The AFL's stubborn refusal to move an international women's game to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about the league's commitment to supporting women's football. Personally, I think this situation highlights a deeper issue within the AFL - a lack of vision and a reluctance to embrace the potential of women's sport. What makes this particularly fascinating is the stark contrast between the AFL's response and the NRL's support for women's football. The NRL, as noted by former player Ryan Hoffman, has shown a willingness to provide women's teams with a platform to shine, while the AFL seems content to settle for smaller venues and limited exposure. This raises a deeper question: why is the AFL so hesitant to capitalize on the growing popularity of women's football? In my opinion, the AFL's decision to stick to North Sydney Oval, despite the obvious demand for a larger venue, suggests a reluctance to take risks and a failure to recognize the commercial opportunities presented by women's sport. From my perspective, the AFL's behavior is a missed chance to showcase the talent and passion of women's football to a wider audience. The fact that the AFLW grand final attracted 53,000 fans in 2019 demonstrates the appetite for women's football, and the international clash between Australia and Ireland presented an opportunity to build on that momentum. However, the AFL's stubbornness has led to a sense of disappointment and frustration among fans and players alike. The league's decision to advertise a list of pubs where people could watch the game on TV instead of the SCG was particularly baffling and limiting. This incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the AFL's support for women's football. The ABC's Offsiders panel, hosted by Abbey Gelmi, took aim at AFL House, questioning their commitment to the women's competition. The NRL, in contrast, has shown a willingness to invest in women's football, providing a platform for players to shine and engage with fans. This raises a crucial point: the AFL needs to step up its game and provide the same level of support and investment in women's football. The league should be embracing the opportunity to showcase the talent and passion of women's football, rather than limiting it to smaller venues and lower-profile events. In conclusion, the AFL's stubborn refusal to move the international women's game to the SCG is a missed chance to showcase the talent and passion of women's football. The league needs to step up its game and provide the same level of support and investment in women's football as the NRL. Only then can the AFL truly embrace the potential of women's sport and build on the growing popularity of the game.
