Women in AFL History

Women in AFL History

From the first organised women's matches played on suburban ovals to the record-breaking crowds that now fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground for AFLW Grand Finals, the story of women in Australian rules football is one of persistence, passion, and profound cultural change. For decades, footy was framed as a game for men—a rough, fast, uniquely Australian pursuit that belonged to the boys in the change rooms. Yet women have always been part of the fabric of the sport: as fans, administrators, umpires, and, most importantly, as players who refused to accept that the Sherrin was not for them.

Understanding the history of women in AFL is essential for any serious footy fan. It is not a footnote or a separate competition; it is the continuation of the same story that began on the goldfields of Victoria in the 1850s. This pillar guide traces the journey from those early, often forgotten matches to the modern AFLW era, examining the pioneers, the structural battles, and the ongoing evolution of the women's game.

The Early Years: Footy in Skirts

The earliest recorded women's Australian rules football matches date back to the early 20th century, often played as charity events or wartime diversions. Photographs from the era show women in long skirts and blouses, kicking a football with the same enthusiasm as their male counterparts, yet the prevailing attitude was that this was a temporary novelty.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, sporadic women's matches were organised, often as curtain-raisers to men's games. The quality of play was hampered by restrictive clothing and a lack of proper coaching, but the fundamental skills—the drop punt, the chest mark, the handball—were clearly evident. These early players were not seeking a career; they were proving a point.

The Post-War Revival

After World War II, interest in women's footy resurged. In the late 1940s, the Victorian Women's Football League (VWFL) was formed, providing one of the first structured competitions for female players. Teams from various suburbs fielded sides, and matches were played on weekends at suburban grounds. The league lasted only a few years due to lack of funding and administrative support, but it planted a seed.

The VWFL's demise reflected a broader societal attitude: women's sport was not considered worthy of investment. For the next three decades, women's football existed in the shadows—played informally, often on parklands, without the infrastructure or recognition afforded to men's clubs.

The Modern Pioneers: 1980s and 1990s

The modern era of women's AFL history begins in the 1980s, when a new generation of players demanded to be taken seriously. The Victorian Women's Football League was re-established, this time with a stronger organisational structure. Clubs from various suburbs became powerhouses, and the standard of play improved dramatically.

Breaking the Guernsey Barrier

One of the most significant moments came when Susan "Sue" Alberti became one of the first women to be elected to the board of an AFL club—the Western Bulldogs. Alberti's influence extended beyond governance; she was a tireless advocate for women's participation at all levels. Her work helped pave the way for the establishment of the AFL Women's competition decades later.

On the field, players like Debbie Lee and Jan Cooper became household names within the women's football community. Lee, a star for Diamond Creek, was renowned for her fearless marking and long kicking—skills that would have earned her a place in any men's side. Cooper, meanwhile, was a pioneer of women's umpiring, officiating in the VFL reserves and later becoming one of the first women to umpire a senior VFL match.

The National Carnival Era

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the Australian Women's Football Championships (often called the National Carnival) became the showcase event for the sport. State teams from Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales competed annually, providing the closest thing to representative footy for female players.

These carnivals were critical in developing the talent pool that would eventually feed into the AFLW. Players like Kelli Underwood (later a pioneering commentator) and Brianna Davey (who would go on to win AFLW premierships) first made their names at these tournaments.

The AFLW Revolution: 2016 and Beyond

The announcement that the AFL would launch a national women's competition in 2017 was a watershed moment. After decades of advocacy, lobbying, and grassroots development, women's footy was finally to be given the professional platform it deserved.

The Inaugural Season

The first AFLW season kicked off in February 2017 with eight teams. The standard was raw but compelling. Matches were played at suburban grounds and secondary venues, with crowds far exceeding expectations.

The inaugural Grand Final saw Adelaide defeat Brisbane in a tense, low-scoring affair. Erin Phillips, the Crows' marquee player, was awarded the first AFLW Best and Fairest medal—a moment that symbolised the arrival of women's footy on the national stage.

Growth and Expansion

The AFLW expanded rapidly. Over time, the competition grew to mirror the men's AFL in team numbers. The competition moved away from the conference system that had been used in earlier years. Crowd records tumbled as major stadiums hosted Grand Finals.

The quality of play improved exponentially. Skills that had once been the domain of the men's game—running bounces, long-range goals, bone-crunching tackles—became regular features of AFLW matches. Players like Daisy Pearce (Melbourne), Erin Phillips (Adelaide), and Kiara Bowers (Fremantle) became genuine stars, their names known beyond the footy community.

Key Figures and Trailblazers

No history of women in AFL is complete without acknowledging the individuals who pushed the door open.

Daisy Pearce

Perhaps the most recognisable face of women's footy, Daisy Pearce captained Melbourne for many seasons and was the face of the AFLW during its formative years. Her leadership, skill, and media presence made her an ambassador for the sport. After retiring as a player, she moved into coaching and broadcasting, becoming one of the first women to commentate on a men's AFL Grand Final.

Erin Phillips

A dual-sport athlete who also represented Australia in basketball, Erin Phillips was the AFLW's first genuine superstar. Her powerful kicking, contested marking, and ability to turn a game single-handedly made her the competition's most valuable player. She won multiple AFLW premierships with Adelaide and was awarded the league's best and fairest on multiple occasions.

Susan Alberti

Off the field, Susan Alberti's influence cannot be overstated. As a board member and philanthropist, she funded programs for women's football and lobbied relentlessly for the establishment of a national competition. The Susan Alberti Award is now presented annually to the player who best demonstrates leadership and community spirit in the AFLW.

Other Pioneers

• Kelli Underwood: One of the first women to call AFL play-by-play on television, breaking a significant barrier in sports media.
• Jan Cooper: One of the first women to umpire a senior VFL match, paving the way for female officials.
• Debbie Lee: A dominant player in the 1990s and early 2000s, later inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

The Grassroots Revolution

The impact of the AFLW extends far beyond the professional competition. At the grassroots level, female participation in Australian rules football has exploded.

School and Junior Programs

AFL programs in schools now actively target girls, with dedicated Auskick sessions and girls-only competitions. The AFL's campaign to increase female participation has seen significant growth.

Local Clubs

Suburban and regional clubs that once fielded only men's teams now have thriving women's sections. The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) and similar bodies across Australia have seen female team numbers increase dramatically since 2017. For many young girls, the sight of AFLW players on television has made the dream of playing footy feel attainable.

Pathways to the Top

The pathway from grassroots to the AFLW is now clearly defined. State leagues like the VFL Women's (VFLW) and WAFL Women's (WAFLW) provide a development tier, while the AFLW Draft allows the best young talent to enter the professional system. The days of talented female players having no route to the top are over.

The Cultural Shift

Perhaps the most profound change brought about by the rise of women's AFL is cultural. For generations, Australian rules football was a male-dominated space—the change rooms, the commentary boxes, the boardrooms. Women were tolerated as fans but rarely welcomed as participants.

Changing the Language

The language of footy has shifted. Terms like "women's footy" are increasingly seen as redundant; it is simply footy. The AFLW is not a separate sport but the same game played at the highest level. This linguistic shift reflects a deeper change in attitudes.

Representation Matters

The presence of women in coaching, umpiring, and administrative roles has normalised female involvement at every level. When young girls see women coaching AFLW teams, umpiring AFL matches, or sitting on club boards, they understand that footy is for them.

The Fans

AFLW crowds are notably different from AFL crowds. They are younger, more diverse, and often more family-oriented. The atmosphere at an AFLW match is less tribal, more celebratory. This has brought new audiences to the sport, expanding the footy community in ways that benefit the entire code.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the progress has been remarkable, significant challenges remain.

Pay Parity

AFLW players are still paid less than their male counterparts. While the gap has narrowed—the total AFLW player payments pool has increased substantially since 2017—the average AFLW salary remains lower than the average AFL salary. Many AFLW players still need second jobs to make ends meet.

Fixture and Facilities

AFLW matches are still often played at suburban grounds rather than major stadiums. While major venues have hosted Grand Finals, regular-season matches at these venues remain relatively rare. Training facilities for AFLW teams have improved but still lag behind those available to men's sides.

Media Coverage

While coverage of the AFLW has grown, it still does not match the saturation coverage of the men's competition. Matches are broadcast on free-to-air television, but analysis programs, newspaper columns, and radio talkback remain heavily focused on the AFL.

The Next Frontier

The next major challenge is sustaining growth. As the AFLW enters its second decade, maintaining fan interest, developing new stars, and ensuring financial viability will be critical. The competition cannot rely on novelty forever; it must stand on its own merits.

Conclusion: A Shared History

The history of women in AFL is not separate from the history of Australian rules football—it is part of it. From the early players in restrictive clothing to the elite athletes of today, women have always been part of the story. The establishment of the AFLW did not create women's footy; it finally gave it the platform it deserved.

For fans who want to understand the full breadth of the game, exploring the history of women's participation is essential. It reveals a sport that is evolving, adapting, and becoming more inclusive with each passing season.

To dive deeper into the stories that have shaped Australian rules football, explore our guides on history and culture, the legendary players who defined eras, and the iconic grounds where footy history has been made.

The Sherrin belongs to everyone. The journey continues.