Essendon's AFLW Season 11 fixture has been confirmed, with five home games at Windy Hill anchoring a 12-round campaign that includes Dreamtime in Darwin, Pride Round and an AFL Grand Final Eve fixture.

The Dons' fifth AFLW season opens at Windy Hill on Sunday, August 16 against Brisbane, before the club travels to the SCG to face Sydney in Round 2 for an exciting away double-header where Sydney's AFL side will take on North Melbourne that same day.  

Round 3 takes the playing group, coaches and staff to Darwin for AFLW Dreamtime in Darwin against Richmond, with the game at TIO Stadium on Sunday, August 30 at 6:45pm. The fixture continues to grow the women's game in the Northern Territory and celebrates the Indigenous communities that have shaped both clubs.

Back-to-back home games follow against Gold Coast SUNS in Round 6 and West Coast in Round 7, with the West Coast clash scheduled for AFL Grand Final Eve starting at 12:05pm. 

For the first time, Windy Hill will host a double header for Round 10 Pride Round, with Collingwood set to take on Sydney at 12:30pm followed by the Bombers taking on North Melbourne at 3:05pm. The Dons will then close the season at home against Collingwood in Round 12.

Essendon will feature on Channel 7 seven times, headlined by the Round 1 match against Brisbane and Dreamtime in Darwin at the end of August.

Windy Hill has become a defining feature of the Bombers' AFLW identity. The venue drew an average crowd of more than 2,500 last season, and Stage 1 of the $3.2 million redevelopment is now complete, delivering an upgraded home for the AFLW program and a stronger community asset for Melbourne's inner north.

Essendon CEO Tim Roberts said the fixture set the club up for a strong fifth AFLW season.

"Five home games at Windy Hill, plus Dreamtime in Darwin, Pride Round and a Grand Final Eve fixture, gives our players, members and supporters a season worth turning up for," Roberts said.

"We've got a really healthy mix of experienced leaders and emerging talent, and that balance is going to serve us well across a 12-round season. The players have set high standards through the pre-season, and we're confident this squad will continue to take steps forward this season.”

“There is something really special about AFLW games at Windy Hill. The connection between our players, fans and local community create an atmosphere that is uniquely Essendon, and moments like the iconic Bomber scarf wave add to that. We can’t wait to see the red and black faithful fill the stands and hill again this season."

Outside of the Bombers fixture, Windy Hill will host an additional two AFLW games throughout Season 11. As an elite sporting venue, Windy Hill continues to strengthen its reputation as a premium destination ground - delivery a fantastic game day experience for players, staff, and fans.

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