AFLW will return to the MCG sooner than expected, with two pre-season practice matches moved to the stadium to line up with round 22 AFL games.

Carlton v Melbourne and Richmond v Hawthorn, originally slated for Ikon Park and Punt Road respectively, will now serve as double headers with each club's men's round 22 matches on Saturday August 13 and Sunday August 14. 

The Blues will take on the Dees at 4.40pm local time on the Saturday, before the men's sides face off at 7.25pm.

The Tigers will then face the Hawks at 10.30am on the Sunday, with the game between the sides' male counterparts scheduled for 1.10pm that day.

Libby Birch, Daisy Pearce and Karen Paxman celebrate after the preliminary final match between Melbourne and Brisbane at the MCG on April 2, 2022. Picture: Michael Willson

"Firstly, I'd like to thank the MCC for their cooperation in moving these two games to the MCG and their continued support of women's football," general manager of women's football Nicole Livingstone said. 

"For a lot of these players, it will be the first time they play on the iconic MCG. But I'm confident it won't be the last.  

"Tigers, Hawks, Dees and Blues fans will get to see their men's and women's teams back-to-back, without having to leave their seats."

Melbourne and Brisbane played their preliminary final at the venue in April, the first official AFLW match held at the MCG, where the Demons won their way to their first Grand Final appearance. And before the AFLW officially launched, two women's exhibition matches took place at the 'G – both featuring Melbourne. 

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Sunday's double header will also mark Richmond President Peggy O'Neal's final home and away match with the men's side, and the first MCG match for the women. 

These pre-season practice matches are an opportunity for fans to get a first glimpse at their side before AFLW season seven begins on August 25th, and will be the first official hit-out for expansion team Hawthorn. 

Saturday's practice match between Fremantle and West Coast has also been moved to Fremantle Oval, with a new 12pm (local) start time.

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE

Friday 12th August

St Kilda v Brisbane at RSEA Park, 3:30pm AEST

Saturday, 13 August

Adelaide v North Melbourne at Norwood Oval (Coopers Stadium), 10:00am ACST

Essendon v Port Adelaide at The NEC Hangar, 12:00pm AEST

Western Bulldogs v Greater Western Sydney at VU Whitten Oval, 11:30am AEST

Gold Coast v Geelong Cats at Austworld Centre Oval, 12:30pm AEST

Sydney v Collingwood at Blacktown International Sports Park, 1:00pm AEST

Fremantle v West Coast at Fremantle Oval, 12:00pm AWST

Carlton v Melbourne at the MCG, 4:40pm AEST

Sunday, 14 August

Richmond v Hawthorn at the MCG, 10:30am AEST