22 July 2026
North Sydney Oval is set to remain as the venue for the historic AFLW match-up between Australia and Ireland, officials have confirmed. The game scheduled for Saturday, 1 August has already sold out and many have called for the game to be relocated to the higher capacity SCG.
Former AFLW player and coach Lauren Arnell has come out criticising the decision to stay northside. “You’re already telling people two weeks out, you can’t come… I just feel like you’re limiting the game.” she told the ABC.
In response, AFL executive general manager Laura Kane said “It’s the first time (so) we wanted to create an amazing atmosphere, and so our sellout is incredible,”
She explained that although demand is high, wait list figures indicate there is not enough interest to fill out the 48,000 capacity SCG.
“Do I want to be in future talking about the MCG, the SCG, Marvel Stadium? Absolutely I will, and we will get there. We will get there.” Kane added “But for now, our priority is making sure that we have a packed-out full stadium, and we are going to get that with North Sydney Oval.
For now, the fixture looks to be staying at North Sydney Oval but not guaranteed to return.
On the field, Sydney Swans talent will be featured in both squads. Zippy Fish and Chloe Molloy will don the green and gold while Tanya Kennedy, Paris McCarthy and Sarah Rowe are all set to represent Ireland.