(Image: Getty)

The AFL has confirmed the heat policy will be enforced for this weekend's clash between Adelaide and GWS, forcing the game to start slightly earlier.

The start time has been pushed back to 2:45 pm local time to accommodate for the AFL's heat policy.

Sunday's game in Adelaide will take place under sweltering conditions, with the mercury forecast to hit 37 degrees by the Bureau of Meteorology.

It is a rare occurrence of the heat policy being enforced outside the AFL's pre-season competition.

Under the heat policy, each break at quarter time, half time and three quarter time will be extended to allow players to recuperate.

Each break will be lengthened by two minutes.

Extra water people will also be rostered on to ensure players stay properly hydrated.

The heat policy was last enforced for the JLT Community Series clash between Fremantle and Collingwood in Geraldton.