Gil McLachlan has responded to criticism from AFLW’s biggest name by saying the fledgling women’s competition is a top priority at AFL House.

Melbourne Demons star Daisy Pearce accused the AFL of treating AFLW as a “gimmicky” competition amid reports of plans for a six-round season despite expanding to 10 teams.

McLachlan told Neil Mitchell there’s no concrete fixturing plans yet, but said he was eager to add a final before the grand final next year while still giving the competition clear space in the sporting calendar.

“There is no bigger priority for us, in AFL head office, than AFLW,” he said.

“No bigger. There are others equal, but it’s a huge priority for us.

The team are working through it, and wherever we land will balance all of those issues.”

Neil Mitchell asked whether McLachlan conceded playing six rounds with 10 teams would be “pretty Mickey Mouse”.

“The World Cup goes for four weeks. I don’t think anyone’s calling that Mickey Mouse,” he said.

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