The Round One NAB AFLW match between the West Coast Eagles and the Gold Coast SUNS on Thursday night has been moved to Mineral Resources Park, after testing of the playing surface at Sullivan Logistics Stadium in Leederville was determined to be unsafe to play on following significant and persistent rainfall.

Despite work being undertaken to re-turf the centre square on Monday to remediate the impact of the rainfall coupled with high ground usage on the weekend, the AFL made the decision early to provide fans, clubs and broadcasters time to adjust and continue planning.

The West Coast Eagles next match at Sullivan Logistics Stadium falls in Round 10 against Geelong followed by Carlton in Round 12, with home games at Mineral Resources Park in rounds four, seven and eight.

AFL Executive General Manager of Football Operations Laura Kane said the game had to be moved for player safety.

“We’ve been monitoring the situation and had our turf inspectors conduct a report on Monday which concluded the playing surface at Sullivan Logistics Stadium wasn’t safe ahead of the game this week between West Coast and Gold Coast,” Kane said.

“The health and safety of our players is absolutely paramount and so we made the call to move the game to Mineral Resources Park, which is where the West Coast Eagles are based and where they also play home games.

“Even though works were undertaken to fix the turf around the centre square, we wanted to make the decision as early as possible to gives fans, our clubs and our broadcasters time to adapt their plans accordingly.

“I’d like to thank the West Coast Eagles, Gold Coast SUNS, our broadcast partner and the Town of Victoria Park for their flexibility, understanding and planning to ensure the smooth transition of the match.”

Current ticket holders can use their tickets to access the game at the new venue, with direct communication coming via Ticketmaster. Club members will be communicated to by clubs regarding the move and can access their memberships as per normal.

The 2025 NAB AFLW Season kicks off Thursday night when Carlton takes on Collingwood at IKON Park at 7:15pm (AEST) followed by the West Coast Eagles clash with the Gold Coast SUNS at Mineral Resources Park at 9:15pm (AEST).