AFL is among the most popular sports in Australia and has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated sport. However, times are changing, and with more young women embracing AFL at an unprecedented rate, it’s clear that this beloved national sport can be enjoyed by all genders. In recent years, we’ve witnessed incredible growth in the number of girls partaking in competition-level AFL.

From increased exposure to female AFL teams participating nationally or internationally to a greater focus on improving infrastructure for athletes of all skill levels — the rise of women’s AFL offers exciting opportunities not only for the teams taking part but also for the wider sport itself. Keep reading to learn more about how this rapidly expanding sporting movement is helping promote gender equality whilst increasing participation across Australia’s premier football code!

The History of Women’s AFL

Women have been partaking in AFL for over fifty years. However, it wasn’t until much later that female teams started taking part in the official competition. In the late 1990s, a small number of independent clubs formed and began to enter competitions, such as the Victorian Women’s Football League and the South Australian Women’s Football Association. The success of these teams saw the creation of a national competition in 2017, with eight clubs from around Australia competing in the inaugural season.

Since then, participation has grown rapidly, and there are now over 40 women’s AFL teams across Australia, with games broadcast nationally and international tournaments being held each year. This rapid expansion speaks to the growing popularity of women’s AFL and stands to benefit both the sport itself, as well as those taking part.

The Benefits of Women’s AFL

Women’s AFL has opened up a range of opportunities for players that weren’t available before. The increased exposure has led to more girls opting to play competitively at an earlier age, enabling them to benefit from the structure and support of a team environment. There has also been an increased focus on improving infrastructure for female AFL athletes, with improved access to coaching and better training facilities now available for those looking to further their involvement in the sport.

Finally, the women’s AFL has also helped promote gender equality within the sport, with the AFL launching a number of initiatives in recent years to ensure that female athletes are given the same opportunities and respect as their male counterparts.

As the sport continues to grow, we can expect more teams entering competitions and more opportunities for young players to develop their skills. Women’s AFL has come a long way over the last two decades and is set to continue on its path of success. With increased exposure, better training facilities and a growing number of participants, the future looks bright for women’s AFL in Australia!

Challenges Facing Women’s AFL Today

Despite the successes of women’s AFL over the past few years, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed in order for the sport to grow and thrive. For example, there is still a significant gender pay gap between male and female players, with female athletes often receiving less compensation than their male counterparts.

Additionally, there is also a lack of female coaches and administrators within the sport, with only 4% of AFL coaching positions currently held by women. This is concerning, given the importance of having strong female role models in order to encourage more girls to take up the sport.

Finally, there is also still limited access to resources for players at lower levels, with many girls unable to afford the costs associated with playing in a professional competition. This means that players can often struggle to progress their involvement in the sport, which limits its potential for further growth.

Women’s AFL Betting Trends

Although only recently gaining mainstream attention, live AFL betting markets for women’s AFL have already begun to emerge. With the increased exposure of the sport, online bookmakers are now offering markets on matches and tournaments for those looking to put their money where their mouth is.

Betting markets typically focus on which team will win a match or tournament, as well as on individual player performance. This provides a great opportunity for those looking to show their support for the sport and potentially make some money in the process.

Conclusion

Women’s AFL is an exciting and rapidly growing sport that has provided increased opportunities for female athletes across Australia. There are still some challenges to be addressed, such as the gender pay gap and limited access to resources, but with increased exposure and support, these issues can be tackled over time. With its increasing visibility, there is no doubt that the future of women’s AFL looks bright!