Matchday 16 Calendar and Venues Saturday, March 11 * Manchester City vs. Newcastle United (12:30 GMT) at Etihad Stadium * Tottenham Hotspur vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (3:00 GMT) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium * Chelsea vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (5:30 GMT) at Stamford Bridge Sunday, March 12 * Manchester United vs. West Ham United (1:30 GMT) at Old Trafford * Fulham vs. Brentford (4:00 GMT) at Craven Cottage * Bournemouth vs. Liverpool (6:30 GMT) at Vitality Stadium Monday, March 13 * Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (8:00 GMT) at Emirates Stadium Venues * Etihad Stadium (Manchester City) – Capacity: 55,097 * Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – Capacity: 62,062 * Stamford Bridge (Chelsea) – Capacity: 41,837 * Old Trafford (Manchester United) – Capacity: 74,140 * Craven Cottage (Fulham) – Capacity: 19,359 * Vitality Stadium (Bournemouth) – Capacity: 11,329 * Emirates Stadium (Arsenal) – Capacity: 59,867AFLW Embraces Nationwide Draft ModelAFLW Embraces Nationwide Draft Model In a significant move, the AFLW (Australian Football League Women) has transitioned to a nationwide draft model, marking a significant shift from its previous state-based system. This move aims to distribute talent more evenly across the competition. Effective immediately, all AFLW hopefuls will be available for selection by any of the 18 clubs in the December draft. Previously, clubs were restricted to drafting players from their specific talent pools. This change follows the introduction of an opt-in national pool in 2023, with nearly 70% of draftees opting for the wider selection option. It also coincides with a landmark collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that includes a significant pay rise and relocation allowance for players. Under the new CBA, the average AFLW player’s salary will increase from $46,000 in 2022 to $60,000 in 2023. By 2027, salaries are expected to reach $82,000, representing a 77% increase. First-year players will now receive a relocation allowance for interstate moves and a living allowance of up to $16,500 for relocation expenses. Additionally, clubs are required to offer two-year contracts to draftees. The AFL Players Association (AFLPA) welcomed the announcement, emphasizing that the nationwide draft would enhance talent access and provide players with greater opportunities. According to Julia Chiera, AFLPA representative, “While players previously had the option to join a national pool, it was critical that first-year players were protected from moving without sufficient financial support.” AFL Football Boss Laura Kane expressed that the transition to a national draft was a substantial step towards creating a more competitive league. “We’re seeing an increasing willingness among draftees to pursue their football dreams by relocating interstate,” said Kane. “This change will allow our rising stars to be more equitably distributed, boosting the development of younger sides and strengthening the overall competitiveness of the AFLW.”Calendar and Venues for Matchday 16 The highly anticipated matchday 16 of the upcoming football league season has been scheduled, with a host of thrilling fixtures set to take place across multiple venues on various dates. Saturday, March 18 * Stadium A: Team A vs. Team B * Stadium C: Team C vs. Team D * Stadium E: Team E vs. Team F Sunday, March 19 * Stadium B: Team G vs. Team H * Stadium D: Team I vs. Team J * Stadium F: Team K vs. Team L Monday, March 20 * Stadium C: Team M vs. Team N Tuesday, March 21 * Stadium A: Team O vs. Team P Wednesday, March 22 * Stadium B: Team Q vs. Team R Thursday, March 23 * Stadium E: Team S vs. Team T Friday, March 24 * Stadium D: Team U vs. Team V All times and dates are subject to change depending on league regulations and broadcasting arrangements. Fans are advised to check with their respective clubs or the league’s official website for any updates or modifications to the schedule.