Warrnambool’s newly redeveloped Reid Oval will host its first ever AFLW game.
AFLW confirmed the news today with the release of the 2022/2023 season fixture, with Essendon to clash with Geelong in Warrnambool on Sunday October 9 at 1.10pm.
Other regional cities chosen were Ballarat, Mildura and Mackay.
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Vicki Jellie said that hosting higher levels of competition in Warrnambool was one of the goals of the $10.7 million Reid Oval Redevelopment Project.
“The brand-new Reid Oval is less than three months old, and already we are beginning to attract elite competitions to Warrnambool,” she said.
“They say ‘it’s hard to be what you can’t see’ – so by bringing top level female athletes to Warrnambool we hope to help inspire more women and girls to get involved in football and to dream big.
“Building gender equitable facilities was a key pillar of the Reid Oval upgrade as we work towards breaking down barriers that are preventing more people from playing sport.
“This game hasn’t organised itself, so I’d like to congratulate our Recreation Team on their hard work behind the scenes to promote Reid Oval and Warrnambool as a destination for the AFLW.
“This is a national competition with premiership points on the line, so we are expecting a big crowd with lots of locals in attendance as well as some travelling supporters.”
The Reid Oval Redevelopment was supported by the Victorian Government, Warrnambool City Council, AFL, Cricket Victoria and local clubs and organisations.