When Nicola Barr signed her first AFLW contract, she immediately called her mother, overwhelmed with excitement. “I can’t believe it,” she told her. “I’m getting paid to play footy.” At the time, the contract was worth $8,000 for the season, a modest sum, but it marked the beginning of a new era for women’s Australian Rules football.
Fast forward ten seasons, and the landscape of the AFLW has transformed dramatically. What began as a pioneering venture with players juggling full-time jobs and training in borrowed facilities has evolved into a more professional league. However, with this growth comes a demand for consistency and stability, which players argue is crucial for the league’s continued success.
The Evolution of AFLW
The AFLW’s journey from its inception in 2017 to its current state showcases significant progress. Initially, players trained at night after work and managed injuries with makeshift solutions at home. Today, draftees can focus on football full-time, benefiting from improved facilities and a more competitive environment. The game itself has become faster, stronger, and more skilled, reflecting the dedication and passion of its players.
Despite these advancements, the league’s structure remains in flux. Over ten seasons, the AFLW has seen ten different structures, varying in start dates, finals series, and season lengths. This inconsistency poses challenges for players, fans, and clubs alike, as they struggle to plan and build for the long term.
The Need for Consistency
Elite athletes thrive on consistency, whether in training schedules, competition timelines, or preparation routines. Yet, AFLW players face a constantly shifting landscape. When the league began, the season was played in summer with just seven games. Now, it spans winter and spring, with frequent rule changes and varying game numbers each season.
According to Barr, this unpredictability is not just an administrative inconvenience but a physiological and mental strain. “Your body adapts to training periodisation. Your mind craves predictable rhythm,” she explains. Without knowing when the next season starts or how long it will run, players risk under-preparation or burnout.
“You can’t perfect what you can’t predict. You can’t optimise preparation when the target keeps shifting.”
Comparing AFLW to established sporting competitions worldwide highlights the need for consistency. The AFL season runs for approximately the same duration each year, and the Premier League has maintained consistent structures for decades. This stability allows athletes to plan multi-year development cycles, knowing what they are training for.
Challenges Beyond the Field
The inconsistency in scheduling extends to the support systems within the league. Many AFLW players juggle part-time work and study alongside their football commitments, while support staff, such as physiotherapists, manage full-time injuries with part-time availability. This lack of continuity in care can exacerbate minor injuries into season-ending problems.
Moreover, the mental burden on players is significant. The demands of balancing multiple roles—athlete, professional, student—take a toll. Barr emphasizes that true athletic performance requires excellence in support systems, not just on-field talent. Players deserve infrastructure that matches their commitment and medical support that prioritizes their health as much as their performance.
Building a Sustainable Future
Despite these challenges, the AFLW remains a beacon of unity and inclusivity in a world often marked by division. The league offers a joyful space that celebrates community and connection, with rising talent and compelling stories that resonate with fans.
As the AFLW continues to grow, players like Barr are determined to build something lasting and unique. They seek recognition not as a side project but as a central part of the AFL’s future. This requires a commitment to consistency, stability, and support, ensuring that the league can thrive and reach its full potential.
In conclusion, the AFLW’s journey is a testament to the resilience and passion of its players. As the league evolves, the call for consistency and stability becomes ever more critical. By addressing these needs, the AFLW can continue to inspire and unite, offering a powerful example of what sport can achieve when it embraces change while honoring its roots.
