Fremantle members and supporters will get their first look at the new Perth Stadium early next year after the State Government confirmed on Tuesday that the club’s AFL Women’s team will play at the venue on Saturday 10 February in an early round of the 2018 AFLW season.

Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich welcomed the Government’s support of the event, which will also see the club’s men’s team have their first training run at Perth Stadium prior to the AFLW team’s clash with an as yet unnamed opponent.

“We welcome the Government’s support of the game, which will not only be a wonderful opportunity for our AFLW team to play at Perth Stadium but for our members and supporters to get a first look at what the new world class venue has to offer,” Rosich said.

“It’s going to be a significant event for football and the AFLW with an expected crowd of in the order of 30,000, which would surpass the current AFLW crowd record of 24,500.

“At this stage we are also planning for our men’s team to have their first training run at Perth Stadium followed by a signing and photo session with the players for members and supporters prior to the AFLW game.

“We are also looking at a range of other activities taking place on the day, which will help ensure it’s a memorable occasion for Fremantle members and supporters.”

Fremantle AFLW senior coach Michelle Cowan said the players would relish the opportunity to be the first football team to play at Perth Stadium.

“The prospect of playing in front of a big crowd is incredibly exciting for our players,” Cowan said.

“To be the first football team to play at the new Perth Stadium takes that to a whole new level.

“There will be a big build-up to the game, and it will also be a great opportunity for Fremantle members and supporters to see what a match day experience will be like at the new stadium in 2018.”  

Ticketing for the event on Saturday 10 February will be via Ticketmaster, with Fremantle’s more than 1500 AFLW members having priority access.

Further information regarding ticketing will be available following the release by the AFL of the 2018 AFLW fixture.