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Posted: 2023-08-31 19:13:32

Could AFLW be the beneficiary of the new-found momentum for women's sport generated by the record-breaking FIFA Women's World Cup?

That's the question many are asking, including premiership-winning Hawthorn coach Bec Goddard.

"It's a really exciting time to be a woman in sport," Goddard said this week.

"We're not going to pretend that we're anywhere near the level of the Matildas yet. 

"I hope what we're able to do is leverage off the back of that and help other women in sports — whether that's AFLW, Big Bash [or] WNBL."

Tilly Lucas-Rodd leads the Hawthorn AFLW side out of the race for a practice match

Bec Goddard, whose side is captained by Tilly Lucas-Rodd, is hoping AFLW can ride the wave of momentum generated by the Matildas. (AFL Photos via Getty Images: Felicity Elliott)

So if you're a newcomer to AFLW, or just want to get up to speed, here's all you need to know about the upcoming season.

When does AFLW start?

Season eight kicks off tonight, Friday, September 1, at 7:20pm AEST.

In something of a departure from tradition, the first match will feature last season's premiers, the Melbourne Demons, up against the Collingwood Magpies, who have featured in all but two of the opening fixtures of the AFLW season.

The match will be held at Princes Park, in Melbourne, the host of all but one season's opening games.

As a bonus for those in attendance, nine-time ARIA award winning singer-songwriter Missy Higgins will provide pre-match entertainment in the form of a medley of her well-known hits.

Demons fans will also be treated to the unfurling of their premiership flag from last season.

How many teams are in the competition?

All 18 AFL clubs now feature AFL Women's sides.

The most recent teams to join the competition — in August last year — were Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney.

Erin Phillips looks to handball over her left shoulder

Port Adelaide, led by Erin Phillips, is one of the four final teams to enter the AFLW competition. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)

Essendon fared the best of the new arrivals, finishing on four wins (10th place overall), while Hawthorn managed three wins (15th overall).

Port Adelaide, however, won just one game, while Sydney went winless.

Who won last year?

The Melbourne Demons made it a fairytale send-off for much-loved Daisy Pearce, who retired from the game a premiership champion as well as a trailblazer for women in football, both on and off the field.

It was a gutsy four-point win by the Demons, who toppled hosts Brisbane on their "home" deck in Springfield, after the Lions had lost just one game for the season before the grand final.

Daisy Pearce pumps her fists and yells in delight while wearing her premiership medal in the Demons changerooms

Daisy Pearce retired on a high after her Demons won the season seven premiership. (Getty Images: Matt Roberts)

In the rooms post-game, captain Bre Koenen described it as a "brutal competition" and said the loss was a "bitter pill to swallow".

What other round one match-ups are there?

Round one of AFLW is jam-packed with blockbusters, including three 'derbies' in South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia.

Last season, Port Adelaide failed to score a goal against the Crows, while the Giants handed Sydney a 47-point defeat.

Expect those games to be closer this time around, with both the Swans and Power notching two wins in their pre-season 'match simulation' outings.

Emma Swanson and Hayley Miller stand back to back with their arms crossed

Round one of season eight will feature three derbies. (AFL Photos via Getty Images: Michael Willson)

Round one also features a repeat of the Hawthorn v Essendon fixture, which drew 12,092 fans to Marvel Stadium in August last year for the first clash between the traditional Victorian powerhouses.

How do I attend matches, and how much do tickets cost?

Entry to AFLW games is free for all fans under the age of 18, while adults can purchase general admission tickets for $10.

Dakota Davidson takes a contested mark in the 2022 AFLW Grand Final against Melbourne

Entry to AFLW games remains free for those under 18. (AFL Photos/Getty Images: Albert Perez)

Tickets can be purchased by going to the AFLW website, scrolling to the game of your choosing and clicking on "buy tickets".

Unlike last year, they can also be purchased at the ground on match day.

Individual clubs also offer AFLW memberships, some of which include free entry to home games.

How can I watch AFLW?

Every AFL Women's game can be streamed live on the AFL Women's website and AFLW app.

AFLW matches are also broadcast live on the Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo.

How can I listen to AFLW?

ABC Grandstand will be broadcasting AFLW matches.

How long is the AFLW season?

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