Kangaroos' AFLW team to play at UTAS Stadium in 2019

Published on 26 October 2018

University of Tasmania Stadium will host its first ever AFLW match next season.

The recently established North Melbourne women's team will host the Western Bulldogs in Launceston on Friday, February 15 at 7.15pm in the expanded competition in 2019.

City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said he was delighted to see top-flight women's football at UTAS Stadium.

“Bringing the AFLW to Launceston is fantastic news for footy fans, and will also bring a welcome boost to tourism and hospitality, our economy and our community," Mayor van Zetten said.

"Having AFLW matches in Launceston will create more opportunities for aspiring players entering the sport as well as those already showing incredible dedication to what is one of the highest growth participation sports for females across the country.

"Excitement will no doubt continue to grow for women's football in Tasmania and this game in Launceston will go a long way to helping the incredible growth we are witnessing across Northern Tasmania right down to the grassroots level."

The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos is one of two new teams in the AFL women's competition in 2019, with Geelong bringing the overall number of teams to 10.

The Kangaroos will play two games in Tasmania next season - including a match against Carlton at North Hobart Oval on Sunday, February 3 at 1.05pm.

The new-look competition will see the 10 teams divided into two conferences, with teams playing over a seven-week home-and-away season, followed by two weeks of finals.

Mayor van Zetten said he welcomed any opportunity to secure more premiere sport at the stadium in line with the council's commitment to promote women's sport at the elite level.

UTAS Stadium is one of seven new venues across the country to host AFL women's matches in 2019.