The AFL launched Women’s Round in Perth on Tuesday, with the 2009 Women’s National Championships – which start on Wednesday and will conclude on Sunday – providing the perfect setting to introduce the upcoming round.
Round 11 of the AFL season will recognise the role women play in Australian football at all levels across the country, as well as placing an emphasis on further developing female leadership within the football industry.
Activities to take place across the round include AFL and club events, curtain raisers involving female players and female NAB AFL Auskick participants.
The 11th Women’s National Championships will wrap up when the Division One final is played as the curtain-raiser to the West Coast v Geelong match at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.
AFL Community Development Manager Dean Warren said that the involvement of women and girls in Australian football was fundamental to the overall growth and development of the game.
“The AFL is committed to providing pathways for women and girls to be involved in Australian football whether it is in participation, umpiring, coaching, volunteering, administering or as a member,” Mr Warren said.
“In 2008 participation in dedicated female football programs and competitions grew by 54 per cent, a fantastic result which we hope to build on in 2009.”
Victoria will be a warm favourite to at least make the final of the Women’s National Championships, as the Vics have won the last two championships and WA has been the runner up.
The biennial championships provide an opportunity for the nation’s most talented female footballers to represent their state or territory.
This will be the first time that the national title will be decided by a two-division format.
Victoria, Western Australia, the ACT and Queensland will lock horns in Division 1.
In Division 2, New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia and a second WA team will do battle.
The inaugural Debbie Lee Medal will be presented to the Division One best and fairest player and the All-Australian team will be announced after the Division One final.
Key women in football statistics include:
- 43 per cent of the television viewing audience
- 40 per cent of AFL and club members in 2009
- 35 per cent of local club volunteers
- More than 78,000 participants, 13 per cent of overall participation
- 1500 accredited coaches
- More than 700 female umpires
