The Western Bulldogs will begin their 2025 home-and-away season on Saturday in Round 1 of the Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) season when they host the Melbourne Demons at Mission Whitten Oval.

The Bulldogs had a pretty disappointing 2024 campaign as they finished just 12th on the AFLW ladder. With four wins alongside their seven losses in the home-and-away season, the side from Footscray showed inconsistent form, which they will be trying to avoid this time around.

Melbourne had a wonderful end to their campaign last year, however, it was a little too late for them to build a charge for the Top Eight. They had started off with just two wins from their opening six games, and in the end, the Demons missed qualification to the Finals Series by just two points.

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.

Western Bulldogs vs. Melbourne free live stream, free-to-air channelLive Stream: Kayo, Foxtel, 7plusTV Channel: Fox FootyFree-to-air: Channel 7

Kayo, 7plus and Foxtel are providing both live and catch-up coverage of the match. The clash will also be available to watch on Fox Footy and Channel 7.

Fans can stream Western Bulldogs vs. Melbourne on Kayo which is currently offering a free trial for new subscribers so you can essentially watch this game and others this week for free. The match will also be streamed on the AFL website.

Western Bulldogs vs. Melbourne start timeDate: Saturday, August 16, 2025Start Time: 7:35 p.m. AEST  Venue & Location: Mission Whitten Oval, Melbourne

The AFLW Round 1 game between the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne will be played on Saturday, August 16 at 7:35 p.m. AEST.

It will be played at the Mission Whitten Oval in Melbourne, Victoria.

Here’s how that kick-off time translates to the various Australian time zones:

 DateKickoff timeAustralian Eastern Standard TimeSaturday, August 167:35 p.m.Australian Central Standard TimeSaturday, August 167:05 p.m.Australian Western Standard TimeSaturday, August 165:35 p.m.AFL 2025 fixture schedule this week

Thursday, August 14

FixtureVenueTime (AEST)TV/LivestreamCarlton vs. CollingwoodIKON Park7:15 p.m.Seven, Fox/Kayo, BingeWest Coast Eagles vs. Gold Coast SUNSSullivan Logistics Stadium9:15 p.m.Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge

Friday, August 15

FixtureVenueTime (AEST)TV/LivestreamSydney Swans vs. RichmondNorth Sydney Oval6:15 p.m.Fox/Kayo

Saturday, August 16

FixtureVenueTime (AEST)TV/StreamGeelong Cats vs. North MelbourneGMHBA Stadium3:35 p.m.  Fox/ KayoGWS Giants vs. EssendonCorroboree Group Oval5:35 p.m.Fox/KayoWestern Bulldogs vs. MelbourneMission Whitten Oval7:35 p.m.Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge

Sunday, August 17

FixtureVenueTime (AEST)TV/StreamBrisbane Lions vs. Hawthorn HawksBrighton Homes Arena12:40 p.m.Seven, Fox/Kayo, BingeSt Kilda vs. Adelaide CrowsRSEA Park2:10 p.m.Fox/KayoPort Adelaide vs. Fremantle DockersAlberton Oval4:10 p.m.Fox/Kayo