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After the enormous success of the city’s first AFLW game last year, Warrnambool’s Reid Oval has once again been chosen to host an AFLW game in the upcoming season.

The Essendon Bombers will take on the Geelong Cats on Sunday October 8, a repeat of the Country Round fixture held in Warrnambool last season.

Warrnambool became a viable host city following the major redevelopment of Reid Oval, which included a new playing surface, a lighting upgrade, better training facilities and a state-of-the-art pavilion which caters equally for male and female players.

“Hosting our first AFLW game was one of the highlights for Warrnambool in 2022,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Debbie Arnott said.

“With over 4500 people through the gates, it was one of the biggest AFLW crowds of the season anywhere in Australia, and our region’s passion for the sport has been rewarded with another fixture this year.

“Thank you to the Council staff for their dedication and professionalism in delivering an excellent result. From all reports the clubs and the AFLW were thrilled with the facilities, especially the playing surface, as well as how smoothly everything ran on the day.

“Two of the main drivers behind the Reid Oval upgrade, increasing female participation in sport and attracting elite competition to Warrnambool, come together perfectly with the AFLW.

“Not only can people expect to see a competitive game of footy at a national standard, girls from across our region can see the opportunities that are now available to them.”

Tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks.