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AAP
AAP
Sport
Anna Harrington

Double headers return as AFLW ponders Gather Round

The AFLW is looking at continued growth, with double-headers and a potential Gather Round near. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

The AFLW will introduce four double-headers for the upcoming season while contemplating the introduction of its own Gather Round.

AFLW boss Laura Kane said the return to big stadiums, including Marvel Stadium, reflected players' desires.

"We know they want to play in big stadiums so the job's to fill them, and we felt it was the right time," Kane said.

"... We felt now was the right time to have a go and see what happens when we put these games up together in big stadiums.

AFLW
The Kangaroos and Lions played in the AFLW grand final at Ikon Park last year. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Kane said more than half of the AFLW clubs had requested double headers while those that didn't tended to have strategic plans based around packing out smaller community grounds.

The double-headers will likely be a combination of playing a AFLW game before and after an AFL match.

Kane noted during the COVID-19 pandemic turnarounds between games in a double header had been around an hour.

"We're pretty confident that we can have a tight turnaround and make sure that we have entertainment, something to do, listen, watch, see in that block," she said.

Kane was speaking at Norwood Oval ahead of the AFL Gather Round and indicated an AFLW version could be on the cards.

"In the concept of it, t's something that we should and will explore," Kane said. 

"And I think the concept - what works in South Australia for our men's competition might look different in our women's, might look the same. 

"We are exploring all opportunities for growth in AFLW this year, next year, and in the years to come. 


"And if you know there's an opportunity to get 18 teams in one place and have the feeling that we all have being in Adelaide this weekend, we're up for it.

Sydney looms as a potential option, especially given the Swans' success in attracting crowds to Henson Park - while South Australia could be determined to hold a monopoly over Gather Rounds.

"It's a great problem to have," Kane said.

"I think we've got lots of places, people that are interested in our 18 women's teams coming to one place and playing footy. It's great."

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