The Gold Coast SUNS will play the Melbourne Demons in Round 1 of the 2021 NAB AFLW Competition.

The AFL today announced an adjustment to the premiership fixture after the need to reschedule to provide maximum flexibility and allow for the season to commence in the safest way possible with current border restrictions in place across the country.

Head of Women’s Football Fiona McLarty welcomed the news and said the club would embrace the club’s attitude of Challenge Accepted.

“We will embrace the Challenge Accepted attitude and be ready to tackle Melbourne come Round 1 at Metricon Stadium on Saturday 30 January in front of our members and supporters and Collingwood in Round 2,” McLarty said.

“We knew we’d have to be flexible and agile this year and to the team’s credit, they haven’t let any of the last-minute changes throughout the pre-season affect their preparations.”

AFL Head of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said the revised fixture provides the competition with maximum flexibility while ensuring the least disruption for everyone involved in the game.

“The adjustments made to the first two rounds provides certainty into the early part of the season and allows the competition to remain as adaptable as possible as the season progresses in a constantly changing environment.”

As previously communicated, all matches in the 2021 season will be fully ticketed for the first time as part of the continued progression of the competition and to ensure all venues are COVID-safe.

SUNS fans are encouraged to purchase their 2021 AFLW Membership to gain free access to standalone AFLW premiership games at Metricon Stadium and Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Tickets to 2021 NAB AFLW matches for Adults/Concession will be $10 with free entry for children under 18. Tickets for Round 1 will be on-sale from Monday, January 25.

All 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Competition matches will be broadcast live on the Seven Network, FOX FOOTY, Kayo, and via the AFL Live Official App, thanks to Telstra. Matches will also be streamed live via womens.afl and the AFLW Live Official App.