The 2022 VFL Women's competition will start two weeks earlier in order to better align with the upcoming AFLW season.
The VFLW will kick off on Saturday February 12 - five weeks into the AFLW season - which itself is starting around a month earlier than normal.
As has been the case in years past, the NAB League Girls' season will also be played at the same time, allowing for some to play at VFLW level if the opportunity presents.
Essendon and Hawthorn have moved to 'AFLW-aligned' status ahead of their entry into the AFLW competition in the 2022-23 season.
The Hawks VFLW side will enter this season under new coach Cherie O'Neill after Bec Goddard was promoted to Hawthorn's AFLW senior head coach.
A fixture for the 14-round season is expected to be released shortly, after the 2021 Grand Final between Collingwood and Geelong was called off after several attempts at rescheduling amid COVID-19 lockdowns.
AFL state league competitions manager Jennie Loughnan said the VFLW has an exciting season ahead as more girls continue to progress their football journey.
"The rebel VFLW competition has been a foundation league in Victoria for many years and an exciting pathway for young girls," Loughnan said.
"We are delighted with the growth in the women’s game and to see the emerging talent across all levels is very exciting for football.
"The quality and standard of the rebel VFLW competition continues to elevate each year. All clubs, players and coaches are ready for a big year of women’s second-tier football in Victoria after we fell one game short of awarding a Premier in 2021.
"The 2022 fixture will allow great exposure for the next wave of talent and will provide fans across Victoria the opportunity to get close to the action with clubs and players maintaining a great connection to their communities.
"The alignment with the AFL Women’s and NAB League Girls fixtures will see the best girls across Victoria play competitive football matches every weekend."
VFLW list rules
- Standalone clubs will have lists of 40, with AFLW-aligned able to sign 30 non-AFLW players
- Once the AFLW season is complete, all clubs can sign an additional 15 AFLW players
- AFLW-aligned teams must field five under-22 development players, while standalone clubs must play three
- Indigenous players who are yet to make their VFLW debut, NAB League players and NGA members can be signed as Category B development players
