Gold Coast SUNS fans in South-East Queensland will have the opportunity to see its AFLW side in action twice during pre-season following today’s confirmation of match simulation training and practice matches.
The AFL confirmed the matches to be played across two consecutive weekends in the lead up to the 2023 NAB AFLW Season, with the SUNS to face the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions ahead of Round 1.
The SUNS will face Sydney in match simulation at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday, August 12 before travelling to Brighton Homes Arena to face the Lions in a practice match a week later on Saturday, August 19.
All practice matches will be streamed via club platforms. The practice match against the Lions will be free to attend for fans.
The practice matches will give fans their first glimpse of the recently introduced rule adjustments, which includes longer quarters, interchange caps, adjustments to boundary throw ins and a cap on the use of runners.
The format, number of players, game length and number of breaks for the match simulation trainings can be agreed upon by the competing teams.
The match-ups for the match simulation trainings reflect those across the same weekend in Round 22 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
AFL General Manager Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said she was pleased to give fans their first glimpse of what was in store for the 2023 NAB AFLW Season.
"As we prepare for the season, the upcoming practice matches and match simulation will give fans their first look at new players, new coaches, and new captains ahead of a big 2023 season," Livingstone said.
“Excitement is building for the season which kicks off on the first of September during the AFL Finals Bye. Fans can buy tickets to all games on August 10.”
The SUNS open its AFLW season against Carlton at IKON Park on Saturday, September 2.
Match Simulation
Sydney Swans v Gold Coast SUNS
Heritage Bank Stadium
Saturday, August 12, 10am
Practice Match
Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast SUNS
Brighton Homes Arena
Saturday, August 19, 10.35am
