FOOTY IS BACK!

Melbourne will open its 2022 AFLW campaign with a clash against Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday night.

Set to be a fierce battle, the anticipated match will see the two sides play for the Hampson-Hardeman Cup, named in honour of women’s footy pioneers Barb Hampson and Lisa Hardeman.

The Bulldogs and Demons established the special trophy for the inaugural exhibition game in 2013, with Saturday night marking the 12^th instalment.

Demon Debutants

Four Demons will make their debut in the red and blue on Saturday night.

Maggie Caris and Eliza West have been named for their first AFLW game, while Ali Brown and Tayla Harris will make their official debut in the Melbourne colours.

Ticketing

Following the AFL's COVID-safe precautions, matches in the 2022 season will be once again fully ticketed, having been introduced last year.

Tickets are unable to be purchased at the gate, with fans needing to buy ahead of time.

General public tickets are $10 for adults and free for under 18s. A free ticket must still be redeemed for under 18s.

Staying COVID-safe

What you can expect at AFLW venues

• Please wear your mask where physical distancing is not possible
• Water fountains will not be in use at most venues. Where they are in operation, they will be cleaned and sanitised regularly. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own water bottles
• The venues are cashless, meaning only contactless payments can be used for purchases of food, beverages and merchandise.
• The event ticketing system supports contact tracing.
• Some activations, such as player autographs, will be paused to ensure social distancing requirements are met.
• Increased cleaning and disinfecting of all surface areas and frequented spaces

How you can help

• Plan to arrive early at games where possible, to avoid crowds at entry points close to match start times
• Practise good hygiene and regularly and thoroughly wash your hands
• Maintain physical distancing, keep at least 1.5 metres away from others
• Carry a face mask when you leave home unless you have a lawful reason not to. It is strongly recommended you wear one whenever you cannot keep 1.5 metres distance from others
• If you are feeling unwell, please enjoy the game from the comfort of your home
• Please follow relevant government health advice, and enjoy the game from home, if the following applies to you:
  - You are deemed a close contact
  - You are awaiting the result of a COVID test
  - You are completing a mandated isolation period during to a COVID positive result

QR CODING TO SUPPORT CONTACT TRACING

To help support various state government vaccination requirements, please ensure you 'check in' via the QR code as you enter the venue. Please download your state government app to understand any requirements.

You can also download the free state government apps to help check in to a COVID-Safe venue (where applicable).

Fans are encouraged to bring along a mask for situations where they cannot distance from others. 

Fans are also encouraged to arrive early and allow plenty of time to get to their zone and avoid crowd congestion at the gates.

Increased cleaning and sanitisation will be occurring around the ground, while hand sanitiser stations will be available in each zone.

If you are feeling unwell, please stay home according to public health advice and get tested. 

Follow the Game

Watch
All times local
VIC: Channel 7 + Fox Footy - 6:50pm
NSW/ACT: 7mate + Fox Footy - 6:50pm
QLD: 7mate + Fox Footy - 5:50pm
SA: 7mate + Fox Footy - 6:20pm
WA: 7mate + Fox Footy - 3:50pm

Streaming
If you're on the go, you can watch the game for free via womens.afl or the AFLW Official App.

Subscribers of Kayo can also watch the game. 

Match Centre
Get live scores, stats and updates via the Demons Match Centre.

Social Media
Follow us across social media for a behind-the-scenes insight on game day as well as live match updates as they happen.

Use the hashtags #AFLWDogsDees and #HellYeah to join the conversation.

Twitter: @MelbourneAFLW
Facebook: facebook.com/MELBOURNEfc/
Instagram: @MelbourneAFLW
TikTok: @melbournefc