West Coast Eagles to play Brisbane Lions in Monday night AFLW clash and fly home after, instead of a hub

Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
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Camera IconParris Laurie of the Eagles in action. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

West Coast’s round three clash against Brisbane is locked in to go ahead and the Eagles will also return home to Perth post-match.

The Eagles will fly out on Sunday before playing the Lions on Monday at 2:15pm WST at Hickey Park in Brisbane.

West Coast will then return home to Perth while their cross-town rivals Fremantle prepare to stay on the road following Sunday’s clash against Adelaide at Norwood.

Even though the Eagles have escaped an extended road trip this weekend, it does not mean such trips are ruled out for the Eagles moving forward as the AFL scrambles to work through a snap lockdown in Victoria where eight of the 14 AFLW teams reside.

The match will be closed to the general public but will be broadcast live on the Seven Network in Perth.

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Meanwhile, cross-town rivals Fremantle have flown their entire playing squad to Adelaide, bar fire fighter Evie Gooch who was unable to travel due to work duties.

Even injured defender Leah Mascall was on the flight and will assist in an off-field role with some part-time AFLW staff unable to attend.

Camera IconEmma Swanson of the Eagles leads the team onto the field. Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos

While the AFL is yet to confirm Fremantle’s movements following Sunday’s clash, players have been told they will likely remain on the road following this weekend.

And players packed for it, many Dockers sporting multiple suitcases and carry-on bags as they arrived at Perth Airport on Friday morning.

“This is our first travel game for the year and we’re really excited to get away and enjoy the company of each other,” she said.

“It is a little bit different than training at home where you’d only see each other three times a week and the on game day so it will be good, especially with the new players who have come into the group, spending some time away with them.

“It will definitely galvanise and bring us closer together with what’s going on around us.

“It is tough being full time employees at other businesses and this being our part time job but we’ve had some solid conversations as a footy club this week and the support for all of us has been massive.

“We’re all leaving behind something or someone, whether that’s employment or family or pets which is tough.”

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