Four clubs revealed for new SANFL women’s competition
THE SANFL has revealed the four clubs that will contest the inaugural season of its new women’s football competition.
GLENELG, North Adelaide, Norwood and West Adelaide will contest the inaugural SANFL women’s league.
The SANFL today revealed the four sides that would make up the first season of the new competition when it kicks off in February.
The announcement comes after six of the eight non-AFL aligned clubs formally expressed an interest in joining the league.
South Adelaide and Central District were not awarded licences for the new competition.
SANFL general manager Adam Kelly would not say why the Panthers’ and the Dogs’ bids were unsuccessful.
But Kelly was pleased with the high level of interest clubs had shown in fielding women’s teams.
“We congratulate the four clubs on their selection as we push forward with preparations to kick off the competition,” Kelly said.
“(We) also thank all ... clubs for their continued commitment in developing the state’s female talent.”
West Adelaide football manager Andrew Marks said the club was looking forward to helping the growth of women’s football.
The Bloods already field a team in the SA Women’s Football League.
“By having a team here a lot of our infrastructure is set up and our relationships are set up,” Marks said.
“Everyone is already used to having male and females here at the same place so it will work out well.”
The new competition will be known as the Statewide Super Women’s League after the SANFL entered into a partnership with the superannuation company.
Statewide Super chief executive Richard Nunn said the league signalled “an exciting time for women’s sport”.
The competition will be played over seven weeks in February and March.
It will run concurrently to the inaugural AFL women’s competition and will not overlap with the existing SA Women’s Football League.
Sturt and Woodville-West Torrens were the only non-AFL aligned clubs not to seek a place in the new competition.
Both said they would explore fielding teams in 2018.