations "remain ongoing" with more work to be done to satisfy all parties involved, including interest and commitment from AFLW fans.
"The CBA negotiations between the AFLPA and AFL remain ongoing. Progress has been made in recent weeks, however, there is still much work to be done before a proposed deal can be considered by players," Marsh said.
"It is with this objective at the forefront that player leaders have signed-off on the AFL's release of a 10-game home and away fixture for 2023. This agreement has formed part of our CBA negotiations with the AFL and comes with a commitment from the AFL for growth in AFLW games from 2024 and beyond.
https://twitter.com/aflwomens/status/1680804779931635712
"Players believe the release of the fixture will provide fans and clubs with the certainty needed to deliver a successful and exciting 2023 season of AFLW.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan released a statement thanking those involved in fast tracking the fixture release, highlighting the importance of growth and longevity of the women's' league.
"While the 18 clubs have been working towards key dates, it was important to get reach an agreement with the Players' Association and not delay the fixture any further to provide certainty to players, clubs and fans," McLachlan said.
"We thank the AFLPA, led by Paul and their delegates for their commitment and our aim now is to make 2023 the best season yet, while we collaborate on the sustainable growth of the competition, both in number of games, attendances and overall engagement."
McLachlan indicated that season eight's focus remains heavily on "driving attendance and viewership" across the 10 rounds, which includes Indigenous and Pride rounds.
"The AFL is incredibly proud of the growth women's football in the past seven years and remain committed to growing the competition in a sustainable way as we continue to invest heavily in driving attendance and viewership this season," he said.
The two biggest venues on the fixture are GMHBA Stadium (Geelong's home ground) and Heritage Bank Stadium.
The opening game on Friday September 1 is being held between reigning premiers Melbourne and Collingwood at Ikon Park.
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