AFLW's inaugural Australia vs Ireland match has been locked in a fortnight ahead of the season opening.
The game will celebrate the continued rise of women's football and the strong connection between AFLW and Ireland. It will feature some of the league's biggest stars alongside emerging talents.
"This event goes beyond a single match. It's about bringing fans together, elevating women's sport and setting the tone for an exciting NAB AFLW season ahead," NAB Chief Marketing Officer Natalie Lockwood said.
The game marks an exciting milestone for the league as their first representative fixture since the one-off contest between Victoria and the Allies in 2017, the first year of AFLW.
"The inclusion of representative football in the AFLW calendar is a significant moment for our game and another example of continuing to be bold with AFLW, with the Australia versus Ireland match-up," AFL Executive General Manager of AFLW, Health and Football Operations Laura Kane said.
Since 2017, Irish players have made a big impact on the league. Currently there are 46 Irish footballers playing across the competition while over 30 Irish past players have played at an AFLW level. Carlton's Dayna Finn, Fremantle's Aisling McCarthy and Hawthorn's Aine McDonagh all became the first Irish players to win club best and fairest awards after the 2025 season.
Unlike previous men's Australia vs Irish clashes, the AFLW version will be played under Australian Football Rules, with a classic Sherrin football. The match will start at 4.15pm AEST, Saturday August 1st at North Sydney Oval and will be broadcast live on Fox Footy, Kayo and Binge.
