The next AFLW season will begin in December this year, to give the 10-round competition clear air and prevent an overlap with the AFL competition.

The news was confirmed on Thursday, with the Grand Final to be held in mid-March, 2022.

This timing provides an ability to optimise the audience and coverage, particularly for the NAB AFLW Finals Series, as well as supporting other considerations such as maximising attendance and participation objectives.

The new season – also known as season six – will still be contested by the existing 14 AFLW teams.

The clubs without AFLW teams – Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney – have now been invited to submit proposals by July 9 as to why they should be included as early as season seven, which is likely to start at the end of 2022, with details to be worked through.

In the short term, the AFL will work with the existing 14 AFLW clubs to ensure that when an 18- team competition occurs they will be in the best position to continue to grow and be competitive, while also working with the expansion teams on talent pathways and list building to ensure they have access to experienced players and that the emerging player pathways are supported to drive the demand for new talent.