Next AFLW season could be brought forward to August — four months after current season ends

The AFL Commission is reportedly considering a change to the scheduling of the AFLW season, including starting next season as early as August 2022.

The current AFLW season is still underway, with the final round of the regular season to be played this weekend, and the grand final scheduled for the first weekend of April.

Starting season seven in August 2022 would therefore mean a break of just four months between seasons for the part-time athletes.

It would also mean the final four new teams — Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney — would have to enter the competition much earlier than envisioned. Season seven had been slated to start in late 2022 or early 2023. 

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan was asked about the planned change following a meeting of league executives in Melbourne on Wednesday.

«It will be a quick process and we'll have a decision on that in the next couple of weeks,» he said.

Scott Gowans, who will coach Sydney when the club enters the competition, said his side was already preparing for an August start date.

«I just think there's enough rumours going around,» Gowans said.

«We haven't actually been told anything … [but] I think I've learned over the years when there's a little bit of fire then it's a case [of] you're going to get burnt.»

It is believed that the players are broadly supportive of the proposed August start date, however there are a number of issues to be resolved.

The AFL Women's season is half the length of the men's, which some players say adds pressure to build connections, get game plans right and reach your potential — quick smart.

These include looming CBA negotiations, with the current deal to expire at the end of the current season.

This year's AFLW season has been particularly taxing on the