AFL Women's Home-and-Away Season Analysis
The home-and-away season, structured as an eight-round fixture, set the stage for intense competition across the league. Released on 29 October 2019, the schedule organized conferences and match-ups to determine the standings. To ensure optimal fan experiences and safety, some logistical adjustments were made, such as moving Richmond's home games from the Swinburne Centre to Ikon Park due to crowd capacity concerns.
All matches were scheduled according to Australian Eastern Time, providing a standardized timeline for fans following the action across various states.
Key Facts
- Lowest Scoring Match: Greater Western Sydney vs. Gold Coast in Round 1 recorded the lowest combined score in AFL history (men's or women's) with only 2.5 (17).
- Historic Lows: GWS recorded the lowest winning score in history (1.3/9) in Round 1, while Richmond recorded the lowest score in AFL Women's history at the time with 0.3 (3) in Round 6.
- Venue Changes: The Collingwood vs. Melbourne match in Round 4 was moved to Marvel Stadium to serve as a curtain-raiser for the bushfire relief State of Origin match.
- Attendance Shifts: Round 6 matches were largely played without spectators, except for the Geelong vs. North Melbourne game.
Season Progression and Match Highlights
Early Rounds and Historic Milestones
The season opened with a mix of tight contests and historic anomalies. Round 1 saw Carlton defeat Richmond and Fremantle edge out Geelong. However, the standout event was the clash between Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast; played in torrential rain, it became the lowest-scoring game in the history of the sport.
By Round 2 and 3, the competition intensified. Fremantle showed strong form with a dominant win over West Coast at Optus Stadium, drawing a massive crowd of 35,185. Meanwhile, North Melbourne established themselves as a force, securing a significant victory over Richmond in Round 3 with a score of 12.4 (76).
Mid-Season Shifts and Venue Adjustments
Round 4 brought a notable change in venue for the Collingwood and Melbourne clash, which moved to Marvel Stadium to support the bushfire relief efforts. On the field, Geelong and Carlton continued to climb the ranks with decisive wins over Richmond and Adelaide, respectively.
Round 5 saw Melbourne deliver a crushing blow to West Coast, winning 10.6 (66) to 1.1 (7) at Casey Fields, while North Melbourne continued their winning streak by defeating Adelaide.
The Final Stretch and Spectator Restrictions
The sixth round was marked by a significant shift in atmosphere, as most games were played without spectators. Despite the empty stands, the competition remained fierce. North Melbourne continued their dominance by defeating Geelong, and Carlton secured a win over Melbourne at TIO Traeger Park.
This round also saw a historic low for Richmond, who failed to score a goal, finishing with 0.3 (3) against St Kilda.
Season Summary Table
| Round | Winning Team | Losing Team | Score (Win-Loss) | Venue | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlton | Richmond | 48 - 14 | Ikon Park | 15,337 |
| 1 | GWS | Gold Coast | 9 - 8 | Blacktown ISP Oval | 1,540 |
| 2 | Fremantle | West Coast | 60 - 15 | Optus Stadium | 35,185 |
| 4 | Melbourne | Collingwood | 46 - 26 | Marvel Stadium | 21,528 |
| 6 | North Melbourne | Geelong | 66 - 20 | GMHBA Stadium | Not Recorded |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the lowest scoring match in AFL history?
The match between Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast in Round 1 was the lowest scoring match in AFL history (across both men's and women's competitions), with a combined total score of 2.5 (17).
Why were some Richmond home games moved?
Richmond's home games were moved from the Swinburne Centre to Ikon Park due to concerns regarding crowd capacity.
Which match had the highest recorded attendance in the provided data?
The Round 2 match between West Coast and Fremantle at Optus Stadium had the highest recorded attendance with 35,185 spectators.
Were there any matches played without crowds?
Yes, Round 6 matches were generally played without spectators, with the exception of the Geelong vs. North Melbourne match, although its attendance was not officially recorded.
What was the lowest score recorded by a team in the AFL Women's competition at that time?
Richmond recorded the lowest score in AFL Women's history at the time, scoring only 0.3 (3) in their Round 6 match against St Kilda.