The AFL wishes to advise the commencement dates for the preseason and premiership season of the NAB AFL Women’s Competition.
 
Pre-season will commence with a two-week induction period starting Wednesday November 4, 2020 while the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Competition is set for the week commencing February 1, 2021.
 
2020 AFL WOMEN'S SIGN AND TRADE PERIOD
 
As a reminder to all media, the AFL Women’s Sign and Trade Period is scheduled to commence on Monday August 3, 2020.
 
During this period, Clubs will be permitted to sign up to 27 players, including rookie players. Rookie players in the AFL Women’s Competition are those that have not been listed with any Australian football team for the past three years.
 
Clubs have been informed they are not permitted to enter into any contracts or make any commitments to players until the commencement of the Sign and Trade Period.
 
The AFL continues to work on a range of matters relating in preparation for the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Competition that will involve all 14 AFLW teams.
 
Key dates for the 2020 AFLW Sign and Trade Period: 
 
Monday August 3
AFLW Sign & Trade Period commences (12pm)
 
Wednesday August 12 
Trade period closes (2pm)
AFLW List Lodgement # 1 (4pm)   
 
Monday August 17
Re-signing and Restricted Free Agent period closes (2pm)
AFLW List Lodgement # 2 (4pm)
 
Friday August 21
Delisted Free Agent period closes (2pm)
AFLW List Lodgement # 3 (4pm) 
AFLW Draft order confirmed
 
Please note: While the situation relating to COVID-19 remains a challenge for the entire football industry, the AFL advises these dates are subject to change.