Fox Footy to broadcast historic AFLW Australia v Ireland clash free on Kayo Freebies – Fox Footy will launch its 2026 AFLW coverage with the first AFLW representative match between Australia and Ireland live and free on Kayo Freebies.
The landmark match will be played at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, 1 August, with coverage available from 3.45pm AEST. It will air live and exclusive on Fox Footy, available on Kayo Sports, with the match also free to watch through Kayo Freebies.
For Australian viewers, the free Kayo Freebies broadcast gives the sold-out representative fixture a much wider national audience. It also gives Fox Footy a major event to open its 2026 AFLW coverage before the NAB AFLW Premiership season begins the following weekend.
Historic AFLW representative clash
The Australia v Ireland international will mark the first representative match of its kind for AFLW. Fox Footy and Kayo Sports said the broadcast will allow fans across the country to be part of the occasion, even with the North Sydney Oval event sold out.
General Manager – Fox Footy Michael Neill described it as a landmark moment for the AFLW and said Fox Footy was thrilled to bring it to fans live on Kayo Sports.
Neill said representative football has long captured the imagination, and this match is a chance to celebrate the growth of the women’s game while showcasing elite talent.
How to watch Australia v Ireland
- AFLW Australia v Ireland
- Date: Saturday, 1 August
- Venue: North Sydney Oval
- Coverage: From 3.45pm AEST
- Watch: Live and free on Kayo Freebies
- Also available: Live and exclusive on Fox Footy, available on Kayo Sports
Fox Footy commentary team
Fox Footy’s match coverage will be led by play-by-play callers Kelli Underwood and Jess Webster. Lauren Arnell and Chyloe Kurdas will provide expert commentary, with Lauren Wood and Taylor Smith reporting from the boundary.
Underwood is one of Australia’s most experienced sports broadcasters and a long-time Fox Footy caller. Webster will make her Fox Footy television commentary debut in 2026 after building her reputation through radio and AFLW coverage.
Arnell brings premiership-winning AFLW experience and senior coaching insight, while Kurdas is recognised as a pioneer of women’s football. Wood adds AFL reporting experience, and Smith brings current AFLW playing insight as a Sydney Swans forward.
AFLW season coverage
Fox Footy and Kayo Sports’ AFLW coverage continues the following weekend with the opening round of the 2026 NAB AFLW Premiership season. Every game, every final and the Grand Final will be live on Fox Footy, available on Kayo Sports.
For more coverage, visit TV Central’s AFLW section. Watch selected free sport content through Kayo Freebies.
