THE 2026 NAB AFLW Grand Final will be the first season decider in the competition's history to be held on a Friday night.

The AFL has announced that the season's showpiece game will be played on Friday, November 27, breaking new ground for the competition after the past two Grand Finals have been held on Saturday nights.

The potential venues for the Grand Final have also been revealed, with the hosting rights earned by the highest-ranked preliminary final winner each year.

Ikon Park will host the decider if any Melbourne-based team earn the right, while Geelong will be eligible to host the game at GMHBA Stadium.

Adelaide (Norwood Oval) and Port Adelaide (Alberton Oval) could host the Grand Final at their regular home grounds, while Sullivan Logistics Stadium will host the game if either West Coast or Fremantle is the highest-ranked Grand Finalist.

If either Brisbane or Gold Coast wins hosting rights, the game will be played at Brighton Homes Arena while if Sydney or Giants earn the right, the Grand Final will be played at Henson Park, where the AFL has committed to installing broadcast-quality lighting.

The move to the Friday night also avoids any clash with the Victorian state election coverage, with the poll to be held on Saturday, November 28. 

The season-ending W Awards will be held on Monday, November 23 and the Telstra AFLW Draft will take place on Monday, December 14.

The AFL's executive general manager of AFLW, health and football operations, Laura Kane, said the Friday night slot was the best place to showcase the competition.

"AFLW belongs in prime time, and a Friday night Grand Final provides the perfect opportunity to put our competition and the incredible talent across it, front and centre," Kane said.

"The biggest match of the AFLW season has earned a national prime-time stage, with fans right across the country able to tune in live on the Seven Network, Foxtel, Kayo and Binge as we showcase the very best of AFLW and create a marquee sporting moment."