A “cold start” to the AFL season looms for Western Australian footy fans, with the state set to miss out on hosting any games in the first two weeks.

The league’s Opening Round push to launch the season in NSW and Queensland has been retained with the addition of one game in Melbourne.

But West Coast and Fremantle will both be on the road when all 18 teams are back in action for Round 1 because of the women’s Asian Cup.

Perth’s Optus Stadium will host the Matildas’ tournament opener (March 1) and a semi-final (March 17).

Despite the gap between matches, tournament regulations dictate that stadiums are handed over to the AFC for exclusive use at least 10 days before its first match and until two days after the last match.

The AFL had one option to host a game in WA during the Asian C

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