The 2025 AFLW season's Round 1 clash sees the GWS Giants face off against the Essendon Bombers in a Saturday evening match in Canberra.
This match marks the first time in Aussie Women's footy history that the Giants will meet the Bombers. The Giants finished 16th in 2024 with a 1-1-9 record -- just outside the bottom two, thanks to a slightly higher percentage than the 17th-placed Suns.
In 2025, the Giants have added new talent through the draft and also made veteran signings. Midfielder Alyce Parker and youngster Sara Howley are set to lead the charge for GWS this season. While an improvement from last year is expected, the Giants are still in transition, so a top-eight finish looks unlikely at this stage.
On the other hand, Essendon managed to break into the top eight last season but lost in the elimination final. The Bombers were without their key player Bonnie Toogood for much of the year.
Toogood’s return is a huge boost for the Bombers heading into the new campaign. However, the absence of midfielder Maddie Gay leaves a gap in the middle of the park which the Giants could exploit, especially with Essendon looking shaky in that area during their practice matches.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
GWS Giants vs. Essendon free live stream, free-to-air channel
- Live Stream: Kayo, Foxtel, Seven Plus
- TV Channel: Fox Sports 3
- Free-to-air: 7Mate
Kayo, 7Plus, and Foxtel are providing live and catch-up coverage of the match. The clash will also be available to watch on TV in Australia via Fox Sports 3 and the free-to-air channel Seven Mate.
Fans can stream GWS Giants vs. Essendon AFLW match on Kayo which is currently offering a free trial for new subscribers so you can essentially watch this game and others this week for free. The match will also be streamed on the AFL website.
GWS Giants vs. Essendon start time
- Date: Saturday, August 16
- Start Time: 5:35 p.m. AEST
- Venue & Location: Corroboree Group Oval
The AFLW Round 1 game between GWS Giants and Essendon Bombers will be played on Saturday, August 16 at 5:35 p.m. AEST.
It will be played at Corroboree Group Oval in Canberra, Australia.
Here's how that kick-off time translates to the various Australian time zones:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Sat, August 16 | 5:35 p.m. |
| Australian Central Standard Time | Sat, August 16 | 5:05 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Sat, August 16 | 3:35 p.m. |
AFL 2025 fixture schedule this week
Thursday, August 14
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlton vs. Collingwood | IKON Park | 7:15 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
| West Coast Eagles vs. Gold Coast SUNS | Sullivan Logistics Stadium | 9:15 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
Friday, August 15
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Swans vs. Richmond | North Sydney Oval | 6:15 p.m. | Fox Sports 3/Kayo |
Saturday, August 16
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geelong Cats vs. North Melbourne | GMHBA Stadium | 3:35 p.m. | Fox Sports 3/ Kayo |
| GWS Giants vs. Essendon | Corroboree Group Oval | 5:35 p.m. | Seven, Fox Sports 3/Kayo |
| Western Bulldogs vs. Melbourne | Mission Whitten Oval | 7:35 p.m. | Seven, Fox Sports 3/Kayo, Binge |
Sunday, August 17
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Lions vs. Hawthorn Hawks | Brighton Homes Arena | 12:40 p.m. | Seven, Fox Sports 3/Kayo, Binge |
| St Kilda vs. Adelaide Crows | RSEA Park | 2:10 p.m. | Fox Sports 5/Kayo |
| Port Adelaide vs. Fremantle Dockers | Alberton Oval | 4:10 p.m. | Fox Sports 5/Kayo |