The Fixtures
Here are the matchups scheduled for Week 1 of the finals series:
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First Qualifying Final: North Melbourne Kangaroos (1) vs. Hawthorn Hawks (4) — Friday 7 November, 7:15pm at IKON Park.
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First Elimination Final: Carlton Blues (5) vs. West Coast Eagles (8) — Saturday 8 November, 3:05pm at IKON Park.
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Second Qualifying Final: Melbourne Demons (2) vs. Brisbane Lions (3) — Sunday 9 November, 1:05pm at IKON Park.
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Second Elimination Final: Adelaide Crows (6) vs. St Kilda Saints (7) — Sunday 9 November, 3:05pm at Norwood Oval.
Ticketing Details & Fan Info
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Tickets for Week 1 go on sale Monday 3 November. Competing‑club and AFL members get access from 12 pm AEDT; general public from 2 pm AEDT.
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Adults must purchase a ticket; juniors (17 and under) can attend free but must redeem a ticket in advance.
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Adult ticket price is frozen at $15 for Weeks 1 and 2.
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Broadcast: All Week 1 matches will be shown nationally on the Seven Network, 7plus, Foxtel, Kayo and Binge.
Why This Week Matters
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The two qualifying finals (North Melbourne vs Hawthorn, Melbourne vs Brisbane) offer the winner the “double‑chance” benefit: even if they lose next week they’re still alive. The losers drop into semi‑finals.
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The two elimination finals (Carlton vs West Coast, Adelaide vs St Kilda) are win‑or‑go‑home. No margin for error.
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Venue choice is significant: three matches in Melbourne at IKON Park, with one interstate match at Norwood Oval in Adelaide. That shows the league’s effort to maximise attendance and exposure.
Key Storylines to Watch
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North Melbourne enter as minor premiers and favourites. Can they keep their dominance going?
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West Coast make their first AFLW finals appearance – a historic moment for the club.
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Brisbane get a boost with captain Bre Koenen returning for their qualifying final against Melbourne.
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The elimination finals set‑up ensures there will be immediate heartbreak for two clubs this week.
What Fans Should Do
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If attending: get tickets early (especially for the Melbourne‑based matches) as demand is high.
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For juniors: redeem the free ticket in advance to guarantee access.
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For TV viewers: tune in early — big names, big stakes, and the tone for the rest of the finals series is set here.
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For teams: a win secures continuity and control; a loss complicates the road ahead.
