AFL

AFLW confirms first Friday night grand final

By Roger Vaughan

Aug 28, 2026

ccc — North Melbourne celebrate their 2025 AFLW grand final triumph, played on a Saturday. -AAP Image

The AFLW grand final will be played under Friday night lights for the first time, with the November 27 date confirmed.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Two-time defending premiers North Melbourne are on a 27-game winning streak and if they are the highest-ranked grand finalists, the match will again be played at Ikon Park.

The Friday night timeslot means the AFLW avoids clashing on the Saturday that weekend with the Victorian state election and a Matildas match in Canberra against Colombia.

Previous AFLW grand finals have been played on Saturday or Sunday.

"AFLW belongs in prime time, and a Friday night grand final provides the perfect opportunity to put our competition and the incredible talent across it, front and centre," said AFLW football operations boss Laura Kane.

"The biggest match of the AFLW season has earned a national prime-time stage, with fans right across the country able to tune in live ... as we showcase the very best of AFLW and create a marquee sporting moment."

The Kangaroos beat Brisbane in last year's grand final at Ikon Park, which featured a sold-out crowd of about 12,000.