GOT A question about the AFL Women’s competition? Ask the Suze Bot.
The AFL has launched a new Facebook Messenger bot ahead of the second NAB AFLW season, which will see Carlton and Collingwood renew acquaintances on Friday, February 2.
The bot is an intelligent messaging platform that answers questions in a live chat format.
Named after women's football ambassador Susan Alberti, the bot gives answers to AFLW questions (e.g. rules of the game), as well as community-based queries (e.g. how many girls are playing football?).
Messages of support and encouragement to play football are also included.
Ms Alberti said she was honoured to lend her name to the bot, which is complete with a bitmoji in her likeness.
"I was chuffed when I got that email from Nicole [Livingstone, the AFL’s head of women's football]," she said.
"When she asked if I would do it, I said I'd do anything to support the women because they're doing everything they can to help themselves.
"The competition is evolving so quickly, it's hard to keep up with the pace. The women have become so much more skilled in the last 12 months; they're stronger, faster and losing weight."
When asked for her tip for this year's premier, Alberti was hesitant to single a team out.
"I have to be careful here – I'd love the Bulldogs to win. We've got some very good teams: Brisbane should have won last year, Adelaide was incredibly good, GWS is coming up in strength, Collingwood has now got a great forward line, Carlton has great players … it's very difficult.
"What will be, will be. I'll be there cheering for all the women, regardless of who's playing."
The bot is available via the AFLW Facebook page.