When the AFL Women’s competition (AFLW) was launched in 2015, many wondered if a women’s national professional league would survive.
A decade later, not only has it survived, it has thrived, bringing new fans, greater participation, and fresh pathways for women in the competition.
But behind the progress lies a divide, while supporters and players cheer its growth, some traditionalists still question whether the women’s game belongs on the same stage as the men’s.
Claudia Wright, a Perth-born first-year draftee for the Brisbane Lions, is one young player proof that the future of footy looks female.
“I am one of the first generations to be lucky enough to play footy the whole way through,” Wright said
She started playing football with boys at around four years old and was able to continue with the sport throughout her childhood rather than switching to a more traditionally female sport.
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The push towards professionalism
The AFL has described AFLW as still in “its infancy” compared to the men’s competition, which boasts more than a century of history.
As AFL General Manager of Football, Laura Kane, said earlier this year, the league is balancing growth with sustainable investment, pointing out that the AFLW’s pay and conditions have improved with each collective bargaining agreement.
However, despite progress, AFLW players remain divided into four pay tiers, unlike the men who sit under a much larger salary cap.
“As a first-year draftee, I sit at tier four which is base level,” Wright explained.
“The dream would be a salary cap like the men, but we just don’t have funding for that yet.”
For fans like Perth local Melissa Grant, the gap isn’t just about money, it’s about recognition.
“We show up, we support, we stream the games, we want our kids to see women have the same opportunities as men in this sport.
“It’s not about pitting one league against the other; it’s about inclusiveness.”
A game still fighting for recognition
But while AFLW has built passionate support, not everyone is convinced, long time Dockers fan Greg Martin shares that sentiment.
“Look, I love that women are playing footy, but it’s just not the same game. The speed, the strength – it doesn’t compare.
“When you pour money into a product that isn’t generating the same crowds or TV deals as the men’s, you’ve got to ask: is it sustainable?”
The numbers offer complexity: according to AFL financial reports, the league has posted losses in the past three years, but Wright points out that expansion funding is standard.
“Every time the AFL starts a new men’s team – like the upcoming Tasmanian side – they put at least $50 million into the start up.
“So to say AFL has lost that amount funding the WAFL is just not right, when it’s not seen as an issue for men’s expansion teams.”
For players, the growth in community and fan base matters more than balance sheets.
“The fan base and community involvement has been one of the highlights,” Wright said.
“Ten-year-old me never would have thought I would rally this much support just for doing the thing I love.”
Crowds may be smaller than the AFL’s, but AFLW matches have consistently drawn strong community engagement, with family-friendly fixtures, growing turnout and significant participation growth in women’s and girls’ footy.
What next for AFLW?
Wright is clear: towards professionalism on par with the men’s in the next five years.
“I really am living the dream and still can’t believe I get to call this a full-time job,” she said.
“But in another five years, I hope we’re looking at full salary caps, stronger structures, and even more teams. That’s the next step to equality.”
For critics, the next five years may either confirm or debunk their scepticism.
If AFLW can continue building crowds, attracting broadcast deals, and reducing reliance on AFL subsidies, it might finally silence those arguing it doesn’t belong.
In its tenth year, AFLW may still be a child of the AFL family, but it has learned to walk, even to run in its own right.
While the divide between progressives and traditionalists remains sharp, the players’ passion and the community’s support suggest the fight for equality in footy is far from finished.
Whether it takes five years or fifty, one thing is clear: women’s footy is here to stay.
Siena Messer
Siena Messer is a journalism and broadcasting student at Edith Cowan University with a flare for arts, cultural and lifestyle journalism. With experience in high level commercial entertainment and communications she is passionate about connecting with people and telling meaningful, relatable stories for creative audiences.
