West Coast Eagles chief executive Aaron Kirby has declared the club's 2026 AFLW fixture a testament to taking the women's game seriously, with the Eagles set to feature in a record number of prime-time matches.
Historic Fixture Announcement
The AFL released the 2026 AFLW fixture on Wednesday, with the Eagles receiving a significant boost in exposure. West Coast will play five matches in prime-time slots, including two Friday night games and three Saturday night fixtures. This marks a substantial increase from previous seasons and reflects the growing popularity of the women's team.
Kirby said the fixture was a direct result of the club's investment in women's football. "We've been committed to building a strong women's program from day one, and this fixture shows that commitment is being recognised," he told reporters. "Our players deserve the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of big audiences, and these prime-time slots will help grow the game."
Club's Investment in Women's Football
The Eagles have invested heavily in their AFLW program, including state-of-the-art training facilities, dedicated coaching staff, and player development initiatives. The club's women's team has seen steady improvement on the field, with a young list showing promise for the future.
Kirby emphasised that the fixture was not just about the club but about the broader growth of women's sport. "This is a win for everyone who has supported women's football in Western Australia," he said. "We want to inspire the next generation of female athletes, and having our games on free-to-air television in prime time is a huge step forward."
2026 AFLW Season Details
The 2026 AFLW season is scheduled to begin in late August, with the Eagles opening their campaign against Fremantle in a highly anticipated western derby. The club will also host several home games at Mineral Resources Park, with the fixture designed to maximise attendance and broadcast reach.
The AFL has also increased the number of double-headers with men's AFL games, providing additional exposure for the women's competition. Kirby said the Eagles were eager to capitalise on these opportunities. "We're excited about the potential to grow our fan base and show what our women's team can do," he added.
Reaction from Players and Fans
Eagles captain Emma Swanson welcomed the fixture news, describing it as a "massive moment" for the playing group. "We've worked incredibly hard to earn this respect, and now we have the chance to perform on the biggest stage," she said. Fans have also expressed enthusiasm, with memberships and attendance expected to rise as a result of the improved scheduling.
The AFLW competition continues to evolve, with more clubs investing in women's programs and the standard of play rising each year. West Coast's 2026 fixture is seen as a benchmark for other clubs to follow, demonstrating the rewards of genuine commitment to gender equality in sport.
Kirby concluded by thanking the AFL for its support and reaffirming the club's dedication to the women's game. "We're just getting started," he said. "The best is yet to come for West Coast Eagles women's football."
