Geelong will host the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium at 5pm on Saturday for the first round of the 2023 NAB AFLW season, with Cats forward Darcy Moloney declaring this an exciting time for the sport.
“We’re really lucky to have a home first game, so it’s also really exciting,” Cats forward Darcy Moloney said.
“It’s been a long time since we played an actual game and as a group we’re really hungry to get going,” she said.
“The boys are done, but footy at Geelong isn’t over (and) we’re only just getting started.
“I think we play a really exciting brand of football.
“We play well with a big crowd, so if everyone can get out here and support us then we’re going to put on a show.”
The Cats have three players, Gabbi Featherston, Shelley Scott and Becky Webster, on the injuries list for the opening round, but the Bulldogs are facing a test with seven players injured.
Tickets are just $10 for adults and free for kids, with a range of family-friendly activities taking place prior to the game and at half-time.
On Friday night the city of Melbourne will be bathed in coral for the opening of the season, with 11 landmark buildings illuminated in the AFLW’s official colour.
Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, Rod Laver Arena, The Arts Centre, and the NGV are some of the buildings which will light up in coral.
The season formally kicks off at 7.20pm this Friday, with Melbourne hosting Collingwood at IKON Park, Carlton.
Melbourne-born nine-time ARIA Award winning singer-songwriter Missy Higgins will perform in the pre-match entertainment.
AFL Women’s Football chief Nicole Livingstone OAM said she was excited for the city to be illuminated in the AFLW’s official colour.
“The momentum we’ve seen for women’s sport has been truly inspiring and we hope the support for our athletes continues into the 2023 NAB AFLW season,” Livingstone said.
“To have the sporting capital of the world illuminated in coral will be an amazing sight and will build anticipation for the opening round.
“On behalf of the AFL, we would like to thank the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne for showing their support for AFLW and women’s football.”
