The AFL has avoided an embarrassing fixture clash by rescheduling the Western Bulldogs' round-two AFLW match to feature as part of a historic double-header with the men's elimination final.
The Bulldogs had lobbied the league to change the time or date of their women's game against Port Adelaide, which was due to clash with the men's final against Hawthorn.
Instead of being played at Whitten Oval next Friday night, the AFLW game will now be played at the MCG at 4.30pm.
The sold-out Bulldogs-Hawks AFL elimination final starts at 7.40pm, with a crowd of more than 90,000 expected to attend.
"We were presented with a unique set of circumstances," AFL football boss Laura Kane said.
"Following discussions with the Bulldogs, Port Adelaide and Hawthorn, the MCG and our broadcast partners, there was universal alignment on trying to maximise the AFLW crowd considering the Western Bulldogs' involvement in both matches.
"We encourage anyone with a ticket to the MCG on Friday next week to get to the ground early and enjoy what will be a great AFLW match-up between the Bulldogs and the Power.
"On behalf of everyone at the AFL, I want to thank everyone involved in making this happen so quickly."
The AFL finals schedule was only confirmed on Monday, while the AFLW fixture was released back in May.
Fans who purchased a ticket to the AFLW match will receive a replacement ticket for the MCG double-header at no extra cost.
AFLW club members have also been allocated "a number of tickets" to the double-header.
The Bulldogs welcomed the AFL's decision to reschedule the women's match.
"Our priority is to ensure that our members and fans have the most memorable experience possible, and this historic double-header will give them a unique opportunity to enjoy a feast of Bulldogs footy on a Friday night," the club said in a statement on Friday.
"We appreciate the myriad considerations that fixturing presents and would like to thank the AFL for acknowledging the challenges with the original scheduling and working with all of its stakeholders ... to ensure the best possible outcome for our members and fans."
The Bulldogs had planned celebrations around their first AFLW home game at the redeveloped Whitten Oval, which will now be on September 12 against West Coast.
The club hopes the Thursday night fixture will be "a truly special occasion in Footscray".
