The AFL has confirmed AFL Women's Season 8 will begin on the first weekend of September.
The Season 8 opening weekend will again align with the AFL pre-finals bye, with the length of the season still to be confirmed as Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations continue.
Pre-season will kick off for clubs in one month's time, with May 29 confirmed as the start date for preparations for the new season.
Geelong Cats Head of AFLW and Pathways Brett Johnson welcomed the announcement.
"We're excited that we now have concrete dates to work towards, even while the CBA negotiations are ongoing," Johnson said.
"Seasons 6 and 7 were such a big period of growth for us, we can't wait to dive into formal preparations for Season 8.
"Our players and staff have been working away over the off-season, with many of our AFLW players also involved in our VFLW program, which is in the thick of its season at the moment, and we're all eager to take the next steps in our collective Cats Women's journey."