Former Carlton coach Daniel Harford vividly recalls the overwhelming noise at Adelaide Oval. His team, the Blues, was being soundly defeated, yet the atmosphere was electric. The roar of 53,000 fans echoed around the stadium, a testament to the burgeoning popularity of the AFL Women’s competition. As the AFLW enters its tenth season, this moment stands as a milestone in a journey that has seen the league grow from humble beginnings to a significant force in Australian sports.
The AFLW’s tenth season kicks off on Thursday night with a match between Carlton and Collingwood at Ikon Park, marking a decade since the league’s inception. Harford, who coached Carlton during the 2019 grand final attended by a record-breaking crowd, reflects on the significance of that day. “It was absolutely massive,” he said. “To play in front of such a crowd was inspiring for the players and a pivotal moment for the game itself.”
An Aspirational Competition Reaches Double Digits
The AFLW began in 2017, fast-tracked to launch three years ahead of its original schedule. The league’s rapid development has been driven by a desire to inspire young girls to take up the sport. Sophie McKay, daughter of former Carlton champion Andrew McKay, symbolizes this inspiration. As a child, she dreamed of playing professional football and now stands on the brink of making her debut for Carlton, a testament to the league’s success in fostering new talent.
Despite initial skepticism, the AFLW has seen significant achievements. In its inaugural match, over 24,000 fans watched Carlton defeat Collingwood, setting the tone for a competition that continues to captivate audiences. The league’s shift from a summer to a winter schedule reflects ongoing debates about its optimal timing, yet the enthusiasm for women’s footy remains undiminished.
Optimism as Tentacles Spread
At Essendon’s Windy Hill, the sight of girls playing alongside boys is becoming commonplace, a reflection of the changing landscape of Australian football. Trailblazers like Daisy Pearce and Erin Phillips have become household names, inspiring a new generation of players. Former AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan praised Pearce’s impact, stating, “She has changed the landscape for young women.”
By last year, more than 528,000 girls and women were registered participants in Australian rules football competitions and programs across the country.
Harford, who joined the AFLW as an assistant coach in its second season, has witnessed firsthand the league’s transformative impact. “The appetite for growth was intoxicating,” he said. “It was more than just a sporting experiment; it was great for social and family connections.”
The Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its successes, the AFLW faces challenges. The rapid expansion to 18 clubs has created disparities in talent levels, and issues of pay equity and professionalization persist. Nicola Barr, the AFLW’s inaugural No.1 draftee, highlighted these challenges in a recent piece for The Guardian, noting the need for stable competition structures and better infrastructure.
“We deserve infrastructure that matches our commitment, medical support that prioritizes our health as much as our performance,” Barr wrote.
The AFL has committed to a late winter to spring schedule, focusing on suburban grounds. However, Harford advocates for aligning the women’s season with the men’s, suggesting double-headers to elevate the competition’s profile. “I want our women playing in stadiums,” he said. “For the sport to stand on its own two feet, it has to go beyond the niche market.”
From Zippy Fish to Havana Harris, the Future is Bright
The future of the AFLW looks promising with young talents like Havana Harris and Zippy Fish poised to make their mark. Harris, drafted by the Gold Coast Suns, represents the next generation of players inspired by pioneers like Pearce and Phillips. Andy Lovell, coaching at Bond University, praises the dedication of young female players. “Their hunger for improvement is remarkable,” he said.
Harford is optimistic about the league’s future, predicting that players like Fish will elevate the competition to new heights. “The pathway is producing immense talent,” he said. “The next couple of years are going to set the competition alight.”
As the AFLW celebrates its tenth season, the league’s journey from its inception to its current status as a major sporting competition in Australia is a testament to the passion and dedication of players, coaches, and fans alike. With a bright future ahead, the AFLW continues to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of female athletes.
