Hubbry Logo
AFL Women'sAFL Women'sMain
Open search
AFL Women's
Community hub
AFL Women's
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
AFL Women's
AFL Women's
AFL Women's
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

AFL Women's
Current season, competition or edition:
Current sports event 2025 AFL Women's season
SportAustralian rules football
Founded15 September 2016; 9 years ago (15 September 2016)
First season2017
CEOEmma Moore
No. of teams18
CountryAustralia
HeadquartersMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
Current premiersNorth Melbourne (1st premiership)
Most premiersAdelaide (3 premierships)
BroadcastersSeven Network
Fox Footy
Streaming partners7plus (Australia)
Kayo Sports (Australia)
WatchAFL (Overseas)
SponsorNAB
Related
competitions		AFL
AFLW Under 18 Championships
QAFL Women's
SANFL Women's
VFL Women's
WAFL Women's
Official websitewomens.afl

AFL Women's (AFLW) is Australia's national professional Australian rules football competition for female players. The first season of the league in February and March 2017 had eight teams; the league expanded to 10 teams in the 2019 season, 14 teams in 2020 and 18 teams in 2022. The league is run by the Australian Football League (AFL) and is contested by each of the clubs from that competition. The reigning premiers are the North Melbourne Kangaroos.

The AFLW is the second most attended women's football competition in Australia (behind A-League Women) and one of the most popular women's football competitions in the world. Its average attendance in 2019 of 6,262 per game made it the second-highest of any domestic women's football competition. Its record attendance of 53,034 for the 2019 AFL Women's Grand Final was until 2020 the highest match attendance for women's sport in Australia.

Since launch, the AFLW has attracted an audience of more than 1 million attendees[1] and 2 million viewers[2] and has managed to maintain high interest while moving to primarily ticketed and subscription broadcasting models since the 2021 season. It consistently ranks in the top three (alongside cricket and netball) most-watched women's sporting competitions in Australia.[3] The league receives international interest, particularly in Ireland, where it has begun to attract a significant television audience due to the ongoing recruitment of Irish Gaelic football stars.[4] However, it was reported in mid-2023 that data revealed a significant drop in attendances for the seventh season of the women's league compared to the first season.[5]

History

[edit]

Establishment

[edit]

In 2010, the AFL commissioned a report into the state of women's football around the country.[6] Along with findings concerning grassroots and junior football, the report recommended the AFL Commission begin working toward the establishment of a national women's league. While the option of new stand-alone clubs was considered, a model using the resources and branding of existing AFL clubs was to be the preferred model for the planned league.[7]

The first on-field step towards the competition took place in early 2013, when the AFL announced an exhibition match to be played between women's teams representing Melbourne and Western Bulldogs in June of that year. On 15 May 2013, the first women's draft was held, establishing the playing lists for the two clubs in the forthcoming exhibition match.[8] The match played on 29 June 2013 marked the first time two women's sides had competed under the banners of AFL clubs. A crowd of 7,518 watched the historic match, which Melbourne won by 35 points.[9] The exhibition match became a series between the clubs, with another game played in 2014 and two played in 2015, the last of which – on 16 August 2015 – was the first women's AFL game to be broadcast on free-to-air television. It attracted an average audience of 175,000, surpassing the 114,000 average audience for the AFL men's clash of the previous day, between Adelaide and Essendon.[10]

The success of these exhibition matches prompted the AFL to accelerate its plans for a nationwide women's competition, announcing a preferred start date of 2017.[11] Prior to this, the league had announced only aspirational plans to have the women's competition established by 2020.[12] The already-planned 2016 exhibition series was expanded at this time, with a total of ten matches to be played in venues across the country and featuring a range of new temporary representative teams.[13]

In 2016, the AFL opened a process for existing clubs to tender applications to join the new competition. The 18 clubs in the men's league had until 29 April 2016 to place a bid for a licence, with 13 clubs making bids: Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong, Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Richmond, St Kilda, West Coast, and Western Bulldogs.[14] The AFL's preferred distribution of clubs was four clubs from Victoria and one each from New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.[15]

The inaugural teams were announced on 8 June 2016. Adelaide, Brisbane, and Greater Western Sydney were the only teams to bid in their respective states and were granted licences to compete in 2017.[16] Both Western Australian clubs made bids, with Fremantle's bid chosen ahead of the bid from West Coast. Eight Victorian clubs made bids: Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Carlton and Collingwood were successful, with Geelong, North Melbourne, Richmond and St Kilda being unsuccessful but granted provisional licences.[17]

Details about the branding of the league were released in the second half of 2016. On 15 September 2016, the AFL announced that the league would be named "AFL Women's" or AFLW for short, with the logo being unveiled on 19 September 2016.[18][19] The logo is a stylised rendition of an Australian rules football ground goal square and goal posts, drawn from a perspective that resembles a "W".[19] On 10 October 2016, the National Australia Bank was named as the league's naming rights sponsor.[20]

Carlton and Collingwood players contesting the first ball-up in the inaugural AFL Women's match in February 2017. The match was played before a lockout crowd of 24,568 – the highest attendance of the inaugural season.

The first premiership game was played at Ikon Park on Friday, 3 February 2017.[21] The AFL had initially planned to host the game at Melbourne's Olympic Park Oval, with a capacity of just 7,000, but was forced to change to Ikon Park due to overwhelming interest and a need for more seating.[22] The match was deemed a "lockout" with a capacity crowd of 24,568 in attendance, with estimates of a few thousand left outside.[23] Gillon McLachlan, the AFL's CEO, personally apologised to those who missed out. The game was also a great success on TV, attracting a national audience of 896,000, including 593,000 metropolitan free-to-air viewers, 180,000 regional free-to-air viewers, and 123,000 on Fox Footy.[24] The Melbourne metropolitan audience of 424,000 was on par with that of Friday-night AFL men's matches.[24]

The inaugural season concluded with the Grand Final held on Saturday, 25 March 2017. The Adelaide Crows were crowned the league's first premiers after defeating the minor premiers, the Brisbane Lions. The scoreline read Adelaide 4.11 (35) def. Brisbane 4.5 (29).[25]

Expansion (2019–2022)

[edit]

Expansion of the competition occurred in two instalments, with two clubs added in 2019 and four added in 2020, resulting in 14 teams in total.

The 10 AFL clubs not originally participating in the competition were invited to bid for inclusion, with priority given to the five clubs that had submitted unsuccessful bids to participate in the inaugural season.[26] The deadline to lodge submissions was 16 June 2017. The only clubs not to bid were Port Adelaide and Sydney.[27] North Melbourne worked with AFL Tasmania to craft its bid, with the club aiming to play home matches in Melbourne, Hobart, and Launceston, and also to select half of its playing list from Tasmania.[28][29]

A final decision on which clubs would be admitted to the competition was expected by the end of July 2017, but was delayed several times.[27][30][31] On 27 September 2017, the AFL announced that Geelong and North Melbourne had been selected to enter the competition in 2019.[32] North Melbourne retained its commitment to playing matches in Tasmania.[33] The league then added four teams in 2020, with the AFL selecting Gold Coast, Richmond, St Kilda and West Coast to join the competition.[32][33] The growth in clubs for the 2019 season was accompanied by the introduction of an American-style conference structure, which was abandoned after the 2020 season in favour of the traditional single ladder.[34] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 season was curtailed and eventually cancelled without a premiership awarded.[35]

On 12 August 2021, the other four AFL clubs without AFLW licenses – Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney – were granted entry into the competition, to commence in AFL Women's season seven.[36]

North Melbourne became the first expansion team, founded after the inaugural season, to win a premiership, when the Kangaroos defeated Brisbane by 30 points in the 2024 decider.[37]

Expansion of AFL Women's
Club Entry in 2017 Entry in 2019/20 Entry in 2022 (S7)
Placed
bid 		Granted
entry 		Placed
bid 		Granted entry Placed
bid 		Granted
entry
2019 2020
Adelaide Yes Yes —
Brisbane Yes Yes —
Carlton Yes Yes —
Collingwood Yes Yes —
Essendon No — Yes No No Yes Yes
Fremantle Yes Yes —
Geelong Yes No Yes Yes —
Gold Coast No — Yes No Yes —
Greater Western Sydney Yes Yes —
Hawthorn No — Yes No No Yes Yes
Melbourne Yes Yes —
North Melbourne Yes No Yes Yes —
Port Adelaide No — No — — Yes Yes
Richmond Yes No Yes No Yes —
St Kilda Yes No Yes No Yes —
Sydney No — No — — Yes Yes
West Coast Yes No Yes No Yes —
Western Bulldogs Yes Yes —

Clubs

[edit]

The competition's 18 teams are based across five states of Australia. Ten are based in Victoria (nine in the Melbourne metropolitan area), and New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia have two teams each, while a team from Tasmania will enter the AFLW at a date to be confirmed.[a] The Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory are the only states or territories not to have AFLW teams.

Current clubs

[edit]
Club Colours Moniker State Home venue Exhibition
games 		Est. Seasons Premierships
First Total Total Most recent
Adelaide Crows South Australia Norwood Oval — 2016 2017+ 8 3 2022 (S6)
Brisbane Lions Queensland Springfield Central Stadium 2016 2016 2017+ 8 2 2023
Carlton Blues Victoria Princes Park — 2016 2017+ 8 0 —
Collingwood Magpies Victoria Victoria Park — 2016 2017+ 8 0 —
Essendon Bombers Victoria Windy Hill — 2022 2022 (S7) 2 0 —
Fremantle Dockers Western Australia Fremantle Oval 2016 2016 2017+ 8 0 —
Geelong Cats Victoria Kardinia Park — 2018 2019 6 0 —
Gold Coast Suns Queensland Carrara Stadium 2016 2019 2020 5 0 —
Greater Western Sydney Giants New South Wales Various[b] 2016 2016 2017+ 8 0 —
Hawthorn Hawks Victoria Frankston Park — 2022 2022 (S7) 2 0 —
Melbourne Demons Victoria Casey Fields 2013 2013* 2017+ 8 1 2022 (S7)
North Melbourne Kangaroos Victoria & Tasmania^ Arden Street Oval — 2018 2019 6 1 2024
Port Adelaide Power South Australia Alberton Oval — 2022 2022 (S7) 2 0 —
Richmond Tigers Victoria Punt Road Oval[c] — 2019 2020 5 0 —
St Kilda Saints Victoria Moorabbin Oval — 2019 2020 5 0 —
Sydney Swans New South Wales Henson Park 2016 2022 2022 (S7) 2 0 —
West Coast Eagles Western Australia Lathlain Park 2016 2019 2020 5 0 —
Western Bulldogs Bulldogs Victoria Whitten Oval 2013 2013* 2017+ 8 1 2018
^ denotes that the club has a formalised partnership with this state or territory
* denotes that the club had a foundation women's team
+ denotes that the club was a founding member of the AFLW

Notes

  1. ^ North Melbourne currently have a formalised partnership with Tasmania, which enables the club to draft players from and play home games there.
  2. ^ Hosting home games at Blacktown ISP Oval, Henson Park and Manuka Oval during the 2023 season[38]
  3. ^ Hosting home games at Princes Park during the 2023 season while Punt Road Oval undergoes redevelopment[38]

Future clubs

[edit]
Club Colours Moniker State Home venue Joining league
Tasmania Devils Tasmania Macquarie Point Stadium 2027

Venues

[edit]

Below are the venues that hosted during the 2025 season.[38]

Venue Matches Location Capacity Host club(s)
Alberton Oval 6 Adelaide, South Australia 11,000 Port Adelaide (6)
Arden Street Oval 4 Melbourne, Victoria 4,000 North Melbourne (4)
Bond University 1 Gold Coast, Queensland 3,000 Gold Coast (1)
Blacktown ISP Oval 2 Sydney, New South Wales 10,000 Greater Western Sydney (2)
Carrara Stadium 4 Gold Coast, Queensland 22,500 Gold Coast (4)
Casey Fields 5 Melbourne, Victoria 9,000 Melbourne (5)
Cazalys Stadium 1 Cairns, Queensland 15,000 Hawthorn (1)
Coffs Harbour International Stadium 1 Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 10,000 Sydney
Eureka Stadium 1 Ballarat, Victoria 11,000 Western Bulldogs (1)
Frankston Oval 5 Melbourne, Victoria 5,000 Hawthorn (5)
Fremantle Oval 6 Perth, Western Australia 10,000 Fremantle (6)
Great Barrier Reef Arena 1 Mackay, Queensland 10,000 Gold Coast (1)
Henson Park 8 Sydney, New South Wales 30,000 Greater Western Sydney (4), Sydney (4)
Kardinia Park 6 Geelong, Victoria 40,000 Geelong (6)
Lathlain Park 4 Perth, Western Australia 6,500 West Coast (4)
Leederville Oval 2 Perth, Western Australia 15,000 West Coast (2)
Manuka Oval 2 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 16,000 Greater Western Sydney (2)
Marrara Stadium 1 Darwin, Northern Territory 12,500 Richmond (1)
Moorabbin Oval 6 Melbourne, Victoria 8,000 St Kilda (6)
North Hobart Oval 1 Hobart, Tasmania 10,000 North Melbourne (1)
North Sydney Oval 1 Sydney, New South Wales 10,000 Sydney (1)
Norwood Oval 4 Adelaide, South Australia 10,000 Adelaide (4)
Princes Park 12 Melbourne, Victoria 12,000 Carlton (6), Melbourne (1), Richmond (5)
Springfield Central Stadium 6 Brisbane, Queensland 8,000 Brisbane (6)
University of Tasmania Stadium 1 Launceston, Tasmania 19,000 North Melbourne (1)
Unley Oval 2 Adelaide, South Australia 10,000 Adelaide (2)
Victoria Park 6 Melbourne, Victoria 10,000 Collingwood (6)
Whitten Oval 5 Melbourne, Victoria 10,000 Western Bulldogs (5)
Windy Hill 6 Melbourne, Victoria 10,000 Essendon (6)

Players

[edit]
See also: List of current AFL Women's team squads
Melbourne's Elise O'Dea evaded Hannah Scott of the Western Bulldogs in Round 3, 2017.

The club's playing lists were constructed from scratch through the later stages of 2016. All participants in the 2017 season were required to be over the age of 17.

Initially, clubs were asked to nominate a list of desired players, with the AFL assigning two of these "marquee" players to each club. In addition, clubs were able to sign a number of players with existing connections to the club, or with arrangements for club-sponsored work or study.[39][40][41] This number varied for each club, in an attempt to equitably spread talent across the teams. In addition, clubs were required to recruit two "rookies" – people with no Australian rules football experience in the previous three-year period. The majority of players were later recruited through the 2016 AFL Women's draft.[42] The remaining list spots were filled with free-agent signings in the week following the draft. In total, clubs have 27 active listed players in addition to injury replacements signed to take the spot of long-term injury-affected players.

Salary

[edit]

Player salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement with each club's total payments being determined by a salary cap.

Players are split into four tiers as follows:

Tier[43][44] 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
1 $29,856 $32,077 $37,155 $71,935
2 $23,059 $24,775 $28,697 $55,559
3 $19,661 $21,124 $24,468 $47,372
4 $16,623 $17,473 $20,239 $39,184
Total Player Payments (TPP) (per club)[45] $474,800 $576,240 $619,109 $717,122
Total Player Payments (TPP) (league)[45] $2,300,000 $2,752,000 $4,748,000 $8,121,000 $8,722,000 $25,000,000[46] $32,300,000

Rules

[edit]

The rules are mostly the same as those used in the AFL, with a few exceptions:

  • The use of a slightly smaller ball, in line with other women's competitions.
  • Quarters last 17 minutes (15 prior to 2023) instead of 20, with time-on only in the last two minutes.
  • Teams have 16 players on the field at a time instead of 18, and have five interchange players and 60 player rotations (unlimited prior to 2023) instead of four interchange players with one substitute and 75 total rotations.[47]
  • Throw-ins are executed 10 metres in from the boundary line, except within the 50-metre arcs, instead of on the boundary line.
  • A "last touch" out-of-bounds rule applies, except within the 50-metre arcs: during 2018, this "last touch" rule applied everywhere.[48]

Season structure

[edit]

Pre-season

[edit]

Prior to the commencement of the home-and-away season teams are paired off to play an exhibition trial match. In 2017, these matches took place during varying weeks of January.

Premiership season and finals

[edit]

For the first two seasons of competition, the home-and-away season was operated on a single table, and seven matches were played by each of the eight teams. The two highest-placed teams at the conclusion of the home-and-away season qualified for the Grand Final match, in the absence of a longer finals series.

With the addition of two extra teams in 2019, the AFL Women's home-and-away season introduced conferences, a concept not common in Australian sports.[49][50] The top-two teams from the respective conferences qualified to the preliminary finals, with the first-ranked team in Conference A meeting the second-ranked team in Conference B and the opposite employed for the other preliminary final. The winners of those matches then met in the Grand Final.[50]

The use of conferences was retained in 2020, along with the inclusion of four additional teams. The 14 teams were split into two conferences of seven, with teams playing each other team in their conference once. The top-four teams in each conference qualified for the finals series. The first round of the finals consisted of four knockout finals, with teams from opposite conferences playing against each other, first in Conference A versus fourth in Conference B, and so on. This left a final four of North Melbourne, Fremantle, Carlton, and Melbourne, with two rounds of finals to be played. At this point, the season was abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with no 2020 premier.

In 2021, the league reverted to a single 14-team ladder. Each team played 9 matches, with the top six qualifying for a three-week finals series. All finals are knockouts, with the top-two teams having a bye in the first round of the finals.[34] Since 2022 (S7) the competition has been contested by 18 teams, and the finals series has expanded to eight teams and is played under the AFL final eight system that has been in use in the men's competition since the 2000 season.

On 21 August 2023, incoming AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon announced that the AFLW will receive equal prize money to the AFL. The prize money for AFLW players will almost double, going from $623,922 to $1.1 million to split between the top 8 teams.[51]

Themed rounds

[edit]

In 2018, the Western Bulldogs and Carlton women's teams held the first Pride game, to celebrate gender diversity, promote inclusion for LGBTIQA+ players, and to help stamp out homophobia. St Kilda and Melbourne held a Pride Match in 2020, and the first full AFLW Pride Round was held in 2021.[52][53]

An Indigenous Round was established in 2021.[54] This round acknowledges the significant contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls to Australian football and the broader community.[55][56] Each team wears a guernsey especially designed to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,[55] and the Dreamtime match is played between Richmond and Essendon.[57] An AFLW Indigenous Round Honouree is announced for each season.[54]

Awards

[edit]

These major individual awards and accolades are presented each season:[58]

  • Best and Fairest Trophy – to the fairest and best player in the league, voted by the umpires
  • Leading Goalkicker Award – to the player who kicks the most goals during the home-and-away season
  • All-Australian Team – a squad of 21 players deemed the best in their positions, voted by an AFL-appointed committee
  • Rising Star Award – to the fairest and best young player under the age of 21 as at the start of the calendar year, voted by the AFL-appointed All-Australian committee
  • Grand Final Best on Ground Award – the best player on the ground in the Grand Final, voted by a committee of media members

Audience

[edit]

Attendance

[edit]

The league peaked at an average attendance of 6,828 in its inaugural season and a record 53,034 attended the 2019 Grand Final. Admission was free prior to 2022, when the AFLW introduced reserved ticketing at $10 admission per match, which was later increased. In mid-2023, data revealed a significant drop in average attendances for the seventh season compared to the first season.[5] Taking into account the greater number of games played, total attendance was still growing, just spread over three times as many matches.[citation needed] The league's choice of venues has been criticised, with many of the AFL's premium venues, such as Victoria's Melbourne Cricket Ground and Docklands Stadium, not used for blockbuster AFLW matches. The league has been cited as preferring the atmosphere of fuller smaller venues rather than emptier larger venues, particularly for its television broadcasting.

The following are the most recent season attendances (record figures are bolded):

Year Matches Played H&A Total Average Highest H&A Grand final
2023 99 284,122 2,870 8,722 12,616
2022 (S7) 99 265,950 2,686 20,652 7,412
2022 75 144,271 1,924 5,533 16,712
2021 68 155,908 2,293 9,552 22,934
2020 46 205,050 4,458 35,185 N/A[59]
2019 38 251,792 6,626 18,429 53,034
2018 38 174,012 6,000 41,975 7,083
2017 29 198,020 6,828 24,568 9,400

Television

[edit]

In its inaugural 2017 season, all matches were televised live by affiliate partners the Seven Network and Fox Footy.[60] As part of the initial broadcast deal, the free-to-air carrier Seven broadcast one Saturday-night game per week as standard, in addition to the league's opening match and Grand Final. Pay TV network Fox Footy televised all premiership season matches, including simulcasts of the Seven-hosted matches other than the Grand Final.[61] The two television networks covered the costs of broadcasting these matches, with no licensing fee payable to the league in exchange.[62] Fearless: The Inside Story of the AFLW debuted on Disney+ in 2022, the docu-series followed several AFLW clubs through the course of the 2022 season.[63] In July 2023 The Age reported that AFLW viewer numbers were down 70% from the debut season, blaming a combination of scheduling, poor quality venues and broadcast quality, and "football fatigue".[64]

The AFLW has attracted an audience of more than 1 million attendees[1] and 2 million viewers[2] and has managed to maintain high interest despite moving to primarily ticketed and subscription broadcasting models from the 2021 season. It consistently ranks in the top three (alongside cricket and netball) most watched women's sporting competitions in Australia.[3] The league receives international interest, particularly in Ireland where it has begun to attract a significant television audience due to the ongoing recruitment of Gaelic football stars.[4]

Online

[edit]

The official internet/mobile broadcast partner of the AFL is BigPond, part of Telstra. The company hosts the league website and those of each of the eight participation clubs. The AFL has retained digital broadcast rights to matches in the league's inaugural season and will stream all matches live and free on the league website and mobile app.[62] Since 2021, Kayo Sports has streamed all AFLW matches live and on demand in Australia.[65] Outside Australia, the inaugural season is available on Watch AFL.[66]

Corporate relations

[edit]

Sponsorships

[edit]
Logo used for the league since season 7

The National Australia Bank is the league's inaugural and (as of 2022) current naming-rights partner.[67] All playing and training equipment, as well as all licensed apparel and hats for the league's clubs, are manufactured by Cotton On.[68] Other 2017 league sponsors included Wolf Blass, Chemist Warehouse, and Kellogg's.[69][70][71] The official ball supplier is Sherrin.[72]

Merchandising

[edit]

Official match-day attire, together with other club merchandise, is sold through the AFL's stores and website, as well through the clubs and some retailers.

Women's exhibition games (2013–2016)

[edit]

Prior to the creation of the league, the AFL ran four years of exhibition matches between sides representing Melbourne and Western Bulldogs. In 2016, the series was expanded to multiple teams from around the country.

2013 exhibition game
Sunday, 30 June Melbourne 8.5 (53) def. Western Bulldogs 3.3 (21) MCG (crowd: 7,500) Match report


2014 exhibition game
Sunday, 29 June Western Bulldogs 4.2 (26) def. by Melbourne 10.12 (72) Etihad Stadium (crowd: 24,953 (D/H)) Match report


2015 exhibition series
Sunday, 24 May Melbourne 4.13 (37) def. Western Bulldogs 4.5 (29) MCG (crowd: 29,381 (D/H)) Match report
Sunday, 16 August Western Bulldogs 5.6 (36) def. by Melbourne 6.4 (40) Etihad Stadium (crowd: 27,805 (D/H)) Match report


2016 exhibition series
Sunday, 2 March Melbourne 3.3 (21) def. by Western Bulldogs 6.5 (41) Highgate Recreational Reserve Match report
Saturday, 2 April SANFL Blue 5.4 (34) def. SANFL Red 5.2 (32) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 51,585 (D/H)) Match report
Saturday, 9 April Sydney 9.8 (62) def. Greater Western Sydney 5.3 (33) SCG (crowd: 37,045 (D/H)) Match report
Saturday, 9 April West Coast 13.10 (88) def. Fremantle 3.5 (23) Domain Stadium (crowd: 40,555 (D/H)) Match report
Sunday, 10 April Northern Territory 13.11 (89) def. Tasmania 7.11 (53) Peanut Reserve Match report
Saturday, 16 April Brisbane 5.8 (38) def. Gold Coast 3.6 (24) Gabba (crowd: 20,041 (D/H)) Match report
Sunday, 22 May Melbourne 14.7 (91) def. Brisbane 3.2 (20) MCG (crowd: 26,892 (D/H)) Match report
Sunday, 5 June Western Bulldogs 8.5 (53) def. Western Australia 5.10 (40) Etihad Stadium (crowd: 28,769 (D/H)) Match report
Sunday, 5 June South Australia 4.3 (27) def. NSW/ACT 3.7 (25) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 40,896 (D/H)) Match report
Saturday, 3 September Western Bulldogs 14.6 (90) def. Melbourne 7.9 (51) Whitten Oval (crowd: 6,365) Match report
  • Selected matches aired live on either on the Seven Network or Fox Footy, as part of their AFL coverage.
  • This series saw the introduction of a women's Sydney Derby, Western Derby, and QClash: these would take place again in 2022 and 2019 in the AFLW.
  • The SANFL Blue v SANFL Red match was originally meant to be a women's Showdown, but Port Adelaide's women's team went into recess at the end of their 2016 season. After plans for an Adelaide v Rest of South Australia match fell through, Adelaide, Port Adelaide and the AFL mutually agreed to arrange this fixture, which also served as a selection trial for the inaugural Adelaide AFLW squad: the first women's Showdown would take place in 2022.
  • Only the 3 September clash between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs, which was played in the week's break before the 2016 AFL finals series, was contested for the Hampson-Hardeman Cup. The match was televised on Channel 7, attracting a peak of 1.05 million viewers nationally, with 387,000 viewers in Melbourne; it was the highest-rated match broadcast in Melbourne during the 2016 home and away season.[74]

Premiers and awards

[edit]

Premiers

[edit]
Club Seasons in
competition 		Premierships Runners up Premiership
seasons 		Runner-up
seasons
Adelaide 2017–present 3 1 2017, 2019, 2022 (S6) 2021
Brisbane 2017–present 2 4 2021, 2023 2017, 2018, 2022 (S7), 2024
Western Bulldogs 2017–present 1 0 2018
Melbourne 2017–present 1 1 2022 (S7) 2022 (S6)
North Melbourne 2019–present 1 1 2024 2023
Carlton 2017–present 0 1 2019
Collingwood 2017–present 0 0
Fremantle 2017–present 0 0
Greater Western

Sydney

2017–present 0 0
Geelong 2019–present 0 0
Richmond 2020–present 0 0
St Kilda 2020–present 0 0
Gold Coast 2020–present 0 0
West Coast 2020–present 0 0
Essendon 2022 (S7)–present 0 0
Hawthorn 2022 (S7)–present 0 0
Port Adelaide 2022 (S7)–present 0 0
Sydney Swans 2022 (S7)–present 0 0

AFLW best and fairest

[edit]

The best and fairest award determined in the same way as the Brownlow Medal for men, with umpires awarding three, two, and one votes to the best three players in each game, and suspended players are ineligible.

Season Player Club
2017 Erin Phillips Adelaide
2018 Emma Kearney Western Bulldogs
2019 Erin Phillips[75] Adelaide
2020 Maddy Prespakis[76] Carlton
2021 Brianna Davey Collingwood
Kiara Bowers[77] Fremantle
2022 (S6) Emily Bates Brisbane
2022 (S7) Ally Anderson[78] Brisbane
2023 Monique Conti[79] Richmond
2024 Ebony Marinoff[80] Adelaide

AFL Players' Association Most Valuable Player

[edit]

The MVP award is voted on by the players' peers, in a similar method to the Leigh Matthews Trophy for men.

Season Player Club
2017 Erin Phillips Adelaide
2018 Courtney Gum GWS Giants
2019 Erin Phillips Adelaide
2020 Jasmine Garner North Melbourne
2021 Brianna Davey Collingwood
2022 (S6) Emily Bates Brisbane
2022 (S7) Monique Conti Richmond
2023 Jasmine Garner North Melbourne
2024 Ebony Marinoff Adelaide

AFL Coaches' Association Champion Player

[edit]

Each week, the senior coach of each club gives five votes to the player they consider to be best on ground in the game in which their team plays, four to the second-best, and so on to one for the fifth-best.

Season Player Club
2017 Not awarded
2018 Chelsea Randall Adelaide
Emma Kearney Western Bulldogs
2019 Erin Phillips Adelaide
2020 Jasmine Garner North Melbourne
2021 Kiara Bowers Fremantle
2022 (S6) Emily Bates Brisbane
2022 (S7) Jasmine Garner North Melbourne
2023 Jasmine Garner North Melbourne
2024 Ebony Marinoff Adelaide

Leading goalkicker

[edit]
Season Player Club Goals
2017 Darcy Vescio Carlton 14
2018 Brooke Lochland Western Bulldogs 12
2019 Stevie-Lee Thompson Adelaide 13
2020 Caitlin Greiser St Kilda 10
2021 Darcy Vescio (2) Carlton 16
2022 (S6) Ashleigh Woodland Adelaide 19
2022 (S7) Jesse Wardlaw Brisbane 22
2023 Kate Hore Melbourne 20
Eden Zanker Melbourne
2024 Aishling Moloney Geelong 21
Taylor Smith Brisbane

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

AFL Women's

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

AFL Women's (AFLW) is the elite national league administered by the Australian Football League (AFL), featuring teams aligned with the league's men's clubs.
The competition launched its inaugural season on 3 February 2017 with eight foundation teams competing in a shortened seven-round format culminating in a won by the Adelaide Crows.
Subsequent expansions increased the number of teams to ten in 2019, fourteen in 2020, and all eighteen AFL clubs by 2022, reflecting aggressive growth in participation and ization despite ongoing financial losses exceeding AUS$50 million annually.
By the 2025 season, marking the tenth iteration, AFLW adopted a twelve-round home-and-away structure followed by finals, accommodating over 400 players in a calendar aligned with the men's AFL to optimize talent pathways and broadcasting.
Notable achievements include record attendances, such as crowds surpassing 50,000 for marquee matches, and the emergence of dynastic success for clubs like , which secured multiple premierships through sustained investment in women's programs.

The league's rapid development has elevated women's Australian football from grassroots exhibitions to a enterprise, though critics highlight concerns amid subsidized operations and variable player welfare standards compared to the men's game.

History

Establishment and Launch (2017)

The establishment of AFL Women's (AFLW) stemmed from rapid growth in female participation in Australian football, with women's registrations doubling over the preceding five years and 350 new community teams added in alone. This surge, including a 21% increase in girls' Auskick participation and females comprising 27% of all players, prompted the AFL to accelerate plans for a national professional women's competition originally slated for 2020. On 15 June 2016, the selected eight foundation clubs—, , Carlton, Collingwood, , , , and —from 13 applicants, prioritizing established facilities, existing fan bases, and demonstrated women's programs to ensure viable market support. Preparation involved clubs signing up to four marquee players each in late 2016 to anchor lists, followed by the inaugural AFLW draft on 12 October 2016, which allocated remaining roster spots from a talent pool of over 200 nominees across state-based pools. secured the first overall pick, midfielder Nicola Barr from Sydney University, while clubs built squads of 27-30 players tailored to the league's initial semi-professional structure. The competition adopted the name AFL Women's on 15 September 2016, with a logo unveiled shortly after, signaling a summer-season format to align with broadcast windows despite limited pre-season preparation time. The debut season commenced on 3 February 2017 with a seven-round home-and-away schedule, culminating in a on 25 March at Metricon Stadium, where Adelaide defeated minor premiers by 8 points, 6.1 (37) to 4.5 (29), claiming the inaugural premiership. figures reflected strong initial interest, peaking at 24,568 for the Carlton-Collingwood match, though the grand final drew 15,610 spectators amid logistical hurdles like a truncated off-season that constrained training and team cohesion. These early constraints underscored the rushed timeline driven by demand, yet validated the market viability through competitive play and fan engagement.

Initial Expansion and Challenges (2018–2019)

The 2018 AFL Women's season, comprising eight teams, ran from 2 February to 25 March and featured a seven-round home-and-away format followed by finals, with the defeating by six points in the grand final. Total attendance reached 174,012 across 29 matches, averaging approximately 6,000 spectators per game, bolstered by standout crowds such as 41,975 for Fremantle's round-two win over Collingwood at Optus Stadium. Despite this, average figures highlighted early struggles to match men's league draw, with many games drawing under 5,000 amid part-time player rosters and limited marketing reach. In preparation for the 2019 season, the league expanded to 10 teams by incorporating and , announced on 26 September 2017 to broaden geographic representation and talent pools beyond Victoria. The 2018 AFL Women's draft, held on 23 October 2018, introduced a state-based system requiring clubs to prioritize players from their home state unless nominees opted interstate, aiming to strengthen non-Victorian franchises like and by retaining local talent. This addressed recruitment disparities, as Victorian clubs had dominated prior signings due to higher participation rates. The 2019 season adopted a conference format, dividing the 10 teams into two groups of five for intra-conference play (five games each) plus two interstate matches, qualifying the top four overall for finals to mitigate travel burdens. Operational challenges persisted, including fixture congestion with seven games often scheduled weekly or with minimal recovery, exacerbating fatigue for part-time athletes balancing employment and training. Average attendances hovered around 6,262 per game in 2019, reflecting steady but modest growth insufficient for financial self-sufficiency, while skill execution lagged behind men's standards due to restricted full-time training and development pathways. These issues underscored tensions between rapid scaling and infrastructure maturity, with expansion straining resources for nascent clubs like Geelong amid inconsistent player availability and venue logistics.

Professionalization and Further Growth (2020–2025)

The 2020 AFL Women's season, the first with 14 teams following the addition of Gold Coast, , Richmond, and St Kilda, was severely disrupted by the . Matches from round five onward were played without crowds, the final two home-and-away rounds were cancelled, and the competition proceeded directly to an expanded finals series before being halted midway, resulting in no premiership being awarded. This shortened format, spanning just seven rounds plus partial finals, highlighted logistical vulnerabilities in a rapidly expanding league but did not derail plans for further growth. Expansion accelerated with the inclusion of four additional clubs—Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, and —for the 2023 season, bringing the total to 18 teams aligned with all AFL men's clubs, including entry into non-traditional markets like via and . This full integration aimed to boost participation and visibility but strained resources, as evidenced by disparities in team standards post-expansion. The 2023-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the first joint deal covering both AFL and AFLW players, introduced salary increases to support professionalization, with average AFLW player pay rising from $46,000 in 2022 to $60,000 in 2023 and projected to reach $82,000 by 2027, alongside per-club soft caps growing to $1.375 million. These changes enabled more full-time positions for elite players and three-year contracts for top draftees, though total league-wide player payments approached $40 million by 2025 amid ongoing debates over equitable distribution. For the 2025 season (season 10), the league adopted a 12-round home-and-away format over 12 weeks starting in , up from 11 games in , alongside innovations like future draft pick trading and a pre-season draft to enhance management and depth. However, the fixture retained smaller suburban venues despite player and fan criticism for limiting atmosphere and attendance potential, prioritizing local club identity over larger stadiums. Despite these professionalizing steps, the competition incurred approximately $50 million in annual operating losses as of 2025, driven by revenue shortfalls from declining attendances (down 60% from season one peaks) and television ratings (down 70%), underscoring that expansion and investment have not yet achieved financial sustainability.

League Organization

Clubs and Expansion

The AFL Women's competition comprises 18 clubs, mirroring the structure of the men's , with teams distributed across Australia to promote a national presence. Ten clubs are based in Victoria—Adelaide, , Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, , Geelong Cats, , Hawthorn, , , , Richmond, St Kilda, , , and —benefiting from the state's established infrastructure and larger pools of female participants in Australian football, which originated there in the . The remaining eight clubs operate interstate, drawing from smaller regional participation bases that have historically limited local talent development compared to Victoria. The league began with eight foundation clubs in its inaugural 2017 season: Adelaide Crows, , Carlton, Collingwood, , , , and . These teams were selected from bids submitted by 13 of the then-18 AFL clubs, prioritizing market viability and existing facilities. Expansion to 10 clubs occurred for the 2019 season with the addition of Geelong Cats and . Further growth to 14 teams took place ahead of the 2022 season, incorporating , Richmond, , and ; the league reached its current 18-team format in 2023 by including Essendon, Hawthorn, , and St Kilda. This progression aligned with the AFL's to integrate all men's clubs, enhancing brand alignment but straining resources amid uneven geographic interest. Interstate expansion has broadened the competition's footprint but encountered hurdles, including subdued attendances in emerging markets; for example, recent fixtures in and have averaged under 3,000 spectators, contrasting with stronger Victorian turnouts driven by local fan bases and easier access. Such figures underscore challenges in building sustainable support outside traditional heartlands, where women's Australian football participation rates lag—Victorian clubs draw from a talent pipeline bolstered by decades of grassroots programs, while non-Victorian teams rely heavily on national drafts and interstate relocations. The AFL's push for nationwide representation prioritizes long-term over immediate viability, yet internal assessments highlight ongoing financial pressures, with the competition incurring substantial operational deficits. No further expansions beyond 18 clubs have occurred since 2023, with emphasis shifting to consolidation and pathway development before additional growth. Discussions center on sustainability metrics, such as attendance benchmarks of 6,000 per game in potential new markets, before approving newcomers. 's entry as the Tasmania Devils in 2028 represents the next phase, coinciding with their men's AFL debut; the club will select players via an allowing existing teams to protect key assets, aiming to leverage state government investment in facilities despite fiscal constraints. This addition targets 's untapped potential, where has trialed home games and partnerships, but faces risks akin to prior interstate ventures if local engagement falters.
ClubState/TerritoryJoined AFLW
Adelaide Crows2017
2017
CarltonVictoria2017
CollingwoodVictoria2017
EssendonVictoria2023
2017
Geelong CatsVictoria2019
2022
/ACT2017
HawthornVictoria2023
Victoria2017
Victoria2019
2023
RichmondVictoria2022
St KildaVictoria2023
2022
2022
Victoria2017

Venues and Fixtures

AFL Women's matches are predominantly hosted at mid-sized suburban and club grounds rather than larger AFL venues, with a focus on facilities like Ikon Park to prioritize and lower operational demands. This venue strategy, emphasizing grounds with capacities typically under 15,000, persisted into the 2025 season despite player and stakeholder critiques over diminished atmosphere and untapped attendance potential, as the league opted to "double down" on local ovals for community ties. Fixture scheduling for AFLW occurs primarily in the men's AFL off-season, with the 2025 season running from August to November, immediately following the men's and exacerbating "footy fatigue" among audiences saturated by prior coverage. This timing has correlated with average attendances of 2,599 per game through mid-2025, down from peaks in earlier seasons and reflecting broader challenges in sustaining interest post-men's campaign. Empirical data shows utilization rates as low as 20-25% of venue capacities in recent years, underscoring the impact of scheduling overlap on turnout. To counter low draws at standard fixtures, select high-profile or "marquee" games have been shifted to larger stadiums like Marvel Stadium when demand surges, yielding crowds over 12,000 in past instances and prompting calls from coaches for expanded use to enhance visibility. However, grand finals remain anchored at smaller venues such as Ikon Park, even amid sellouts, prioritizing stability over escalation to 50,000-plus capacity sites.

Governance and Administration

The AFL Commission exercises overarching authority over the AFL Women's (AFLW) competition, setting strategic policies, competition rules, and expansion parameters as part of its governance of the broader (AFL) ecosystem. Comprising 10 independent commissioners chaired by , the Commission delegates operational execution to AFL executives while retaining final decision-making power, a structure that centralizes control in contrast to more club-delegated models in other sports leagues. This framework ensures AFLW aligns with the men's AFL in areas like fixture scheduling and rule uniformity, limiting club autonomy to tactical and recruitment matters. AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon, who assumed the role on July 10, 2023, has prioritized AFLW expansion amid ongoing financial losses, describing the competition as a key growth driver despite annual operating deficits estimated between AU$50 million and AU$100 million. Under Dillon's leadership, the Commission approved increases in season length to 12 games per team starting in 2025, alongside pushes for international outreach, viewing AFLW as integral to attracting new participants and sponsors even as attendance and viewership growth has stagnated in recent seasons. Administrative advancements include the 2023-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the first to jointly cover AFL and AFLW players through negotiations between the AFL, clubs, and the AFL Players' Association (AFLPA). This agreement formalized player input into governance via mechanisms like the re-established Industry Governance Committee, influencing policies on season structure and welfare, while mandating minimum standards for professionalization such as extended contracts for draftees. Critics, including some club officials, have argued this top-down approach treats AFLW as an experimental platform for rule innovations later adopted in the men's game, though the Commission defends such trials as necessary for competitive evolution.

Gameplay and Rules

Core Rules and Adaptations

AFL Women's (AFLW) adheres to the core Laws of Australian Football, including standard scoring (six points for a goal, one for a behind), marking (catching a kicked ball uncontested), and general principles of play such as handballing, kicking, and tackling, identical to the men's (AFL). These fundamentals ensure parity in skill requirements without structural alterations, preserving the game's emphasis on territorial advancement, possession contests, and strategic positioning. Key adaptations reflect physiological differences, with AFLW matches featuring 16 players per side on the field—compared to 18 in the AFL—to reduce congestion and promote continuous play amid generally smaller player statures and lower absolute strength levels. Each quarter lasts 15 minutes plus time-on-the-field stoppages, yielding approximately 60 minutes of nominal playing time versus the AFL's 80 minutes across four 20-minute quarters, which accommodates reduced endurance demands while maintaining intensity. Teams have five interchange players available, up from four in earlier seasons, allowing substitutions without strict limits to manage fatigue. Gameplay empirically exhibits higher rates of contested possessions and ball-ups due to players' relatively lower speeds and tackling forces, as smaller body sizes limit high-impact physical contests compared to the AFL, where greater strength enables more sustained pressure and shepherding. Tackling intensity is observably moderated, with fewer slinging actions and a focus on wrapping rather than aggressive disposals, aligning with unmodified rules but influenced by average metrics like reduced high-speed running distances (approximately half those in AFL matches). Grounds are typically standard AFL ovals, though smaller venues are used for some fixtures to suit attendance and logistics, without altering boundary dimensions in rule application. The ball remains full-size ( size 5), ensuring kicking consistency across competitions.

Season Structure and Formats

The AFL Women's (AFLW) season comprises a brief pre-season phase, a home-and-away competition, and a finals series culminating in a to determine the premiership winner. Pre-season activities include practice matches and match simulations between clubs, scheduled in the weeks leading up to the official start, allowing teams to test lineups and tactics without contributing to ladder positions or standings. These non-competitive fixtures, such as those confirmed for August 2025 involving matchups like West Coast versus , typically span one or two weekends and focus on player fitness and strategy refinement rather than extended camps or formal tournaments. The home-and-away season forms the core of the premiership pathway, with each team contesting a fixed number of to establish the ladder. In the 2025 season, featuring 18 clubs, teams play 12 games over 12 weeks, marking the longest such period to date and providing a more evenly spaced fixture without byes or condensed scheduling. This represents a progressive expansion from 10 rounds in 2023, reflecting efforts to enhance competitiveness and player welfare amid league growth. consist of four quarters lasting 17 minutes each: the first 15 minutes include time-on only for goals or major injuries, followed by 2 minutes with time-on for all stoppages, resulting in games typically concluding within approximately 2 hours including quarter breaks of 6 minutes (quarter-time and three-quarter-time) and 14 minutes at . The finals series adopts a top-eight qualification format introduced in , mirroring the men's AFL structure in progression while differing in venue flexibility for the grand final. The top four teams host qualifying finals against the fifth- through eighth-placed sides (1st vs. 4th, 2nd vs. 3rd), with winners advancing as seeds to preliminary finals and losers dropping to semi-finals; simultaneously, elimination finals pit 5th vs. 8th and 6th vs. 7th, with victors proceeding to semis against qualifying losers and defeats ending campaigns. Semi-final winners then face qualifying winners in preliminary finals, and the two preliminary victors contest the grand final, hosted by the higher finisher at a state-based venue rather than a fixed national stadium. This single-elimination pathway after the initial round ensures the top seeds require only two wins to reach the decider, while lower qualifiers need three, emphasizing ladder position in progression.

Rule Trials and Innovations

In its inaugural 2017 season, AFLW introduced shorter quarters of 15 minutes each—compared to the men's 20 minutes—to create faster-paced, more accessible games suited to the competition's early professionalization stage and player conditioning levels, resulting in matches typically concluding within two hours. This format persisted until 2023, when quarters were extended to 17 minutes with capped interchanges at 60 per team to balance duration and intensity without full time-on in the final term, aiming to reduce fatigue while maintaining skill execution. These adjustments improved overall game flow by minimizing prolonged stoppages but highlighted ongoing challenges with skill errors under pressure, as shorter bursts did not fully mitigate disposal inaccuracies observed in reviews. AFLW has frequently tested stricter umpire interpretations ahead of potential men's AFL adoption, notably in 2025 with enhanced enforcement of the holding the ball rule. Tackled players without prior opportunity were required to immediately dispose of the ball or knock it clear, with s penalizing dives or drags that halted play, alongside tweaks to ruck nominations and boundary ball-ups between the 50-meter arcs to expedite restarts. Intended to curb congestion and foster offensive transitions, early season data showed a reduction in stoppages by approximately 15-20% per game and increased scoring rates, validating the intent for freer play. Outcomes proved mixed, however, as the crackdown prompted hesitation at ground balls, with players second-guessing contests to avoid penalties, thereby diminishing aggressive tackling and first-to-ball rewards central to the sport's physicality. Mid-season analyses in 2025 reported persistent turnover rates from skill deficiencies, such as fumbles under rushed disposals, suggesting the changes enhanced pace but at the cost of tactical depth and without resolving underlying technical gaps. This perception fueled player discontent, exemplified by Collingwood defender Tarni White's October 14, 2025, remarks decrying AFLW as a mere "trial run" for men's rules, arguing it undermined the competition's and treated women's players as guinea pigs for unproven tweaks. Such feedback underscored efficacy limitations, where flow gains clashed with altered contest dynamics, prompting calls for refinements rather than wholesale export to the men's game.

Players and Development

Recruitment and Draft System

The AFL Women's recruitment system centers on an annual national draft for eligible nominees, complemented by pre-draft signing periods for existing players, free agents, and veterans, as well as a pre-season draft to allocate delisted players and state league standouts to clubs needing to fill lists. This structure, formalized since the league's 2017 inception, allows clubs to strategically build rosters while prioritizing talent identification from diverse pathways. Nominations for the national draft open annually in , requiring players to register via the AFL's official portal, with selections occurring in a single night event typically in December. A key evolution occurred in , transitioning to a fully national draft model for the 2025 season, eliminating prior state-based pooling that restricted club access to interstate talent and enabling any team to select from the entire nominee pool. This change coincided with list expansions and relocation incentives, facilitating broader geographic . Pre-season drafts, held earlier in , specifically target delisted primary list players and high-performing athletes from affiliated state leagues, providing second chances or entry points for overlooked prospects; for instance, in mid-2025 preparations, clubs signed replacement players from these sources to finalize rosters ahead of the season. Signing periods precede the draft, allowing retention of incumbents and targeted acquisitions of experienced players, which clubs use to secure core talent before allocating draft picks. Player pathways feed into this system via structured development programs, including state-based senior competitions like VFL Women's, SANFL Women's, and QAFL Women's, alongside underage initiatives such as NAB League Girls and the AFL national academies for under-16s and under-18s. These academies, often club-affiliated in northern states (e.g., and zones), scout and nurture talent through state representative teams and national combines, empirically expanding the talent pool by increasing female participation rates at junior levels from under 50,000 in 2017 to over 200,000 by 2025 across . Father-daughter nominations offer legacy access for daughters of former AFL players, subject to club bidding. Since 2017, the system has introduced over 500 unique players across expansions from 8 to 18 teams, demonstrating success in scaling rosters but revealing persistent depth challenges in non-Victorian states, where lower grassroots numbers limit local pipelines compared to Victoria's established base. Competitive equity concerns prompted 2025 discussions on priority draft picks for chronically underperforming clubs, akin to AFL men's concessions, to counteract advantages held by Victorian teams with deeper talent reservoirs and to foster parity amid expansion. Proponents argue this would address observed win-loss disparities, as evidenced by recent seasons where non-Victorian clubs relied heavily on interstate draftees and signings to compete.

Salaries, Contracts, and Economics

AFLW player contracts operate under a tiered , with clubs allocating funds across four tiers based on player experience and performance, supplemented by allowances for , development, and ancillary services. In 2025, the total player services cap stands at $1.175 million per club, encompassing base salaries, match payments, and additional benefits, though a full for competitive balance is under consideration for future seasons. Contracts typically span one to two years, with rookies and lower-tier players receiving standardized minimums, while higher tiers allow negotiation within cap limits. Average base salaries for AFLW players in 2025 are estimated at approximately $87,000 annually, with the lowest tier (Tier 4) set at $67,337 and top Tier 1 players earning up to around $100,000 or more when including incentives. These figures reflect a tiered structure where payments are distributed across squads of 30-40 players, resulting in most contracts being part-time equivalents. The 2023-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), ratified between the AFL and AFL Players' Association, marked significant milestones, including an immediate average pay uplift from $46,000 to $60,000 in 2023 and projected growth to $82,000 by 2027, effectively more than doubling prior levels over the term. Additionally, since 2023, AFLW premiership has equaled the men's at $1.1 million shared among the top eight teams, nearly doubling the previous women's pool of $623,922. Economically, AFLW salaries support a semi-professional model where many players balance football with external employment or study, as full-time dedication remains uncommon outside elite tiers; clubs cover and development costs to facilitate this. The entire AFLW cap of $1.175 million per club is less than the of a senior AFL men's player, which reached $493,592 in for those appearing in at least one game.

Injuries, Welfare, and Professional Status

Injury incidence rates in AFL Women's (AFLW) have shown distinct patterns compared to the men's (AFL), with female players experiencing elevated risks for certain injuries despite overall comparability in some metrics. (ACL) ruptures, for instance, occurred at rates up to 9.2 times higher in AFLW's early seasons relative to AFL men, attributed to biomechanical factors such as narrower femoral notches and hormonal influences increasing laxity in females. rates have also been approximately three times higher in AFLW, with 3.2 injuries per 1,000 player hours versus 1.5 in the men's competition, linked to differences in neck strength and impact absorption. While hamstring and calf strains predominate in male players, AFLW sees higher ankle sprains and knee injuries, reflecting varied physical demands and training volumes. The part-time professional model in AFLW exacerbates and recovery challenges, as many players balance football with external employment or study, leading to dual-career strains. The Australian Football League Players' Association (AFLPA) has highlighted exhaustion risks, with players reporting dangerous levels from compressed schedules and insufficient downtime, particularly in seasons with short turnarounds like four games in 14 days, which contributed to subpar performances and player burnout in 2024. This dual burden correlates with higher neuromuscular post-match, where external loads such as high-speed running fail to fully predict recovery, underscoring the need for tailored protocols beyond those in full-time male cohorts. Welfare provisions have evolved, with the AFL and AFLPA enhancing the Injury & Support Fund in May 2025 to cover medical, financial, and transitional aid amid rising demands. Mental health remains the foremost concern for AFLW players per the AFLPA's 2025 Insights and Impact Report, with increased uptake of psychological services—up 25% year-on-year—driven by social media pressures and career uncertainties. Only about 16% of players now hold full-time external jobs, down from higher figures in prior years, indicating a shift toward greater football immersion, though full-time contracts remain limited to elite performers, leaving many in hybrid roles with variable access to recovery resources like physiotherapy. Criticisms persist regarding inadequate recovery intervals, with fixtures often criticized for prioritizing broadcast slots over player physiology, resulting in elevated risks during fatigued states. The AFLPA advocates for expanded full-time opportunities to mitigate these issues, noting inequities in support and unpaid in earlier surveys, though recent investments in wellbeing gatherings and whistleblower services aim to bolster holistic support.

Awards and Achievements

Premiership Winners

The AFL Women's premiership is determined by the , crowning the season's champion among competing clubs. Since the league's inception in , have claimed four premierships, the highest tally, reflecting their sustained performance amid expanding competition. Season 4 (2020) featured no due to disruptions, with declared premiers as the top-ranked team following a conference-based format.
SeasonDatePremierScoreRunner-upScoreVenueAttendance
201725 MarchBrisbane Lions6.1 (37)Adelaide Crows4.6 (30)Melbourne Cricket Ground29,376
201825 MarchWestern Bulldogs4.3 (27)Brisbane Lions3.3 (21)Princes Park10,286
201931 MarchAdelaide Crows10.3 (63)Carlton2.6 (18)Adelaide Oval53,359
2020N/ABrisbane Lions (declared)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
202117 AprilBrisbane Lions6.2 (38)Adelaide Crows3.2 (20)The Gabba7,825
20223 DecemberMelbourne2.6 (18)Brisbane Lions1.7 (13)The Gabba16,662
202326 NovemberBrisbane Lions7.5 (47)North Melbourne3.4 (22)Ikon Park10,775
202430 NovemberNorth Melbourne6.3 (39)Brisbane Lions1.3 (9)Princes Park~6,000
Grand final attendances peaked at 53,359 for Adelaide's 2019 home victory, the largest in league , before stabilizing near 10,000 amid venue shifts, COVID restrictions, and neutral-site decisions. Interstate clubs secured early triumphs, including Brisbane's 2017 win and Adelaide's dominant 2019 performance, countering initial Victorian club advantages. Five clubs have claimed the seven contested s, underscoring competitive depth despite Brisbane's recurring success; no consecutive wins occurred until North Melbourne's undefeated season ended Brisbane's streak. Ladder outcomes have grown somewhat predictable in top-four finishes for high-performing teams, yet upsets persist, as evidenced by North Melbourne's flawless campaign. As of October 2025, season 10 finals remain pending, with North Melbourne securing the minor premiership on an equal-record 23-game winning streak.

Individual Awards and Honors

The AFL Women's Best and Fairest award, the league's highest individual honor, is determined by field umpires allocating 3, 2, and 1 votes to the standout players after each match, with the highest aggregate vote tally crowning the winner at the season's W Awards ceremony. Introduced in the competition's inception, recipients have predominantly emerged from top-performing clubs, underscoring the interplay between team dominance and personal consistency in a league where fewer games amplify the impact of sustained excellence. secured the inaugural award and repeated in 2019 with , while Madison Prespakis claimed it in 2020 for Carlton at age 19; Ebony Marinoff won in 2024, polling 54 votes ahead of rivals.
SeasonWinnerClubVotes
2017Erin PhillipsAdelaide27
2018Emma Kearney20
201918
2020Madison PrespakisCarlton16
2024Ebony Marinoff54
The leading goalkicker award goes to the season's top goal scorer, emphasizing forward precision in a low-scoring competition where defenses often prevail. Darcy Vescio topped the 2017 tally with 12 goals for Carlton, Brooke Lochland followed with 12 in 2018 for , and Stevie-Lee Thompson led with 13 in 2019 for ; Caitlin Greiser's 10 goals earned her the 2020 prize amid a shortened season. Winners typically align with clubs boasting strong midfield supply, as evidenced by multiple honors for players from early premiership contenders. The AFL Players' Association Most Valuable Player award, voted by peers since 2017, recognizes leadership, skill, and impact across multifaceted roles. Daisy Pearce holds the record with four wins (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021), reflecting her influence in Melbourne's early success; Monique Conti claimed it in 2022 for Richmond, and Ebony Marinoff swept major honors including this in 2024 with 15.7% of votes. Peer selection favors versatile athletes from competitive teams, often overlapping with Best and Fairest recipients. The Telstra Rising Star award, umpire-nominated and voted similarly to the , spotlights eligible debutants or second-year players under 21 demonstrating elite potential. won in 2018 for Collingwood, Madison Prespakis in 2019 for Carlton, and Matilda Scholz in 2024 for after 10 games averaging 15.3 disposals and 20 hitouts. Honorees frequently progress to All-Australian selection, with many hailing from clubs investing heavily in draft talent pipelines.

Audience and Reception

Attendance and Live Engagement

The inaugural AFL Women's season in 2017 drew significant initial interest, with peak regular-season attendances reaching 24,568 for Carlton versus Collingwood at Ikon Park, while the grand final at Metricon Stadium attracted 15,610 spectators. Early seasons from 2017 to 2020 maintained average crowds exceeding 6,400 per game, reflecting novelty-driven enthusiasm. However, average attendance has since declined sharply, averaging around 2,600 per game from 2021 to 2024 and approximately 2,500 to 2,600 in the 2025 season to date across 95 matches totaling 246,900 attendees. Cumulative attendance has surpassed 1 million across seasons, with totals rising due to league expansion from 8 teams and 29 games in 2017 to 18 teams and over 100 games annually by 2024, yet per-game figures have flatlined or declined amid increased supply. Contributing factors include post-men's AFL season fatigue, suboptimal scheduling following extended summer football calendars, and utilization of smaller suburban venues with capacities often underutilized at 20-25 percent. Regional variations persist, with stronger live engagement in Victoria and Queensland, where matches involving clubs like Carlton, Collingwood, Brisbane Lions, and Sydney Swans routinely draw over 3,000-8,000 fans, buoyed by dense fan bases and larger home-ground capacities. Interstate games in Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales average lower, often below 2,000, reflecting sparser populations and weaker established support outside traditional AFL heartlands. To counter stagnation, the AFL implemented 2025 strategies emphasizing fan-friendly time slots avoiding direct competition with men's fixtures, reduced double-headers for standalone appeal, and enhanced suburban-ground experiences with post-game kick-to-kicks and player interactions to foster community ties. Early results show modest upticks, such as a 7.3 percent increase over 2024 averages in select rounds, though overall figures remain subdued.

Media Broadcasting and Viewership

The AFL Women's (AFLW) competition's broadcasting rights are integrated into the Australian Football League's (AFL) overarching media agreements, with domestic coverage primarily handled by the Seven Network and Group platforms, including and , under a seven-year deal valued at AU$4.5 billion running from 2025 to 2031. This arrangement mandates a minimum of 30 AFLW home-and-away matches broadcast on the Seven Network annually, alongside streaming on , reflecting the league's push for broader exposure amid efforts to enhance commercial viability. However, the inclusion of AFLW in these high-value contracts is qualified, as the women's league contributes limited direct revenue compared to the men's AFL, with broadcasters prioritizing premium men's fixtures that command higher audiences and advertising returns. Television viewership for AFLW matches has shown incremental growth in recent seasons but remains substantially below men's AFL levels, averaging tens of thousands per game versus the men's multimillion-viewer benchmarks. For instance, the 2025 season opener between Carlton and Collingwood drew 962,000 viewers on Seven, with round-one averages up 24% from 2024, yet overall per-match figures for prior seasons hovered around 55,000, down approximately 70% from the inaugural 2017 series amid expanded competition size and diluted novelty. Cumulative audiences across seasons exceed 2 million for key events, but total broadcast metrics underscore commercial challenges, as AFLW games generate lower ad rates and fail to surge despite structural investments, paralleling patterns in other leagues like the WNBA where steady but unspectacular engagement limits standalone profitability. Internationally, AFLW access is confined to digital streaming via WatchAFL, the AFL's dedicated overseas platform offering live and on-demand coverage without significant traditional TV partnerships, restricting global reach and revenue potential to niche expatriate and enthusiast audiences. This limited exposure contrasts with the men's league's more established international footprint, highlighting AFLW's reliance on domestic markets for broadcasting value while facing headwinds from fragmented scheduling and competition for viewer attention during off-peak calendar slots.

Online and Digital Metrics

The official AFL Women's Instagram account maintained approximately 226,000 followers as of mid-2025, reflecting steady but modest digital presence compared to the men's AFL's aggregate 13.8 million followers across major platforms. Club-level accounts and player profiles, such as Port Adelaide's Matilda Scholz with over 45,000 combined and followers, have driven targeted engagement through personal content and trends, contributing to initiatives like the AFL's ladder competition for digital dominance in 2025. However, overall follower growth for AFLW platforms has plateaued relative to earlier seasons, with total AFL expansion at 8.1% year-on-year primarily fueled by the men's game and surges, while AFLW-specific metrics show incremental rather than exponential increases. Digital engagement on platforms like the AFL app and has seen targeted boosts in through highlight reels and interactive features, though aggregate views and interactions remain significantly lower than the men's competition; for instance, AFLW fantasy and predictor tools exceeded sign-up targets by double, achieving over 30,000 users, indicating niche but growing participatory interest. Streaming and on-demand content via the AFL app supports this, with reported digital growth in AFLW consumption up alongside a 9.8% rise in linear viewership, yet absolute engagement lags due to shorter seasons and competing AFL men's fixtures. Online audience demographics for AFLW skew younger and more female-oriented than the broader AFL fanbase, aligning with trends in digital consumption, though comprehensive 2025 breakdowns remain limited; older data highlights higher TV crossover among 50+ viewers, but app and social metrics emphasize appeal to under-35 females through player-driven content. This demographic profile supports efforts to leverage for sustained growth, despite challenges in matching the men's league's scale.

Corporate and Financial Aspects

Sponsorships and Partnerships

The (NAB) has served as the naming rights sponsor of the AFL Women's competition since its inception in , with the partnership extended through 2028 to support grassroots development and elite pathways in women's Australian football. This arrangement brands the league as the NAB AFL Women's, providing visibility for NAB's community initiatives while contributing funds that have scaled alongside the competition's expansion from eight teams in to 18 by 2022. Toyota Australia acts as a premier partner to the AFL, encompassing AFLW through branding on match-day activations, player transport, and promotional campaigns aimed at promoting women's football from community levels to professional play. The four-year renewal announced in 2023, extending a originally dating to , underscores Toyota's role in enhancing league infrastructure and fan engagement, with specific AFLW-focused efforts including support for female participation programs. Additional league-wide partners include entities such as for accommodation, for venue support, and for hydration and recovery resources, each integrating into AFLW branding via on-field presence and digital campaigns. These sponsorships have facilitated targeted funding for player welfare and competition growth, though the league's operational model remains dependent on broader AFL subsidies, with sponsors retained into 2025 despite annual losses exceeding AU$50 million as of mid-2025.

Merchandising and Revenue Streams

Merchandising for the AFL Women's competition primarily revolves around apparel, including club guernseys and training gear, available through official club online stores and the AFL Store. These products are predominantly sized for women, limiting broader market appeal compared to unisex or men's options in the primary AFL league. Sales channels emphasize , with items like home and clash guernseys priced around A$80–A$115, reflecting a focus on dedicated fans rather than mass retail distribution. Unlike the men's AFL, where top clubs generate millions in annual merchandise revenue—such as Geelong's A$3.67 million in 2022—AFLW-specific sales figures are not publicly broken out in league financial reports, indicating a substantially smaller scale. This disparity stems from lower overall audience engagement and brand maturity, with men's premiership-related sales spikes, like Collingwood's post-2023 grand final bonanza, far outpacing any documented AFLW equivalents. Apparel remains the core of AFLW merchandising, but lacks the volume-driven economies seen in the men's game, where licensing and retail partnerships amplify reach. Additional revenue streams include licensing agreements for peripheral products and fan events, though these contribute modestly to the competition's income. AFL-wide licensing historically accounts for significant commercial revenue, but AFLW's share is marginal, tied to emerging fan bases rather than established markets. Growth in these areas correlates with attendance and viewership trends, yet remains constrained, as evidenced by the absence of reported surges in AFLW merchandising amid broader revenue projections exceeding US$2.35 billion globally by 2025.

Economic Viability and Losses

The AFL Women's competition operates at a reported annual loss of $50 million as of 2025, a figure disclosed by the AFL to its 18 clubs ahead of the league's 10th season. These losses stem from operating costs estimated at $100 million per year, far exceeding revenues from , , and other sources. Cumulative deficits since the league's 2017 launch total more than $200 million, representing direct subsidies drawn primarily from men's AFL surpluses. Revenue generation in AFLW lags significantly behind the men's competition, where league-wide income—bolstered by multimillion-dollar TV deals, higher gate receipts, and premium sponsorships—reached $794 million in alone. AFLW's lower ticket sales and viewership metrics contribute to this gap, with recent seasons showing stagnating or declining crowds that fail to offset fixture-related expenses. Without proportional growth in commercial income, the women's league relies on cross-subsidization, raising questions about self-sustaining scalability. AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon maintains that the investment remains "absolutely worth making," citing indirect benefits like expanded female participation and long-term sport development over immediate profitability. He has not outlined a breakeven timeline, instead framing AFLW as a foundational commitment akin to early investments in the men's game. Detractors, including some club stakeholders, contend that unchecked expansion amid revenue shortfalls prioritizes ideological persistence over empirical viability, potentially straining overall AFL finances without evidence of closing the deficit. This tension underscores debates on whether market signals—such as and ratings—should dictate growth pace rather than subsidized continuity.

Pre-League Developments

Exhibition Matches (2013–2016)

The inaugural AFL-sanctioned women's exhibition match occurred on June 29, 2013, at the between representative teams from and the , attracting 7,518 spectators. won 8.5 (53) to 3.3 (21), marking the first inter-club women's contest under AFL auspices and serving as a curtain-raiser to demonstrate viability. A follow-up match in 2014 at Etihad Stadium on June 29 continued the Melbourne-Bulldogs format, while 2015 featured a two-game series between the same clubs to refine talent pools and formats. In 2016, the AFL broadened scope with a 10-match national series across five cities, commencing in March, to scout players and assess market demand ahead of . Aggregate attendance reached 104,243 across seven documented games, averaging approximately 14,900 per match, with the culminating All-Stars clash on September 3 at drawing over 6,000 fans. The defeated 14.6 (90) to 7.9 (51) in that finale, featuring stars like . These exhibitions facilitated talent identification, with dozens of participants, including and , transitioning to the 2017 AFLW draft, and provided empirical data on interest levels that justified league establishment. However, gameplay exposed constraints, including lower physicality and aerobic capacity inherent to sex-based physiological differences—such as reduced muscle mass and —resulting in fewer sustained contests and highlighting the need for dedicated training pathways to elevate standards. Overall, the series built foundational momentum without achieving men's-level crowds, underscoring gradual rather than explosive adoption.

Controversies and Criticisms

Financial Sustainability Debates

The AFL Women's (AFLW) competition has operated at an annual loss of approximately AU$50 million as reported to clubs in mid-2025, primarily due to expansion to 18 teams without commensurate growth from , , or sponsorships. These deficits are covered by subsidies from the Australian Football League (AFL), drawn from surpluses in the men's competition, which generated an underlying operating surplus of $45.4 million in its most recent full-year results prior to 2025. An internal AFL projected that further season expansion to a full home-and-away schedule by 2031–32 could escalate cumulative losses to $200 million, highlighting the mismatch between operational costs—such as increased player payments and fixture demands—and income streams. AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has defended the investment, asserting in July 2025 that the AFLW's contributions to grassroots participation and the sport's overall national footprint justify the expenditure, with indirect benefits like enhanced female engagement outweighing short-term financial drains. Proponents argue this foundational spending mirrors successful models in other , fostering long-term viability by broadening the talent pipeline and market base, even as subsidies totaled $57.2 million for AFLW operations in 2023 alone. Critics, including analyses of league expansion strategies, contend that rapid scaling to include non-traditional markets has strained resources without proportional returns, risking dependency on men's profits that could falter amid economic pressures or shifts. They advocate for slower, organic development centered on high-density regions like Victoria and , where attendance and viewership sustain better, over aggressive national rollout that dilutes fiscal focus and exposes the league to uneven regional adoption. Proposed alternatives include consolidating to fewer, more viable clubs to align costs with revenues, prioritizing core markets to build self-sufficiency before further growth.

Skill Levels and Entertainment Quality

The AFLW exhibits higher rates of skill errors, such as turnovers and ineffective disposals, compared to the men's AFL, contributing to lower average scores and a perception of reduced game pace. A comprehensive 2025 AFL review highlighted these disparities through numerical comparisons, designating on-field performance improvement as the competition's top priority ahead of the season. For instance, AFLW games often feature lower scoring efficiency, with teams averaging fewer goals despite increased scoring shots in recent seasons, primarily due to accuracy shortfalls rather than lack of opportunities. These elements have led to critiques of entertainment value, with declining television ratings—down 70 percent since Season 1—and fan feedback emphasizing scrappier contests that diminish watchability. Contributing factors include a historically smaller talent pool, which limits player depth and competitive experience, and the league's part-time professional structure until recent seasons, restricting training volume and physical conditioning. Biological sex-based physical differences further exacerbate the skill gap, with male AFL players demonstrating approximately double the total running distance per game and greater lean muscle , enabling faster transitions and more contested possessions in the men's . Even with the transition to full-time contracts—offering salaries from $67,000 to $87,000—some clubs report ongoing challenges in supporting optimal preparation, perpetuating elevated error rates. Efforts to address these issues include bolstered coaching frameworks and a strengthened women's competition committee, incorporating expertise from figures like David Barham to refine game style and second-tier pathways. The AFL maintains that evolving contests and narrowing differentials in metrics like inside-50 entries signal progress, countering narratives of stagnation. Nonetheless, fan and media critiques persist, with observations that the product's quality remains a barrier to broader appeal, distinct from financial or scheduling concerns.

Pay Equity and Gender Comparisons

In the AFL Women's (AFLW) competition, player payments operate under a tiered structure, with top earners in Tier 1 receiving approximately $100,000 annually as of the 2023-2027 agreement (CBA), while the league-wide average salary rose from $46,000 in 2023 to a projected $82,000 by 2027. In contrast, the men's AFL features top players earning upwards of $1.45 million, such as Richmond's Tom Lynch, with 25 athletes exceeding $1 million in 2025 total payments, reflecting a per club exceeding $18 million. The total player payments for an AFLW club, typically spanning 30-40 players, amount to roughly $2-3 million, often less than the earnings of a single elite men's player. These disparities align with revenue generation, as the AFLW incurs annual losses of approximately $50 million, subsidized by the men's competition, which drives the league's overall revenue of over $1 billion. AFLW attendance, viewership, and commercial income constitute a fraction—less than 1%—of the men's, justifying market-determined pay scales over mandates for parity, as player compensation reflects economic value created rather than nominal equality. Advocates for "pay equity" often overlook this causal link, emphasizing ideological parity despite the AFLW's part-time status, where most players balance football with external employment due to shorter seasons (12 games in 2025) and lower skill/athletic thresholds compared to the men's game. Intra-gender pay variations further undermine cross-gender equity claims, with men's salaries spanning from over $1 million for stars to under $200,000 for rookies, mirroring AFLW tiers where top contracts dwarf minimums by factors of 5-10, driven by individual performance and market demand rather than systemic . The 2023 CBA introduced gains like a 29% immediate pay rise for AFLW players and equal pools of $1.1 million across genders, but these enhancements preserve proportionality, avoiding unsustainable subsidies that could jeopardize the league's viability. Critics arguing for accelerated equalization, such as through forced , risk distorting incentives, as evidenced by the AFLW's ongoing financial deficits despite investments.

Fixture, Venue, and Player Welfare Issues

The AFLW has faced ongoing criticism regarding its fixture scheduling, particularly the timing immediately following the men's AFL season, which contributes to player fatigue amid a compressed . In 2025, industry reports highlighted "footy fatigue" as a challenge exacerbated by the league's end-of-year slot, with players and coaches noting the physical and mental toll of transitioning rapidly from men's season overlaps or state league commitments without sufficient downtime. This issue was compounded by short pre-seasons, often limited to a few weeks of full-team preparation due to players' part-time status and external , leading to complaints from athletes about inadequate conditioning time before competitive play. Venue selections have drawn player discontent, with frequent use of small suburban grounds criticized for suboptimal playing conditions, including high winds that disrupt ball trajectory and game flow. AFLW executive Emma Moore acknowledged player feedback on these polarising choices in late 2024, yet confirmed a commitment to "doubling down" on local ovals for the 2025 season to foster , despite calls for larger stadiums to better suit skill development and visibility. Hawthorn player Aileen Gilroy specifically pointed to windy conditions at these venues as negatively impacting the competition's perceived quality. These logistical elements have intersected with player welfare concerns, including elevated strain from insufficient recovery periods between games in prior condensed fixtures, which pushed athletes to their limits with mid-week matches. In response, the 2025 season adopted a reformed structure of 12 rounds over 12 weeks, eliminating the prior year's congested format to allow more consistent recovery and reduce overload, though systemic pressures from part-time contracts persist. Coaches like those referenced in fixture discussions emphasized prioritizing welfare in these adjustments, aiming for a "traditional " without mid-week games.

Impact and Comparisons

Growth Metrics and Achievements

The AFL Women's league expanded rapidly from its inaugural 2017 season with eight teams to 18 clubs by 2023, aligning with all men's teams, including the addition of . This full integration marked a key structural achievement, enabling broader national representation and increased competitive depth. In 2025, Season 10 introduced a milestone format of 12 home-and-away games per team, extending from prior shorter seasons of 7–11 rounds and spanning to . Grassroots participation in Australian football reached record levels exceeding 600,000 players nationwide in 2025, with women and girls accounting for over 22% of participants and showing year-on-year growth of more than 14%. Since the league's launch, female involvement has risen substantially, with women and girls comprising up to 30% of total players in recent years, driven by expanded programs and visibility. AFLW club memberships also hit a high of 76,356 in 2024, surpassing prior records and indicating rising fan engagement. Total seasonal attendance grew 52% from 195,000 in Season 1 to around 297,000 in recent campaigns, supported by more fixtures (from 29 to over 100 per season). However, with team and game expansion, per-match averages have plateaued at 2,500–3,000 spectators in multiple seasons, including 2,660 for 2024's 263,308 total across 99 games, reflecting limits in linear scaling despite overall uplift.

Comparisons to Men's AFL

The AFL Women's (AFLW) competition operates on a significantly reduced scale compared to the men's (AFL) premiership, with teams playing 12 home-and-away matches over 12 weeks in the 2025 season, followed by a four-week finals series, versus 23 home-and-away games across 25 rounds for men's teams. Both leagues now feature 18 clubs, drawing from the same franchises to leverage shared branding and infrastructure.
AspectAFLW (2025)Men's AFL (2025)
Home-and-away games12 per team23 per team
Season span (home-and-away)12 weeks25 rounds
Finals structure4 weeks4 weeks
Finances reflect these disparities, with AFLW incurring annual losses of approximately AU$50 million as of 2025, subsidized by the AFL, while the men's league generated an underlying operating surplus of AU$45.4 million in 2024 alongside club revenues exceeding AU$1.3 billion. This gap stems from lower attendance and viewership in AFLW, where average crowds have declined per match amid expansion despite total attendance growth, contrasting with the men's league's established commercial draw. Skill and physicality levels differ markedly, attributable to biological sex-based variances in strength, speed, and power—adult males exhibit 30-60% greater muscle strength—compounded by shorter developmental pathways and training histories in women's Australian rules football. AFLW players cover shorter running distances per game (averaging under 10 km versus over 12 km for men) at lower intensities, reflecting these physiological realities rather than equivalent competitive parity. Core rules remain identical across both codes, enabling cross-pollination of tactics and player pathways, positioning AFLW as a complementary developmental ecosystem rather than a direct equivalent.

Future Prospects and Reforms

The AFLW continues to operate at an annual loss of approximately AU$50 million, prompting debates over its long-term viability amid stagnant crowd attendances and broadcast viewership. AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has described the competition as an "investment worth making" for its indirect benefits to the sport, including talent pathway development and increased female participation, though he acknowledged the need for improved on-field performance and commercial returns to achieve breakeven. Should revenues grow through higher attendance or media deals, prospects include a broader shift toward full-time player contracts, enabling greater consistency and skill development beyond the current part-time model where many athletes balance football with other employment. Persistent losses, however, raise risks of contraction, such as reduced season length or fewer teams, as internal reviews have rejected further expansion due to projected additional deficits of AU$200 million over an extended format. Reforms implemented for the 2025 season aim to enhance competitive balance and entertainment value. The AFL introduced future draft pick trading—limited to first- and second-round selections for 2026—and a pre-season draft replacing the supplementary selection period, allowing clubs greater flexibility in list management and talent acquisition. On-field adjustments include stricter holding-the-ball interpretations, revised ruck rules, and modified ball-up procedures between the 50-meter arcs to address low scoring from the prior season and promote faster play. Structural changes target infrastructure and fan engagement. Proposals for a dedicated boutique stadium in seek to optimize venue sizing for AFLW crowds, avoiding the dilution of atmosphere at oversized men's grounds while fostering a distinct identity. To combat "footy fatigue" following the men's season, the league has prioritized standalone prime-time slots over double-headers and explored marketing initiatives to boost visibility, though experts caution that oversaturation risks viewer burnout without corresponding revenue uplift. Discussions around priority draft picks for underperforming clubs persist to rectify perceived inequities, potentially accelerating rebuilds but requiring safeguards against talent concentration. Optimists, including players like Melbourne's Kate Hore, emphasize the competition's role in growth and cultural impact as justification for sustained funding, projecting gradual commercialization through next-generation talent. Realists counter that without data-driven pivots toward profitability—such as targeted over expansion—the league faces indefinite subsidization, potentially straining the broader AFL ecosystem absent verifiable pathways to self-sufficiency.

References

  1. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw
  2. https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/first-afl-womens-game
  3. https://www.afl.com.au/news/50722/the-journey-so-far-evolution-of-the-aflw
  4. https://www.sportspro.com/news/aflw-losses-expansion-afl-finances-july-2025/
  5. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1264161/unprecedented-milestones-stars-returning-everything-we-about-aflw-in-2025
  6. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/from-53k-in-adelaide-to-zippy-nextgen-stars-to-ignite-aflw-season-10-as-new-decade-looms/news-story/86640dd3ce8336962f266497d61ff970
  7. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-39111312
  8. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/22/female-participation-on-the-rise-before-big-kick-off-says-afl
  9. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-15/teams-unveiled-for-national-afl-womens-competition/7511612
  10. https://www.superprof.com.au/blog/aflw-history/
  11. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/12/gws-make-nicola-barr-top-pick-in-inaugural-afl-womens-draft
  12. https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/819843/anatomy-of-the-first-aflw-draft
  13. https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2019/12/05/064a9aec-6507-4139-8675-f3cbc13df8fd/compressed_2016-AFL-Annual-Report-1-.pdf
  14. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-25/aflw-grand-final-adelaide-crows-scoop-first-premiership/8386722
  15. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-25/aflw-grand-final-draws-in-fans-and-does-not-disappoint/8386892
  16. https://www.austadiums.com/sport/comp/aflw
  17. https://www.espn.com/afl/story/_/id/16222087/afl-launches-inaugural-women-league
  18. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/aflw-2018-ultimate-guide-everything-you-need-to-know/news-story/6a317a210f025957c0c7dcc07c6a8c5e
  19. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/feb/11/record-crowd-for-womens-domestic-sport-game-attend-perth-aflw-match
  20. https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/40273000/more-questions-answers-arise-aflw-season-9-fixture
  21. https://www.afl.com.au/news/144534/north-and-geelong-win-aflw-expansion-race
  22. https://www.afl.com.au/news/52313/aflw-2018-draft-details-locked-in
  23. https://www.afc.com.au/news/266638/aflw-2018-draft-order
  24. https://www.afl.com.au/news/140839/aflw-2019-how-the-conference-system-works
  25. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347898126_Preparing_for_an_Australian_Football_League_Women%27s_League_Season
  26. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/998009/the-season-that-was-a-look-back-at-2020
  27. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/mar/22/afl-nrl-and-a-league-press-on-despite-restrictions
  28. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1230052/afl-ceo-andrew-dillon-says-2025-aflw-season-set-for-new-start-date-as-competition-expands
  29. https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2024/01/24/9c2526c2-fe93-4b84-b253-e9615831d56b/2023-2027-AFL-and-AFLW-CBA.pdf
  30. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1342210/aflw-clubs-wrestle-with-soft-cap-limits-after-afl-increase
  31. https://www.sportspro.com/decision-makers/politics-and-governance/afl-aflw-cba-joint-agreement-pay-season-schedule-2027/
  32. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1331679/2025-nab-aflw-premiership-fixture-unveiled-for-milestone-season
  33. https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/1803413/aflw-introduces-changes-for-the-2025-season
  34. https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/aflw-retain-criticised-part-fixture-2025/5b86d4c0cfbe48c24a2b79a1
  35. https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/aflw-to-double-down-on-using-suburban-grounds-in-2025-season/news-story/05737e8247588c3b2bcd70cdae19fc19
  36. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/skill-errors-poor-crowds-and-a-200m-loss-why-the-league-is-worried-about-aflw-20250704-p5mcgd.html
  37. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/teams/players
  38. https://www.afl.com.au/news/663064/aflw-expansion-to-occur-for-2022-2023-season
  39. https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/31436083/green-light-aflw-expansion-18-clubs
  40. https://www.austadiums.com/sport/comp/aflw/results
  41. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-28/how-the-afl-plans-to-increase-aflw-crowd-numbers-this-year/105581014
  42. https://tasmaniafc.com/news/your-board-update-august-2025/
  43. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-12/the-nt-wa-or-canberra-who-should-get-afls-20th-team/105640804
  44. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-08/the-afl-wont-budge-on-aflw-venues-as-it-searches-for-stability-/105626342
  45. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-21/aflw-struggling-against-footy-fatigue-after-mens-season/105911454
  46. https://www.reddit.com/r/AFL/comments/1gimozm/the_2024_aflw_season_was_attended_by_263308_at_an/
  47. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/15/high-demand-for-aflw-tickets-prompts-change-to-53000-capacity-venue
  48. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/28/aflw-coaches-demand-more-games-at-marvel-stadium-after-popular-opener
  49. https://www.afl.com.au/about-afl/afl-administration
  50. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23750472.2023.2195405
  51. https://dro.deakin.edu.au/articles/journal_contribution/Analysing_the_Australian_Football_League_s_AFL_governance_structure_How_does_it_compare_to_Europe_s_club-run_leagues_/22558513/4/files/54341483.pdf
  52. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-29/aflw-remains-investment-worth-making-says-andrew-dillon/105587776
  53. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/mar/12/the-growth-there-is-enormous-future-of-afl-is-womens-competition-says-andrew-dillon
  54. https://cdn.aflplayers.com.au/app/uploads/2023/10/2023-2027-AFL-and-AFLW-CBA-MASTER-LONG-FORM-FINAL-DISTRIBUTION-VERSION.pdf
  55. https://www.aflplayers.com.au/industry-home/cba
  56. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2025/jul/31/aflw-10th-season-football-footy-andrew-dillon-afl
  57. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/about-aflw/rules
  58. https://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/news/1034123/fast-facts-differences-between-afl-and-aflw
  59. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1367309/aflw-rule-changes-league-lengthens-quarters
  60. https://www.reddit.com/r/AFL/comments/1dy4j2o/why_does_womens_afl_have_less_players_on_the/
  61. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29233465/
  62. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8685186/
  63. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1376975/aflw-practice-matches-full-schedule-how-to-watch
  64. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1331678/aflw-fixture-analysed-full-set-complete-who-your-team-doesnt-play
  65. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1002870/fixture-breakdown-season-defining-matches-degree-of-difficulty-games-on-the-road
  66. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1382398/league-set-to-lock-in-yearly-gf-date-in-move-to-creating-tradition
  67. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1253499/explainer-how-the-aflw-finals-system-works
  68. https://www.nine.com.au/sport/afl/aflw-news-2025-season-10-on-field-rule-changes-explained-20250812-p5mme6.html
  69. https://www.afl.com.au/video/1382893/the-2025-nab-aflw-rule-changes-explained?videoId=1382893&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1754942400001
  70. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-14/frustration-as-aflw-used-as-trial-run-for-new-rules-for-afl-mens/105889756
  71. https://www.reddit.com/r/AFL/comments/1n4h081/aflw_rule_change_is_making_a_huge_difference/
  72. https://www.espn.com/afl/story/_/id/46522574/aflw-round-8-umpiring-holding-ball-rule-causing-league-wide-frustration-hurting-fabric-game
  73. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/2025/08/20/aflw-holding-the-ball-interpretation-round-1-responses/
  74. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1071919/explainer-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-aflw-draft
  75. https://play.afl/draftnominations
  76. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1154520/aflw-evolves-to-a-national-draft-ahead-of-2025-season
  77. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1271648/ins-and-outs-for-the-2025-aflw-season
  78. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1002315/pathways-explainer-under-16s-under-18s-national-academy-and-more
  79. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/womens-afl/aflw-news-2025-talking-points-with-chyloe-kurdas-radical-plan-to-fix-alarming-inequity-priority-picks-salary-cap-reverse-ladder-draft-order/news-story/9f6bac0c7802c0f9f95ee1494aea1d58
  80. https://peterholden-warfradio.medium.com/opinion-the-big-questions-aflw-and-its-pathways-face-a0a3e49f74fe
  81. https://www.espn.com/afl/story/_/id/41296755/afl-increases-soft-caps-men-women-comps
  82. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1383577/afl-open-to-introducing-aflw-salary-cap-in-next-step-in-evolution
  83. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1263810/the-big-change-coming-for-aflws-top-earners-in-2025
  84. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/21/aflw-pay-rise-deal-2-2billion
  85. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1015394/equal-prizemoney-for-afl-and-aflw-competitions
  86. https://www.reddit.com/r/AFL/comments/1cz5c1s/a_tiery_farewell_salary_cap_on_the_horizon_for/
  87. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1266770/2024-total-player-payments-25-1-million-players-average-afl-salary-revealed-for-2024
  88. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-20/aflw-acl-injuries-women-men-gender-inequality/100859924
  89. https://theconversation.com/concussion-risks-for-women-footballers-are-greater-than-men-why-and-what-can-be-done-235090
  90. https://physioworkscranbourne.com.au/physioworks-health-group-understanding-injury-in-aflw/
  91. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-29/aflw-aflpa-concerned-about-player-fatigue/100946880
  92. https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/41786005/aflw-condensed-fixture-causes-social-media-backlash-disappointing-performances
  93. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11963120/
  94. https://www.aflplayers.com.au/news-feed/stories/afl-aflw-players-injury-support-fund
  95. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/aflpa-insights-and-impact-report-reveals-mental-health-social-media-use-major-concern-for-players/news-story/cabb1982c2a02aa6ab3e285af3c18155
  96. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-01/stateline-aflw-emma-kearney-football-women/104541546
  97. https://theconversation.com/without-more-investment-and-better-leadership-the-aflw-risks-slipping-back-into-the-shadows-241366
  98. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-29/aflw-aflpa-survey-report-resources-integration-respect/101480844
  99. https://www.stopline.com.au/news/afl-and-aflw-players-are-given-access-to-the-confidential-whistleblower-service-stopline
  100. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/awards/history/premiers
  101. https://www.topendsports.com/sport/afl/aflw/premiers.htm
  102. https://www.afl.com.au/news/148374/aflw-how-the-grand-final-was-won
  103. https://www.odds.com.au/blog/afl/aflw-grand-final-winners/
  104. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-30/aflw-grand-final-live-blog-kangaroos-vs-lions/104668606
  105. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/nov/30/north-melbourne-kangaroos-vs-brisbane-lions-aflw-grand-final-match-report-scores-result-jasmine-garner
  106. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-26/kangaroos-saints-bulldogs-cats-blues-giants-pies-suns-aflw/105935848
  107. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/awards/history/best-and-fairest
  108. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1258261/timings-contenders-honours-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-w-awards
  109. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/awards/history/leading-goalkicker
  110. https://www.aflplayers.com.au/about/mvp-awards
  111. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1260009/mvp-awards-champion-crow-completes-trifecta-power-young-gun-recognised
  112. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/awards/history/rising-star
  113. https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/news/without-more-investment-and-better-leadership-the-aflw-risks-slipping-back-into-the-shadows
  114. https://footyindustry.com/index.php/2025/07/08/the-aflw-endures-despite-the-same-old-critics-and-criticisms/
  115. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-broadcast-was-almost-unwatchable-the-insiders-view-on-why-australia-switched-off-aflw-20230706-p5dm7b.html
  116. https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/the-2024-aflw-season-was-attended-by-263-308-at-an-average-of-2-660.1389236/
  117. https://footyindustry.com/index.php/2025/09/26/aflw-attendance-up-7-3-on-2024-swans-blues-lead-the-way/
  118. https://www.austadiums.com/sport/comp/aflw/crowds
  119. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/13/goldilocks-plan-to-push-aflw-appeal-beyond-kick-to-kick-at-suburban-grounds
  120. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1001134/what-the-new-broadcast-deal-means-for-the-aflw
  121. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-06/afl-confirms-unprecedented-4-5-billion-television-broadcast-deal/101410752
  122. https://www.espn.com/afl/story/_/id/45027948/aflw-2025-season-10-faq-questions-know-does-season-start-fixture
  123. https://www.sportspro.com/news/aflw-afl-andrew-dillon-investment-growth-benefits-july-2025/
  124. https://www.bandt.com.au/aflw-tv-audience-down-70-per-game-on-average/
  125. https://www.bandt.com.au/tv-ratings-14-08-2025-the-10th-aflw-season-kicked-off-in-front-of-962k-people/
  126. https://www.reddit.com/r/AFL/comments/1mqnlh4/aflw_ratings_on_77_up_compared_to_2024/
  127. https://www.afl.com.au/matches/broadcast-guide/international-broadcast-partners
  128. https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/46675680/aflw-seasonal-limbo-league-searching-best-spot-calendar
  129. https://www.instagram.com/aflwomens/?hl=en
  130. https://footyindustry.com/index.php/2025/09/13/state-of-the-game-2025-the-afl/
  131. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1388274/every-click-counts-matilda-scholz-and-the-port-adelaide-players-leading-footys-social-media-revolution
  132. http://www.mi-3.com.au/28-04-2025/afl-tiktok-ladder-returns-2025-clubs-compete-digital-dominance
  133. https://www.geniussports.com/customer-stories/aflw-beats-sign-up-targets-by-2x/
  134. https://www.reddit.com/r/AFL/comments/1gkwfcq/fans_have_continued_to_embrace_the_aflw_with/
  135. https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/over-2-6-million-australians-watch-aflw-on-tv
  136. https://www.vmgdigital.com/blog/5-takeaways-from-the-afls-most-engaging-campaigns/
  137. https://www.nab.com.au/about-us/more-than-money/sponsorships/afl-womens
  138. https://www.afl.com.au/news/772655/nab-extends-deal-as-aflw-naming-rights-and-afl-major-partner
  139. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/about-aflw/partners
  140. https://www.toyota.com.au/explore/community/partnerships/afl-aflw
  141. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1035653/toyota-australia-and-the-afl-renew-the-largest-sporting-partnership-in-australia
  142. https://www.theaflstore.com.au/pages/aflw
  143. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-merchandise-ladder-whos-making-the-most-cash-across-the-competition/news-story/89ab003e77cc57bf02140ebf3f8d3946
  144. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/merch-bonanza-where-the-money-goes-from-magpies-record-flag-windfall-20231121-p5elp7.html
  145. https://www.afr.com/companies/aussie-rules-an-increasingly-hot-item-off-the-field-too-19960617-kaznz
  146. https://womensagenda.com.au/life/sport/womens-elite-sport-revenues-to-surpass-us2-35-billion-in-2025-deloitte-research/
  147. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1376795/chief-says-aflw-investment-absolutely-worth-making-ahead-of-season-10
  148. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/women-s-studies-and-feminism/afl-womens-aflw
  149. https://www.espn.com/afl/story/_/id/45876108/why-aflw-worth-every-cent-50m-per-year-loss-says-daisy-pearce
  150. https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2021/12/07/2364d1e9-ab1e-47d3-a14f-51d2d00852b1/Womens-Footy-Vision-2021-2030.pdf
  151. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/999458/how-the-dees-dogs-rivalry-fast-tracked-the-aflw
  152. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/52042/aflw-history-in-the-making
  153. https://www.afl.com.au/news/446276/2014-afl-womens-exhibition-match-players-available-12pm-tuesday-june-24
  154. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-20/afl-announces-10-match-women27s-exhibition-series-for-2016/7186586
  155. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3773856/Women-s-AFL-stars-game-proves-huge-success-attracting-television-audience-million-viewers.html
  156. https://www.afl.com.au/news/149729/womens-all-stars-game-a-ratings-smash
  157. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1075814/afl-reveals-2023-financial-result
  158. https://themongrelpunt.com/aflw/2024/09/12/aflw-what-went-wrong-with-expansion-part-one/
  159. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/skill-errors-poor-crowds-and-a-200m-loss-why-the-league-is-worried-about-aflw-20250704-p5mcgd.html
  160. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1231543/when-less-is-more-why-low-scores-arent-as-dire-as-they-appear
  161. https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2020/12/16/4ba8b00e-8335-4645-8841-aa525d781a55/AFLW-Player-Development-Principles-of-Best-Practice-Guide-2020.pdf
  162. https://www.aflplayers.com.au/app/uploads/2024/05/Insights-and-Impact-Report-Edition-3.pdf
  163. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9450395/
  164. https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/aflw-players-to-get-29-per-cent-pay-rise-under-new-agreement/
  165. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1135293/a-tier-y-farewell-salary-cap-on-the-horizon-for-aflw
  166. https://www.gq.com.au/gq-sports/highest-paid-afl-players/image-gallery/11da2ad6db015eab3b1bd7f2636beba9
  167. https://manofmany.com/entertainment/sport/highest-paid-afl-players
  168. https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/should-female-afl-players-get-paid-the-same-as-men/7817118
  169. https://footyindustry.com/index.php/2025/03/07/the-afl-keeps-moving-on-up-the-2024-annual-report/
  170. https://themongrelpunt.com/aflw/2023/07/14/the-gender-pay-gap-for-afl-aflw-athletes-is-a-misnomer/
  171. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00049530.2024.2315949
  172. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/aug/21/afl-aflw-equal-prize-money-men-women-players
  173. https://www.aflplayers.com.au/resources/afl-aflw-collective-bargaining-agreement-2023-2027
  174. https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/38211943/aflw-players-perspectives-fixture-scheduling-shutting-fans
  175. https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/aflw-2024-windy-local-grounds-affecting-image-says-aileen-gilroy/news-story/0b64469bf43c335169d273caa3d56024
  176. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1245780/the-big-questions-facing-the-aflw-fixture-for-2025
  177. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/nov/06/aflw-2025-season-congested-condensed-fixture-scrapped
  178. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1256667/aflw-confirms-new-august-start-date-for-2025-season-as-competition-expands-to-12-games-per-team
  179. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1416513/footy-is-kicking-goals-as-record-participation-soars-past-600000
  180. https://this.deakin.edu.au/society/has-aflw-started-a-powerhouse-movement-for-women-in-sport/
  181. https://www.sportsnewsnow.com.au/aflw/aflw-club-membership-hits-record-high/
  182. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1255536/how-the-fixture-is-made-five-day-breaks-super-saturday-the-weighted-rule
  183. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1266774/2024-afl-financial-result
  184. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37772882/
  185. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Comparison-of-running-distances-performed-by-male-and-female-players-Boxplots-represent_fig2_357165613
  186. https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-022-00561-8
  187. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/12/aflw-is-not-a-side-project-for-players-who-thrive-on-consistency-and-certainty
  188. https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1803395/changes-introduced-for-the-2025-aflw-season
  189. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/2025/06/12/future-pick-trading-new-psd-brought-in-for-aflw/
  190. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/goodwin-brushes-off-talk-of-trading-away-premiership-star-20250717-p5mfrm.html
  191. https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/afl/aflw-season-expansion-poised-to-slow-as-stadium-idea-floated/news-story/0bd5837606c49f1778c0a284f05a8e26
  192. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-09/aflw-star-backs-aflw-growth-in-face-of-huge-losses/105511392
  193. https://www.foodstar.com.au/%25F0%259F%258F%2589-aflw-is-hemorrhaging-50-million-a-year-no-one-wants-to-waste-2hrs-driving-to-stadiums-to-watch-goalless-games-w-sub-30-point-scores/
  194. https://thenightly.com.au/sport/afl/georgie-parker-the-aflw-is-burning-a-hole-in-the-games-coffers-but-the-game-cant-grow-without-it--c-19274467
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.