AFLW players ‘disappointed’ at proposed 2019 fixture

A number of AFLW players have hit out at the AFL’s proposed plans for the 2019 women’s season today, with the number of teams expanded but not the number of games.

It began with comments from Melbourne player Daisy Pearce, accusing the AFL of not taking the women’s competition seriously, labeling it a “gimmicky tournament”.

Research fellow at Deakin University and now AFLW player at Geelong Dr Erin Hoare told Tom Elliott all teams should have the chance to play each other once.

“If you’re expanding the competition sides then you’d also expect to expand the competition length and get a chance to play all opposition teams,” Dr Hoare said.

“I think in order to make it sustainable long term we really need to invest in the opportunities, the amount of times to play at the highest level.

“There’s been a massive growth at community level and I hope that’s considered.”

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“As yet, there is no proven market for AFL women’s,” Tom said.

“In my view they shouldn’t be expanding the competition because there aren’t enough talented female players out there yet.

“Let the women players prove they have a viable competition where people pay for a ticket.”

Photo: February 3, 2018 – Erin Hoare of Melbourne (left) contest the first bounce of the game during the AFLW Round 1 match.