W-League draw announced

Football Federation Australia on Tuesday announced an eight team, 12-Round format for the premier women's football competition, which will culminate in a two-week finals series.

"The Westfield W-League has grown from strength-to-strength over the past four seasons and has become an integral part of the summer of sport on show in Australia," W-League chief Damien de Bohun said.

"Anticipation for the coming season is strong, with an exciting new broadcast initiative, the league returning to an eight team format and the regeneration of our national team happening in front of our very eyes on Westfield W-League pitches across Australia, this season is sure to generate a huge amount of interest.

"This season will also be boosted by the added element of our first genuine derby with Wanderers FC set to take on Sydney FC in Round 2.

"I look forward to running, promoting and witnessing all the action this season in a summer of football that I am sure will resonate with many fans both nationally and internationally as we continue to grow the women’s game."

W-League 2012-2013 Key Dates:

:: 20 October - Canberra United v Brisbane Roar, McKellar Park, 2pm AEDT

:: 20 October - Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United, Burton Park, 2.30pm AEDT

:: 3 November - Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory, Campbelltown Stadium 2pm AEDT

:: 15 December - Sydney FC v Perth Glory as curtain raiser to Sydney FC’s A-League home derby at Allianz Stadium, 5pm AEDT

:: 19-20 January - Semi Finals

:: 27 January - W-League 2013 Grand Final