Fremantle’s AFLW side will return to the big stage at Optus Stadium to take on Melbourne on Saturday 5 March in a round nine double header of the 2022 NAB AFL Women’s competition.

Bouncedown for the Freo v Melbourne clash is at 4pm WST, which will then be followed by West Coast taking on Western Bulldogs at 6:40pm WST at Optus Stadium.

Fremantle will be looking to avenge last year’s qualifying loss to the Demons, defeated by 17 points at Casey Fields, which ultimately ended Freo’s 2021 season.

The last time an AFLW game was played at Optus Stadium, Freo defeated West Coast by 67 points in the third RAC Derby meeting between the cross-town rivals.

The AFL will communicate ticketing information for the round nine double header soon.

Both matches of the double header will also be broadcast live on the Seven Network, and streamed live on Kayo and the official AFL Women’s app.

Senior Coach Trent Cooper said his side would relish the opportunity to return to Optus Stadium.

“We obviously love playing at Fremantle Oval, but it is always great to get the experience of playing at Optus Stadium,” Cooper said.

“We are really looking forward to that opportunity, particularly to be taking on a side as good as Melbourne, in what will be a crucial game for the make-up of the ladder.”

AFL General Manager Competition Management Laura Kane said the league thanked everyone in the NAB AFLW Competition for their ongoing commitment to the season.

“All make-up games from earlier in the season will be completed by the commencement of round eight and, as we head into round nine, we’ve continued the commitment that all teams have maximum days’ breaks leading into that round,” Kane said.

“As the season builds towards a much anticipated NAB AFLW Finals Series, the health and safety of the community remains the highest priority for the AFL, and we will continue to work closely with respective state governments and health authorities on arrangements that both protects that and allows us to progress the NAB AFLW season.”