A Round One AFLW Match Will Be Played At Marvel Stadium Because So Many People Want Tickets

The Essendon and Hawthorn Football Club’s women’s leagues will play their round one clash at the iconic Marvel Stadium after an overwhelming demand for tickets to both teams’ debut matches — proving well and truly that people want to watch the girls play.

The game was initially slated to be played at ETU Stadium in Port Melbourne, but after tickets to the historic match sold out within 24 hours, fans adopted the hashtag #MoveItToMarvel to give the teams the welcome they so richly deserve.

In a statement on Sunday, club CEO Xavier Campbell announced the game would be relocated to handle the bigger crowd. “This week, Essendon fans got behind our AFLW side, and sold out our first game within 24 hours,” Campbell said.

“With immense pride, I’m pleased to announce that this game has now been moved to Marvel, so more Essendon members and fans will have the opportunity to show their support for our inaugural side.”

“This move means that two clubs with passionate supporter bases will now be able to truly celebrate this important moment in both their histories. We want Bombers fans to fill the stands at Marvel Stadium on August 27 and be there as our AFLW side runs out for the first time.”

AFL EGM of Clubs, Finance, and Broadcasting Travis Auld, stressed that the move was only possible thanks to the huge amount of support thrown behind both teams in their inaugural match.

“Quite simply the fans of both clubs, and supporters of women’s footy in general showed why we needed to move to a bigger venue by selling out the game so quickly,” said Auld in a statement. “Two proud clubs, a historic occasion for them and another historic moment for the NAB AFLW competition.”

The move is a win for Bombers fans amid ongoing issues with the men’s team, with president Paul Brasher resigning, and coach Ben Rutten being reportedly stood down after a brutal 84-point loss on Sunday, adding to an already horrific season for the club. But while the men’s league faces ongoing issues, support for the AFLW team is unwavering.

The game will still kick off at 7:10pm on August 27, but thanks to the relocation, there are now a tonne of extra tickets to nab if you’re keen to grab them. Tickets are on sale from Monday August 15 via Ticketmaster for $10, or free for anyone under 18.

Anyone with tickets to the original venue will be able to access Marvel Stadium with their existing tickets.

Round one of the AFLW’s seventh season kicks off on August 25.